This trail is appropriate for children. The weather here in Alaska can be lethal! Visit The Begich Boggs Visitor Center: Learn about the surrounding glaciers and Chugach National Forest. Settle yourself onto the gravel and listen to the water lapping on the shore. Have you done this adventure? This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Hike Along The Scenic Byron Glacier Trail On This Easy, Family Friendly Adventure. Emerge from the tunnel to see Passage Canal and glacier-draped mountains rising along its flanks. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. When you climb the last few steps into the narrow gap between those two towers, you’ve reached the pass—a mere 800-or-so feet above sea level. Which one is right for you? Granite Creek Campground is set in the captivating Kenai Mountains, surrounded by wildflowers and spruce forests. Over the years, the glacier has retreated to … The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. It’s also a short drive from Anchorage, the base camp for many visitors to Alaska. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? It’s located 50 miles south of Anchorage and it ranks as one of the easiest glacier hikes near Anchorage. The hundred mile paddle across PWS is a right of passage for Alaska kayakers. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Here, tundra-carpeted mounds beside the trail offer plenty of places to take a break. This is the end of the trail, but it was fun to wander around the lake edge. The road is gravel but barely 1 minute drive to the trail head. Hike up through a green valley and at the pinnacle of the hike, you catch great views of the Portage glacier. To get up close to the glacier, take an hour-long sightseeing boat cruise on Portage Lake, or hike on one of a number of foot trails that lead to the glacier. adventures and follow local regulations. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. Hundreds of people per day will make the trek to the glacier. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. Portage Glacier is one of many glaciers on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. It can be short — just an hour round-trip to the pass and back — or much longer — a few hours to hike all the way to the glacier and back. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Turn sharply left and you can look directly up the length of Lenard Glacier to where it disappears high above around the backside of Maynard Mountain. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. Self-drive vacations. Those days have passed. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Portage Pass hike near Whittier is a stunning moderate hiking trail that goes over Portage Pass and leads to the Portage Lake. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. As you climb steadily up the old road that now forms the trail, you pass glacier-scraped stones and slabs both on and alongside the trail. You can still see the glacier, but you have to work for it. Whittier, one of the wettest places in Alaska, often lies under lots of clouds, which makes for potentially hypothermic conditions. At the beginning of our hike to Portage Glacier via frozen Portage Lake. Hike Over Portage Pass: Hike this 2.2 mile trail to the top of Portage Pass with views of the glacier next to it. Highlights plus less visited destinations. All around the top of the pass are side trails to explore, if you're so inclined. Overview Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. With so much to see and do, your to-do list may be packed! You can still see the glacier by boat, but to see it by foot, you have to hike the length of Portage Pass Trail. From Portage Pass, it is another mile downhill to Portage Lake. Trout Lake Cabin is a large, rustic cabin set alongside Trout Lakeoffering a placefor visitors to come and enjoy the forests of ... To begin on this adventure, you first have to find the trailhead. Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. The Portage Pass from where you can clearly see the Portage Glacier is straight up 750 feet in about a mile or so. To access the trailhead you must drive through the Whittier tunnel. Most of the United State’s glaciers are located in Alaska. The moment you arrive in the quirky town of Portage and wind away from the water, you could be forgiven for thinking the gorgeous scenery is left behind. Towards the end of the road, it Ys and you take a right, then another right. The Portage Glacier can only be seen now via boat across the Portage Lake or a two-mile out-and-back hike (listed as strenuous) out of Whittier. The adventure begins with the drive from Anchorage to Whittier down Turnagain Arm, which is considered one of the world’s most scenic. If you bring your dog, make sure he or she has a good recall or is leashed. We chose to try the Portage Glacier Trail on 10 Jul 2013. This hike must be done in the deep of winter! It's a pretty long and winding hike down and the view of the Glacier from the lake is not really worth the long trek. No matter how clear and sunny the day appears in Anchorage (or even in Girdwood), the weather may be cloudy and rainy on the other side of the Whittier tunnel. Fortunately, this excursion makes for a fine family outing. It's a conservation center so they have a great mission. We hiked to Portage Glacier fairly early in the morning to beat the crowd and heat. Cross the tunnel, enter whittier and almost immediately, on the right, there is a sign saying "portage glacier trail". My dog found all the people and other dogs a little over-stimulating and I had to leash him. Now the lake extends from the beach in one large gray expanse. