basingstoke2

I have read in several sites that the train from Anchorage to Seward passes through some very spectacular scenery. I will have Saturday, 12/5 free in Anchorage and am thinking of making that trip - I understand that route only runs on weekends. Do you think it practical to do R/T in one day?

spirobulldog

I don't know about winter, but it was great when we were there in June 08. Another option would be to drive to Alyeska and spend the day there. Either one would be nice.

dwooddon

If it goes to Seward in the morning and comes back to Anchorage in the evening, as it does in the summer, you would have about 3.5 hours to see Seward. Not too much but better than a sharp stick in the eye.

That route is much more spectacular than the train route from Anchorage to Fairbanks, IMO. If you do decide to drive instead, that is also a spectacular drive but be careful - the Seward Hwy along Turnagain Arm is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Alaska. That's not because of the geography, it's bacause there are limited passing opportunites and many bad, distracted, and/or drunk drivers.

cd

We drove and it is spectacular! Turnagain Arm is one of the most scenic drives we have taken.

basingstoke2

Thanks all, do you know if the road is open this time of year. When I lived in upstate NY, the roads would be kept pretty clear all of the time an I assume that Alaska does the same, but that was a different time and place so perhaps that is not a good assumption.

Bill_H

do you know if the road is open this time of year.

The highways are open except for when heavy snows shut things down for a while. The worst I remember is an avalanche shutting it down for several days. I've driven this road twice in February, once all the way down to Homer, and it was OK even though it was snowing lightly on one leg. Just check the road reports and if it looks undriveable then perhaps take the train (or skip it altogether).

cd

basingstoke2, I didn't have the answer to your question so I googled and found this really good article, it is opened 365 days a year : http://www.epinions.com/review/trvl-...t_110422298244

We did pull off the highway for views a lot.

Bill_H

I googled and found this really good article, it is opened 365 days a year

Sounds great in theory but in reality that road is susceptible to avalanches and can be shut down quickly. Here is a link to an avalanche that hit yesterday and shut the road for most of the last two days:

http://www.ktuu.com/global/story.asp?s=11582396

And here's a link to the really giant avalanches of 2000 that shut the road for many days:

http://www.heatisonline.org/contents...30&method=full

Here's the opening sentence from this link: "Alaska state workers used massive bulldozers and cannons on Friday to attempt to clear a Kenai Peninsula highway buried by the state's worst avalanches in decades and reach thousands of people stranded since Sunday"

basingstoke2

Thanks to all for really helpful insights and links. I'll see how things look next week and play it by ear. I'm sort of leaning towards the train.

gail

Remember - there is very little daylight at this time of year - so ability to see anything will be compromised by time of day/amount of daylight. (Sunrise 9:54 AM; sunset 3:46 on 12/5).

spirobulldog

I would take the train. We drove to Seward and then returned on the train. Both were good, but train was better.

DonnyC

I'm spending a couple of days in Anchorage and then going down to Seward for 3 more days to catch a boat to Vancouver..I've got the boat itinerary covered,What's to do in Anchorage and Seward while we are there..We are older people and not to big on hiking,since my wife is handicapped..Place to see, dine,or special things to do,etc..

dwooddon

DonnyC - There's not enough space here to tell you all there is to see or do in either place. I suggest you search this forum for Seward and Homer. There will be a huge number of posts to help you then, when you have specific questions, come back here and ask them. I know lots of folks will be pleased to help you.

cd

Donny, the drive via Turn Again Arm from Anchorage to Seward is just beautiful, in Seward one thing we enjoyed was a dog sled ride, if in summer, it will be on wheels. Mike Seavey did win the iditarod a few year ago. http://www.millerslandingak.com/tours-dogsledA.htm