Warning

General

The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Bench Whistle Stop and Cabin from May 23th 2026 to September 14th 2026. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the Alaska Railroad website. 

Spencer Bench Cabin Inside
A fun summertime destination!
Spencer Bench Cabin Southeast
SPENCER BENCH CABIN
A fun wintertime destination!

Featured amenities

Fire Pit Fire Pit

About Spencer Bench Cabin

Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1.9 ft in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail. The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.  Please note: some years Spencer Bench Trail maintains snow coverage until July. For current trail conditions call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242. Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round although winter recreation here requires an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access.  From May 25th through September 15th 2024, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area via the Glacier Discovery Train. Please verify schedules and book train tickets at the Alaska Railroad website prior to relying on the train for transportation.    Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane.  

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Fire Pit Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Fire Pit
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Spencer Bench Cabin, Loop: SPENCER BENCH CABIN

🏠 Cabin
  • 6 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews

4 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Spencer Bench Cabin offers a cozy and comfortable stay for families, with accurate descriptions of the interior. While the trail to the cabin is somewhat overgrown, it is still navigable. Overall, guests highly recommend the cabin, noting its excellent location and the need to coordinate with summer train schedules.

Based on guest feedback

5.0

Overall rating

Based on 4 reviews

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Showing 4 reviews

Jessica Z

Verified

August 19, 2026 Stayed at: Spencer Bench Cabin, Loop: SPENCER BENCH CABIN

Great 2-night stay in mid August. 2 adults 2 preteen kids enjoyed our stay. Cabin was as described inside. Used Kerosene stove to keep the cabin cozy at night. Trail was overgrown with grasses and berries in many places but you could tell which way to go.

Definitely worth the time and effort to get there. Highly recommend

Helpful

Jessica M

Verified

June 24, 2026 Stayed at: Spencer Bench Cabin, Loop: SPENCER BENCH CABIN

Probably the best public use cabin in the State of Alaska! Make sure you coordinate with the train schedule. It only runs in the summer months.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Spencer Bench Cabin

145 Forest Station Rd. Po Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587 United States

Elevation: 568 ft

Getting There

During Summer months train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To catch the train (reservations required) to the Spencer Whistle Stop, drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80...

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

12PM

Check out time

12PM

General

  • ! USERS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN HEATING OIL ! 1-2 gallon(s) a day is the recommended amount but plan appropriately for cooler temps in Winter, Spring and Fall.
  • Access to the Spencer Bench Cabin outside of the Alaska Railroad operating season can be extremely difficult. Boating up the Placer River is possible, but the river is very shallow in places. Extensive wetlands make cross-country travel nearly impossible. Once the temperatures have dropped below freezing for several weeks and especially after several feet of snow, travel is much improved using snowmachines or skis. Check for motorized use closures prior to using a snowmachine. In the winter months avalanche hazards are a real risk. Please reference www.CNFAIC.org for current avalanche conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
  • The Glacier Discovery Train provides annual access to Spencer Whistle Stop via the Alaska Railroad from May 25th - September 15th 2024. To book train tickets and view schedules, visit the Alaska Railroad  website.
  • Some years Spencer Bench Trail maintains snow coverage until July. For current trail conditions call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242.
  • The cabin is not available at any time during the year on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservation is always required.
  • Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person.
  • Pets are allowed at the cabin. They must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas and you must clean up after your pet. Pets are only permitted onboard the Train in the baggage car, and must be in an air-line approved kennel. Kennels can be left at Spencer Whistlestop for the duration of your stay. Please contact the Alaska Railroad for more information.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Bench Whistle Stop and Cabin from May 23th 2026 to September 14th 2026. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the Alaska Railroad website. 

Nearby Campgrounds

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Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Explore Girdwood, AK

Nearby city: Anchorage, AK

Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 121 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service