Anchorage to Seward by Train: What I Wore, What I Packed, and One Epic Adventure
The Early Morning Hustle
Sunday started early. Like really early. The Coastal Classic Train leaves Anchorage at 6:45 a.m., which meant Danika and I had to be at the depot before the sun even thought about rising. I checked in at 6:15, she rolled up a few minutes later, and somehow both of us were in good moods for that hour of the day.
The depot was buzzing, though. Everyone was so cheery, taking photos for us, chatting, helping. One worker told me, “If I’m not in your car, come find me in mine and I’ll take your picture.” Alaska hospitality at its finest.
Gold Star on the Way Down
Gold Star service = dome car views, two drink tickets, and a full breakfast. It’s the “treat yourself” way to ride.
Breakfast that morning was eggs, hash browns, and sausage or bacon, plated or in a wrap. I, obviously, made it a wrap with cheese. Danika went plated. And yes, I also ordered a Bloody Mary at 7 a.m. because why not.
Here’s the thing. I’ve done this trip before with my kids, and it was a totally different experience. Back then my son was little and wanted to run laps up and down the aisle, so I never really relaxed. This time it was just me and Danika, no responsibility, just sitting back and soaking it all in.
The views? Classic Alaska showing off. Fall colors, waterfalls, mountains, eagles. I’ve lived here 19 years and I still had my jaw on the floor. But what I loved most was watching the other passengers in our car losing their minds over every sighting. I love seeing people see Alaska for the first time.
What I Wore + Packed
This is where my fashion brain kicks in. I knew I’d be sitting on a train for hours but also walking around Seward in the rain, so it was a balance.
I wore:
Oversized Aerie sweatshirt over a striped tee
Aerie leggings
Leopard Adidas Sambas (cheetah print, whatever… animal print is a neutral)
Shop my outfit here.
MVPs once we got to Seward? My rain jacket, boots, and hat. Total lifesavers. The only thing I might do differently next time is bring a properly sized backpack. Mine are either Barbie-small or camping-trip-huge.
Helicopter Adventure (aka Where Things Got Wild)
Alaska Helicopter Tours picked us up right at the depot- this is an excursion other passengers can book directly through Alaska Railroad. The driver was super friendly, brand new to Alaska, with a long beard and total “moved here for adventure” energy. On the way, I randomly started singing Wait For It from Hamilton (because I’d just seen it in theaters with my daughter the day before and the soundtrack was on repeat in my head). He immediately goes, “Did you just watch Hamilton?” I about fell over. Turns out he was a musical theater tech guy in high school. So yes, we nerded out about Broadway. Alaska, man.
The weather had me nervous. The night before after looking at Sunday’s weather in Seward, my pilot husband Brant had flat-out said, “I wouldn’t fly tomorrow if I were you.” Thanks for the pep talk, honey. But Alaska Helicopter Tours texted me that they’d only go if it was safe, and luckily the skies cleared enough.
We zipped over water, saw kayakers, a yacht, and even a black bear. My favorite part? Flying through the clouds, watching them drift past us while the water below glowed turquoise. Photos don’t do it justice. Danika just kept repeating, “That was epic.”
Then the pilot aimed us straight at a mountain. I thought we were going over it. Nope. He says, “We’re landing on it.” Excuse me?! I panicked the entire descent, gripping the seat like that was going to help. But once we were on solid ground, it was incredible. There were blueberries everywhere and mountain goats up on the cliffs.
And this is peak me: I realized the blueberries looked exactly like goat poop. So I picked some blueberries, held them in my hand, and took a picture labeled “blueberries” and “not blueberries” just to share with you here! You’re welcome.
We also landed by a glacier in shallow water. This was my shining moment. I had my Xtratufs, Danika had sneakers. She had to tiptoe around like she was in Swan Lake while I stomped right out like a champ. For once, the fashion girl was more Alaska-ready than Girl in Alaska.
Seward Stop
As if the helicopter wasn’t enough, it also happened to be Seahawks game day. I had asked ahead of time how long we’d be gone because I did not want to miss it.
After the flight, they dropped us off at The Breeze Inn just in time to catch the second half. I ordered a tall Denali Brewing Twister Creek IPA, we shared appetizers, and we watched the Seahawks lose (sad face).
With an hour to kill before the train back, we found another restaurant across the street. The bartender was amazing, the calamari was on point, and the margaritas were so good I had three in one hour. Zero regrets.
Proof that my boots earned MVP status in Seward
The Return Ride
At 5:00 we walked back to the depot, and at 6:00 the train headed north. We were booked in Adventure Class cars due to Gold Star being sold out. Honestly? Blessing in disguise.
It was quieter, emptier, and gave us each our own row of seats. Between the early morning, the helicopter adrenaline, the food, the drinks, and the margaritas… the train’s gentle rocking knocked us right out. We both passed out and woke up only when the conductor announced we were ten minutes from Anchorage.
Takeaways
If you’re planning this trip, here’s my advice: do Gold Star on the way down for the views, drinks, and food.
From waterfalls and eagles outside the dome car, to a helicopter landing on a glacier, to laughing over calamari and margaritas, this trip had everything. It reminded me exactly why I love Alaska. She shows off. And I’ll never stop being grateful to call this place home.
