THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle a glacier lake and raft a scenic Alaskan river in one unforgettable day with Chugach Adventures’ Magical Spencer Double. This combo tour delivers a front-row seat to towering ice and wilderness waterways.
Paddle a glacier lake and raft a scenic Alaskan river in one unforgettable day with Chugach Adventures’ Magical Spencer Double. This combo tour delivers a front-row seat to towering ice and wilderness waterways.
Book with Chugach Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Chugach Adventures · Girdwood, Alaska
Located in the wild heart of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains, the Magical Spencer Double offers an unmatched combination of kayaking and rafting that captures the rugged spirit of this frontier landscape. Operated by Chugach Adventures out of Anchorage and Girdwood, this unique full-day experience allows adventurers aged eight and up to paddle crystal-clear glacier waters in the morning and then drift down the scenic Placer River by raft in the afternoon.
The journey begins on Spencer Glacier Lake, where kayakers navigate around shimmering icebergs carved from ancient ice. The lake’s still, frigid waters reflect the imposing face of Spencer Glacier, creating a setting that is as humbling as it is breathtaking. Guests paddle roughly four miles across the lake toward the glacier’s edge, encountering striking glacial formations and silent walls of blue ice that shift in the Arctic light.
After a catered sack lunch, the adventure shifts gear as participants hop into rafts for a seven-mile float down the Placer River. This stretch winds through dense spruce and birch forests, river bends dotted with eagles and occasionally otters, delivering a mellow but immersive river experience. The float ends near the Glacier Discovery train station, where guests board for a scenic ride, closing the day with striking views of this remote wilderness.
Chugach Adventures stands out by combining two classic Alaskan outdoor activities seamlessly, providing all necessary gear including spray skirts and life vests, though guests should come prepared with warm layers and sturdy footwear. This tour highlights why the Chugach Mountains and their glacial waterways are a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts, delivering both adrenaline and tranquility in equal measure. Whether paddling near the glacier or drifting on the river, the Magical Spencer Double leaves a lasting impression of Alaska’s vast, untouched wilderness.
moderate.
10–13 hours.
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to handle a day of paddling and rafting, including the ability to kayak for several miles.
Children must be at least 8 years old to kayak; younger children may join using rafts instead.
Basic kayaking skills are helpful, but guides provide instruction to ensure safety and enjoyment.
All participants wear life vests, but basic swimming ability is recommended for safety.
Yes, a catered sack lunch with sandwich, fruit, dessert, and water is included, with dietary accommodations available on request.
Bring warm layers, sturdy shoes, a waterproof camera case, and personal items like sunscreen or insect repellent.
Chugach Adventures monitors conditions closely and will reschedule or adjust activities to ensure safety.
Spencer Glacier and the surrounding Chugach Mountains are part of Alaska’s storied glacial landscape, shaped by millennia of ice movement and native Tlingit culture.
Chugach Adventures emphasizes low-impact travel and Leave No Trace principles to protect these pristine glacier and river environments.
Chugach Adventures is a guided adventure operator based in Alaska that specializes in glacier, wildlife, and heli-accessible experiences across the Chugach and Kenai regions. The company offers an array of curated day trips that connect guests with glaciers, rivers, coastal vistas, and protected wildlife habitats. Signature itineraries include the Glacier Discovery Train combined with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a guided Grandview hike; helicopter-accessed glacier walks and private rafting trips on the 20 Mile valley; heli-hiking with customizable route options and a Glacier Discovery Train return; blue-ice kayaking paired with Grandview scenic stops; and dedicated hiking tours through Chugach National Forest's trails, including Winner Creek and Crow Pass. Trips are designed for small groups and private bookings, emphasizing safety, expert-guided navigation of glacier terrain, and wildlife awareness. Experienced pilots and certified guides lead helicopter transfers, glacier treks, and raft excursions, while partnerships with local conservation and rail services provide access and educational context. Equipment for glacier travel, kayaking, and rafting is supplied or arranged according to trip requirements and seasonal conditions. Chugach Adventures prioritizes responsible wildlife viewing and Leave No Trace practices to minimize impact on fragile environments. The operator provides clear pre-trip information, weather contingency plans, and options for customizable itineraries to match skill levels and interests. Travelers seeking a combination of Alaska wilderness, hands-on glacier experiences, and close wildlife encounters choose Chugach Adventures for professionally guided, memorable outdoor journeys. Booking information, seasonal availability, and safety guidelines are provided before every scheduled departure for all guests.
Book with Chugach Adventures