Traveling by Train
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Train travel is still very much alive and well in the land of Alaska. Making its way through mountains and large rain forests, train transportation is great for getting where you want to go. This style of travel is one of the great ways to experience the majestic scenery and pristine wildlife the state has to offer. The Alaska Railroad is the northern most railroad in North America. The railroad began in 1912 after congress conducted a study of transportation problems in Alaska. After much planning and construction, on July 15, 1923 President Warren G. Harding announced completion of the railroad. The State of Alaska owned Railroad offers year-round service extending 470 miles of mainline tract from Seward to Fairbanks and the surrounding areas in the Interior. The Alaska Railroad is very similar to the other railroads that pass through the other parts of the country. Its main power is diesel while a large part of their income come from the annual shipment of 750,000 tons of Alaska-mined coal. Although this railroad is very similar to others, it can differ greatly by experiencing the harsh weather that is common in the winter. Their are periods of intense cold during Fairbanks winters when the temperature may fall to 60 degrees below zero. Although this extreme cold only last a small part of the winter, it has some devastating effects. But during this time, diesel fuel can turn into soft and thick slush. A cigar smoker may also find the tip of his cigar frozen solid if he waits to long between puffs. All of this is combined with snow, sleet, and rain that can only create treacherous tradition that make it extremely hard and dangerous to railroad. Among the state owned Alaska railroad, a privately owned White Pass and Yukon Route also provides a connection between Skagway, Alaska and Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. The White Pass Route is full force while providing tourist with a great Alaska experience. Since 1988 the privately owned White Pass Route has provided many people with transportation around the Skagway and Yukon Territory.
Video Clip by: Alaska Video Postcards
Photo by: AK Division of Tourism
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