But I was doing this hike at the end of winter which meant there were no boats, kayaks or even tours going. … Portage Glacier Trail I’ve heard that during the season you can enjoy Portage Glacier Cruises or follow Portage Glacier Trail through the mountains on the north side of the lake. The glacier is tucked around the bend of a mountain, and isn’t visible during the walk across the lake. This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Portage Glacier: Best part of the whole train trip! The Portage Glacier used to fill the entire Portage Valley, a vast 14-mile-long valley in the Chugach National Forest south of Anchorage, Alaska.That was hundreds of years ago, and unfortunately now only a fraction of the glacier remains. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Turn left at the Portage Glacier Cafe (401 Portage Lake Loop) to purchase tickets. We started at the visitor center and decided to do the Portage Glacier hike which we did from Whittier. There you will be blown away by stunning Portage Glacier view and beautiful ice formations on the lake. Another view of Portage Glacier is waiting on the Whittier side. VOUCHER (7 days ago) This self-guided Portage Glacier Cruise is truly idea for the independent traveler. The view of the Glacier and the surrounding area was breathtaking. There are many hikes and sights (including Portage and Byron Glaciers) to see in the area! Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise. Portage è un ex insediamento a circa 76 km a sud-est di Anchorage. It's around one and half miles to the top and then continues down another mile and a half to the shores of Portage Lake. 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. Portage Glacier Cruise. At Williwaw Campground, the 1.25-mile Williwaw Nature Trail provides an easy introduction to the area, and Trail of the Blue Ice continues to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. - See 1,025 traveler reviews, 548 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. If you think you can make it to Portage Glacier without getting wet, you can't. Most tours include round-trip transportation from Anchorage. Getting There. Portage Pass Trail, a mile-long trek to the pass, provides a good view of Portage Glacier. The trail is wide but lined by alder and some pine making the scenery not much to look at. The trip up the 3-mile Portage Pass Trail gives hikers a great view of the glacier from the summit and lakeside. The first mile up to Portage Pass was a bit steep and slippery with gravel. The trail begins near the tunnel leading to the city of Whittier, on the city’s side. 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. Once you get above the alders, you get some fantastic views looking back towards Whittier. Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water. From here it was all down hill to Portage Lake. Many day tour companies include Portage in trips beginning in Anchorage, and visiting Girdwood and the glacier. Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour is a Self-Guided Tour is for those who enjoy getting away from the crowd and explore on their own and at their pace. Choose a seat in the enclosed lounge or take a stroll on the open-air observation deck. It's also close to Anchorage! Portage Glacier extended across what is now the lake in the early 1900's. We hiked to Portage Glacier fairly early in the morning to beat the crowd and heat. Portage Glacier is in the corner of Portage Lake about an hours drive from Anchorage. Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour 2020 - Anchorage. There are a few benches for hikers to rest. So if you are short on time just turn back at the top of Portage Pass. After you've visited Portage Glacier, you can explore the sights within just a few miles of the area. Board Gray Line Alaska’s exclusive day boat and cruise iceberg-dotted Portage Lake to within 300 yards of the glacier. It’s also a short drive from Anchorage, the base camp for many visitors to Alaska. ... On the way here we stopped off at Potters Marsh which offers a mini trail to walk. Byron Glacier Trail With a close-up view of and access to a glacier, the 1.4 mile Byron Glacier Trail provides a walk that is suitable for all ages. Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform (mi 4 Portage Glacier Road) is an excellent spot to view spawning salmon from mid-July through the end of August. If you want to see more of the surrounding area, you can plan a visit to Byron Glacier Trail and Prince William Sound Museum. This is the end of the trail, but it was fun to wander around the lake edge. Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is built upon the terminal moraine left behind by Portage Glacier in 1914. The Williwaw Nature Trail follows the creek then joins the Trail of Blue Ice to create an approximately 2-mile loop around Williwaw Campground. Williwaw Campground (mi 4.2 Portage Glacier Road) is paved. There will be a sign that says Portage Lake. The Portage Pass hike near Whittier is a stunning moderate hiking trail that goes over Portage Pass and leads to the Portage Lake. 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 Creek: Trail of Blue Ice is a 7.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Whittier, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. A Portage termina anche la Baia di Turnagain (Turnagain Arm) che inizia 65 km a nord-ovest (presso la città di Anchorage; la baia è collegata alla Baia di Cook (Cook Inlet) e quindi al Golfo dell'Alaska (Gulf of Alaska). Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. The Visitor Center was named in memory of Congressmen Nick Begich of Alaska and Congressmen Hale Boggs of Louisiana. Leave A Comment Cancel reply Take a left on Portage Glacier Road (milepost 78.9) approximately 48 miles out of Anchorage. Atop the lake was a layer of snow with a straight trail packed hard by … There is a good-sized creek between the trail's end and the glacier. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. Driving Directions to Portage Glacier: Take the Seward Highway south from Anchorage. From Portage Pass, it is another mile downhill to Portage Lake. For $45 experience the best value and closest glacier cruise to Anchorage. One of the most visited glaciers in Alaska, Portage completely covered its lake and reached into the valley in the 1800s. The new Trail of Blue Ice parallels Portage Glacier Access Road and meanders through forest on a … Both men were killed in a 1972 plane crash en route from Anchorage to Juneau. This trail is appropriate for children. The Visitor Center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach … Camping the Portage Glacier At the back of the parking lot starts the Byron Glacier Trail, an easy 0.75-mile walk along the runoff stream to below this hanging glacier. This hike made quick work of elevation and we were huffing and puffing up to 800 feet. The trail features stones that children and adults can use for creative activities. Book your tickets online for Portage Glacier, Girdwood: See 1,025 reviews, articles, and 548 photos of Portage Glacier, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. Also parking can be difficult if you go later. Travel 5 miles to fork in road; take the right-hand fork and travel a 1/2 mile. The trail is primarily used for hiking, road biking, and whitewater kayaking and is best used from May until September. Portage Glacier and its lake were opened to kayaking in 2009 by the National Park Service. Portage Glacier is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Anchorage. This means swimming without dry suits is not an option, even in emergencies. Storia. Portage Pass Trail to Portage Glacier & Portage Lake The Portage Pass trail starts just outside of Whittier and travels upward 700 feet in elevation gain to the top. Floatation devices are a necessity: it's glacial water, super cold, and full of silt. The views were simply amazing and all the work was well rewarded. Portage Glacier Map Dennis 2020-03-07T05:10:51-09:00 At the head of Portage Valley, about fifty miles south of Anchorage, at the end of scenic Turnagain Arm, lies the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.