Heli, Hike, Iceberg Paddle: A Private Glacier Loop from Girdwood

GIRDWOOD PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Heli, Hike, Iceberg Paddle: A Private Glacier Loop from Girdwood

A private, action-packed day that pairs a scenic helicopter flight and alpine hike with iceberg kayaking on Spencer Lake and a Glacier Discovery Train return—this guide lays out the route, logistics, and who this tour suits.

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Heli, Hike, Iceberg Paddle: A Private Glacier Loop from Girdwood.

Duration
9 hours
Location
Girdwood
Operator
Chugach Adventures
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Girdwood, this private heli-and-kayak itinerary lifts a small party over the glaciated Chugach and Kenai ranges, sets guests down onto Comet Glacier/Spencer Bench and routes them on a high-alpine hike to Spencer Lake for iceberg kayaking before a rail return to Portage and shuttle back to Girdwood.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FLIGHT

A dramatic helicopter approach over the Chugach and Kenai Mountains

A 20-minute scenic helicopter segment delivers panoramic glacier-carved ridgelines and vast icefields, setting the tone for an alpine hike and lake paddle.

THE WATER

Kayak among icebergs and raft up at the glacier terminus

Paddlers navigate iceberg-strewn Spencer Lake and raft up near the face of Spencer Glacier, an intimate encounter with active glacial ice.

THE RETURN

Scenic Alaska Railroad journey via Glacier Discovery Train

After paddling, guests board the Glacier Discovery Train for a coastal-to-mountain rail segment to Portage before shuttling back to Girdwood.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This is a compact, all-day loop: a short but cinematic helicopter hop into alpine terrain, a guided hike across glaciated slopes down to a bench above Spencer Lake for a catered lunch and hot drinks, then a measured paddle through ice to the glacier terminus and a relaxed rail shuttle back to the trailhead.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private day tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active small groupsDesigned as a private booking for your party, this tour suits small groups seeking an uninterrupted heli-to-hike-to-paddle experience.
2
Families with older childrenAppropriate for family groups with children aged 8 and up who can handle alpine hiking and a lake paddle.
3
Experienced outdoor enthusiastsAppeals to hikers and paddlers comfortable moving over glaciated alpine terrain and into cold-water, iceberg-strewn conditions.
4
Those with limited mobilityNot ideal for travelers who cannot manage alpine hiking or kayaking; the trip includes glaciated hiking sections and active paddling.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a full-day private outing with a total duration of approximately 9 hours.

Meeting point

Departure is from Girdwood, Alaska, with an early-morning start; transport from Anchorage can be arranged for an additional fee.

Meals & refreshments

The itinerary includes a catered lunch and hot drinks during the alpine portion of the day.

Daily availability

The trip is available daily as space allows; bookings are private for your party.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The full-day private tour runs about 9 hours from the morning departure in Girdwood to the return in the early evening.

Where do we meet?

The departure and check-in point is in Girdwood, Alaska; transportation from Anchorage is available for an extra fee.

Is the helicopter flight long?

The itinerary includes a scenic helicopter portion—approximately a 20-minute flight segment over the Chugach and Kenai Mountains.

Is lunch provided?

Yes; guests receive a catered lunch and hot drinks during the alpine portion of the day.

Can children join?

The trip is suitable for participants aged 8 and up.

How does the trip end?

After kayaking, guests board the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station and then shuttle back to Girdwood.