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Portage Glacier is in the corner of Portage Lake about an hours drive from Anchorage. The first mile up to Portage Pass was a bit steep and slippery with gravel. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. The gravel beach on Portage Lake would be a great place for a picnic lunch. A t the head of Portage Valley, about fifty miles south of Anchorage, at the end of scenic Turnagain Arm, lies the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and the beautiful Portage Glacier. The drive from Anchorage to Portage Glacier offers a number of scenic lookouts that you will want to experience as you peer across the Turnagain Arm. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Hike Out To This Glacier In Alaska That’s Almost Too Beautiful For Words. Portage Glacier Cruises. Starting at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center (Near Byron Glacier Trailhead), there will probably be a trail on the lake already. (3 days ago) To get up close to the glacier, take an hour-long sightseeing boat cruise on Portage Lake, or hike on one of a number of foot trails that lead to the glacier. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. A hike to the Byron Glacier, between the visitor center and the boat dock, allows you to walk on a glacier. Look 30 feet down into a gorge as the run-off from nearby snowfields and glaciers rumbles through. Portage Glacier is one of the most approachable glaciers in Alaska with multiple ways to see it including hiking Portage Pass and a boat tour across Portage Lake. Portage Glacier is accessible to everyone! Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is built upon the terminal moraine left behind by Portage Glacier in 1914. All the while you continue hiking steadily toward two stone towers rising against the sky in the pass above. Please try again. Listen even more carefully and you can also hear water spilling from the snow-girted mountains that rise all around the lake. Hikers will need to retrace their steps back to the trailhead. There you will be blown away by stunning Portage Glacier view and beautiful ice formations on the lake. Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. When you look up, the low brush allows views of the steep, cliff-streaked slope of 4,000-foot-plus Maynard Mountain, as well as the massive rock of 3,718-foot Shakespeare Shoulder across the narrow valley. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. The glacier is tucked around the bend of a mountain, and isn’t visible during the walk across the lake. Portage Glacier is at the far end of the lake, just around a slight bend. Probably one of the best bang-for-your buck hikes I've ever been on. The glacier, once so near, has now retreated far behind the north buttress of Byron Peak. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Admission is $5. Along the way, you’ll pass the appropriately named Divide Lake, which flows eastward to Passage Canal. When conditions allow, this six mile (rt) hike, bike, skijour, ski, etc rewards you with a beautiful view of Portage Glacier! Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". Also, visit the popular attractions in the … Starting from the trailhead, which is just on the Whittier side of the Portage tunnel, you'll hike up 800ft in one mile on a mostly wide, rocky trail. In any case, a visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is highly recommended. Depending on your method of transportation, this is a 1-4 hour round trip excursion. The campground boasts prime ... Overview You can still see the glacier by boat, but to see it by foot, you have to hike the length of Portage Pass Trail. There are many hikes and sights (including Portage and Byron Glaciers) to see in the area! Atop the lake was a layer of snow with a straight trail packed hard by … If you think you can make it to Portage Glacier without getting wet, you can't. Portage Glacier: Hike to Lake - See 1,025 traveller reviews, 548 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. We found the hike on the National Park Service map (NPS Portage Glacier Trail). The hike offers even more marvels, and few difficulties. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. Better to go with hiking shoes and trekking poles. The view of the Glacier and the surrounding area was breathtaking. There will be a sign that says Portage Lake. The rugged mou... Overview Upon reaching the top of the pass, climbing around 800 feet in a mile and a half, Portage Glacier and Portage Lake come into view. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. This 2-mile-long (4 roundtrip), family-friendly trail, which begins 90 minutes south of Anchorage at the far end of the Whittier Tunnel, remains the only easy way to see Portage Glacier on foot. So if you are short on time just turn back at the top of Portage Pass. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Not too long ago, you could walk from Begich, Boggs Visitor Center on the western end of Portage Lake down to a beach and reach out and touch the big, blue chunks of Portage Glacier. Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditar... Overview Portage Pass Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Whittier, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Portage pass trail was a very beautiful, easy to deal with, day hike that can take anywhere from an hour, to several hours, depending on how long or how far you want to explore. You may even hear the sounds of ice scraping against rock and water dripping through caverns, as Portage Glacier continues its long and slow retreat back into the mountains from which it once came. In fact, Alaska has more than 100,000 glaciers. Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound. Rate this Adventure Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map. Sometimes in the same sentence.  - Out-and-Back Trail. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The hike to Portage Pass and Portage Lake is probably one of the most beautiful hikes in Alaska. 6 miles Make sure you check the Portage Glacier Weather and Conditions or ask in a Facebook Group to … You’ll skirt one of the sources of that water—a small lake that fills the length of the narrow pass—then begin the descent to Portage Lake. Portage Glacier Road. However, Portage Glacier can no longer be viewed from there. From here, a series of small cairns lead you down the slope’s alluvial plain to the wide gravel beach across the lake from Portage Glacier. It is a great hike that rewards you with a view of Portage Glacier; in fact, it is the only established trail with a view of Portage Glacier! The only motor boat allowed on the Portage Lake is the commercial tour boat near the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. If you’re looking for a reason to travel through the tunnel to Whittier, this is it. Between the mounds, you’ll see deep trenches, evidence of the power of ice to shape the landscape. When conditions are right, this becomes a very popular hike. Be the first to leave a review! The Visitor Center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's farthest north national forest. The day long hike will take you to an elevation with incredible views of the Portage Glacier. Also in the area is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a non-profit organization that provides refuge for orphaned, injured and sick animals. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. This hike must be done in the deep of winter! The hike goes up a nearly continuous inclined for a 750 ft elevation change, then back down (more gently) the full 750 ft to reach the portage glacier lake. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Just this one view was well worth the effort of climbing the mile and a half. And it’s has a spectacular conclusion: After cresting Portage Pass, the trail drops through glacial scrub before popping out on the wide gravel shores of Portage Lake, directly across from the snout of gorgeous Portage Glacier. Then you’ll experience the two-plus-mile-long drive through the Whittier Tunnel, a World War II relic designed for one-way train use. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. Portage Glacier Links. It will make your heart rate go up for certain. The adventure begins with the drive from Anchorage to Whittier down Turnagain Arm, which is considered one of the world’s most scenic. There is … Portage Glacier Weather can be DANGEROUS! Portage Glacier: Hike to View Portage Pass - See 1,025 traveler reviews, 543 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. Portage Glacier Photos (click on each to enlarge it and read the caption) . Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. One important thing to keep in mind: be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothing. In what seems like no time ... You'll see tons of animals including bald eagles, bears, moose, muskox, lynx, reindeer, and wolves! Summer in Alaska is unlike anything else on Earth. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The view of the Glacier and the surrounding There was a problem with your submission. Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of Portage Valley. Hike across frozen Portage Lake to its namesake glacier in the spectacular Chugach Mountains. Also in the area is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a non-profit organization that provides … Also parking can be difficult if you go later. Of course, it really is an awe inspiring sight. Please check your email to verify your subscription. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Portage Pass Trail: If instead of stopping at lake, you continue on the Portage Glacier Road, close to Whittier is the Portage Pass Trailhead. From here it was all down hill to Portage Lake. Portage Lake is deep enough to submerge an 80-story building. If you feel particularly adventurous, zigzag your way through the tortured landscape to the left of the pass. 7-10 days is the most common. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. At the far end of the lake you then pass over a low rise and begin the 0.75-mile descent to Portage Lake. Portage Glacier Lake Cruise: Book your Portage Lake & Glacier cruise here. There are a few benches for hikers to rest. The 2.5 mile hike across Portage Lake is completely flat since its on a frozen lake! The Begich,Boggs Visitor Center was built by the U.S. Forest Service in 1986. Like most big adventures in AK, it’s a daunting proposition to launch into what locals refer to as both beautiful and terrifying. After winding down through the brush, the trail pops out onto a gravel embankment. If you’re looking for something to add on that’s short and has a great view, you need to hike the Byron Glacier Trail. Portage Glacier: Hike to View Portage Pass - See 1,025 traveller reviews, 548 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. Overwhelmed by choices? Car, train, or group tour. Fortunately, this excursion makes for a fine family outing. This trail is appropriate for children. Please explore responsibly!
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