Train Trip to Danali National Park

We scheduled a trip, going north to the Danali National Park before we even left Utah.  We knew that was something that we didn't want to miss.

We didn't realize that we'd be riding in one of these glass domed passenger cars and that the vistas would be so amazing. There was an open-air area at the back of each car where we could go to take pictures un-obscured by the glass.

 This was one of our first views of Mt. McKinley

The scenery was so beautiful! We saw swans and some of the people in our car saw a moose. I think that the smart animals stay away from the noise of the train though.  I would.

We passed the town of Wasilla, where Sara Palin lives and where the Diderot Dog Sled races end. (Or maybe they start there?)

We were in the last car of the train.

After four hours, we arrived in Taleetna, a tourist town on the banks of the Susitna River. There were lots of small, quaint hotels and restaurants.

The weather was wonderful, and we had a hard time deciding where to eat our lunch.

One of the hotels had this sign posted outside.  Looks like they had discriminating taste in who they let stay at their place.

We bought some warm, roasted almonds at this place.

After a short walk through the town, we came to this nice view of Mt. McKinley (aka Danali) beyond the Susitna River.

We offered to take the picture of a nice German couple, and he snapped our in exchange.

From Talkeetna, we traveled another hour to the Princess Danali Lodge where we spent the night.  

We were told that only 10% of the tourists that come to the Danali National Park get to see Mt. McKinley, because it's so often covered in clouds. I guess it was our lucky day!

We took some hikes and saw a lot of beautiful Alaska.

This is the bridge the train traverses to get to the Denali Lodge

And then we were back on the train to return to Anchorage.  We hadn't planned enough time to see the whole park properly.

I liked this picture of Dave.  This was up near the Danali Princess Lodge.

 

























Dave in the dining car of the train.  Passengers sat up top, and when we were hungry, we went downstairs for food.

The Buffingtons picked us up at the train depot.  They were such wonderful hosts for our visit to Alaska.