Senator calls for places to stay at the Whistlestop grand opening.

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, in remarks at the grand opening of the backcountry railroad Whistlestop project August 16, 2007, indicated he thought Alaska Railroad service to the mountainous backcountry at Spencer Glacier was a great first step. He said he ultimately envisioned places to stay in the mountains, such as the places he had experienced along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Mountain Club has run multi-party huts for more than a century along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, in cooperation with the Forest Service there. Alaska Huts looks to the AMC huts as a model. The Alaska Huts proposal ties into the Spencer Glacier whistlestop (see map).

Also at the Whistlestop grand opening, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski and top Forest Service officials extolled the virtues of backcountry facilities that can help families enjoy the natural world. Sen. Murkowski said she had recently hiked with her family over the historic Chilkoot Trail. Alaska Huts shares the goals of both senators and has been in touch with their offices.