I am going to Alaska in 10 days and am planning on taking the White Pass Railroad excursion. I cannot find the previous chat forum where recommendations were given for which side of the train (left or right)to sit on departing out of Skagway. I have also heard the last train is best as you're close to the outdoor viewing platform. Can anyone help with this? Thanks!

There is a little platform at the back of every car. Our car was assigned to a particular ship. As you enter thc car, sit on the side closest to the depot, you walk back into the train so it would be your right from the front back.

Are you going round trip or one way?

If round trip, it wouldn't make any difference; what you don't see going up you will see coming down.

Greyson and f-mattox, thanks for the information!

Spend the time on the platforms between cars...best picture taking area....It's a wonderful trip....I've been on it twice and will go again next year....Enjoy Alaska, it's magnificant...

Bob E

f-mattox is right. Everyone switches sides on the way back. We've been on several train rides in different states, but that one is the train ride of all train rides. You definately don't want to miss it.

Lanie

Can I order a beer, wine or my fav cocktail on the train?

I may be wrong, but I don't remember adult beverages being available on the train.

We were on the White Pass Railway in the summer of 2005 and we got a complimentary bottle of water. There isn't any food or beverage service that I recall.

quote:

There isn't any food or beverage service that I recall.

Very interesting.

As a businesman, I see a wonderful opportunity for someone to dip into the pockets of all of these (wealthy) folks willing to pay a few hundred dollars (US) to take a train to nowhere.

A club car, or simular service, would seem to be a fruitful opportunity.

As of last week, all you get is a complimentary bottle of water. Nothing else available to purchase.

Lanie

mickeyd, exactly what I was thinking; how'd they miss an opportunity like that?

joyceh, how was the trip
We will be going Aug 6 and I think we will take the train up and come back on a bus where we can go gold mining. Did you take the ship excursion, or do it privately.
I am thinking of using Shoretour.com does any one know about this firm.

Hi wildwon01. We've just come back from our cruise. The train trip was great! If you are taking it one way up the mountain, sit on the left side. There is very little you can see on the right side once you progress further up the mountain (only rock and a strained view upwards). However we did see Dall sheep on the right side and the morning train saw bears. We sat in the last train car so we could enjoy the unobstructed views and mountain air on the rear platform. Arrive early if you want to sit in this car. However, all cars have a forward and aft platform. Some people on the train were nervous about heights and did not enjoy the "rock/air" views you get on the left side looking straight down the mountain. I thought it was exhillerating and saw eagles on the shores of the river below. We booked our excursion through the cruise line. It would have been $11 less per person if we booked directly with White Rail Pass but we felt it was worth the extra money to be assured of a seat at the time of day we wanted to go. We opted for the afternoon trip at which time most of the morning fog and cloudy skies had cleared. Hope this helps. Joyceh

I too enjoy this White Summit ride two weeks ago. Personally, it is worth every penny of it.

Our ship were late leaving two ports, so I think we made the right decision on booking through cruise because you just never know if the ship will arrive town on time or not.

I learned that every excursion in Alaska, you go through them, rain or shine. Consider yourself lucky if sun is out, but even luckier, if you just have light rain and not downpours.