The mv Ptarmigan cruises Portage Lake multiple times daily throughout summer on one-hour tours to the face of this icy wonder. A one hour cruise to Portage Glacier is available, along with hiking trails in the area. Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water. That's the best view in my opinion. My husband and friend hiked across Portage Lake last March. Access is via the Seward Highway, about 50 miles south of Anchorage. Request your free official State of Alaska vacation planner. TravelAlaska.com is a registered mark of the State of Alaska. The highway is made up of a series of roads, bridges, and tunnels that connect the Portage Glacier area of the Chugach National Forest and the city of Whittier to the Seward Highway. The only way to walk up to it … The gravel beach on Portage … The first mile up to Portage Pass was a bit steep and slippery with gravel. The valley also contains … train (or your vehicle) through the tunnel to Whittier. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Attend A Ranger-led Program. Exit Glacier. It’s a great place to safely view grizzly bears, musk ox and other impressive Alaska species. Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of the valley and was visible from the road. The nature center includes exhibits about the Exit Glacier area, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and rangers to help answer questions about the area.. … Fair. The glacier is just spectacular. At the turn of the century Portage Glacier extended all the way to the area that is now the road. There are a few benches for hikers to rest. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Safety is our top priority Please be assured that we have made the necessary preparations to sail in a manner that complies with local and state guidance in order for guests to safely experience the beauty of Portage Glacier. Aboard the ship, Forest Service Ranger’s share the story of Portage Valley’s geology, wildlife, and history as a connection point between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm. So if you are short on time just turn back at the top of Portage Pass. Safe Travels: Covid-19 information & updates, Official State of Alaska Vacation and Travel Information. The Portage Glacier Access Road winds about five miles from the highway, past a series of campgrounds and to the impressive Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Portage Glacier is in retreat, and is no longer visible from the center’s observation decks and telescopes, but the center is still an interesting stop thanks to exhibits that let visitors walk through a simulated ice cave, view live ice worms or touch an iceberg. Weather Sky Cond. While still massive in size, these glaciers are all that remain from enormous ice sheets that once covered the area. In 1964 a restau­rant and lodg­ing was added, but the lodg­ing … Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise. Portage Glacier in located in Chugach National Forest and is one of Alaska’s most visited attractions. 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. Most tours … In 2000, the, Location: {98BE43D1-3878-4DFE-9B24-A6B1B249FD21}. But hiking down to the lake is its own reward if you are up for it. View of Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. Better to go with hiking shoes and trekking poles. Portage Glacier in located in Chugach National Forest and is one of Alaska’s most visited attractions. This Glacier … Portage Glacier Valley is a mosaic of habitats. Portage, Portage Glacier (PATO) Lat: 60.78°NLon: 148.83°WElev: 95ft. Temperature (ºF) Relative Humidity Wind Chill (°F) Heat Index (°F) Pressure … The valley is a showcase of glacial activity with a number of "hanging" … Portage Glacier is the second-most visited Alaska attraction behind Denali National Park. The view of the. Between Girdwood and the road to Whittier is what’s left of Portage. The Portage Glacier Highway, or Portage Glacier Road, is a highway located in the U.S. state of Alaska. All seasons trip for us. Portage Glacier is one of the more popular roadside attractions as it is located just one hour from Anchorage, between the ski town of Girdwood and the road to Whittier. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Portage, Alaska. Experience Alaska in the twilight of winter on a tour that squeezes in all of the highlights surrounding Anchorage. For a close look at the ice, visitors book passage on a glacier cruise that takes them an hour-long ride on Portage Lake right up to the glacier. It has since retreated about 5 miles and created Portage … The special run departs from the Portage station for Spencer Glacier, where at a viewing area of the ice there are also interpretive trails and a group campsite for visitors to spend the night. 639 were here. Portage Glacier Day Lodge 8 Map Orig­i­nal­ly built in 1956 as a bar at the end of a 5 mile grav­el road which served Glac­i­er Ice Mar­gar­i­tas. The Portage Glacier Access … … (mi.) The glaciers are so beautiful, and it is sad to see them going away. By clicking OK and using this website, you are agreeing to our privacy policy regarding the use of cookies. Humidity: 63%: Wind Speed: W 7 mph: Barometer: 29.15 in (987.1 mb) Dewpoint: 14°F (-10°C) Visibility: 10.00 mi: Wind Chill: 17°F (-8°C) Last update: 19 Feb 1:53 am AKST : More Information… The center is located just before the Portage Glacier road turnoff on the left. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit wildlife center located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway where injured and rescued animals are on display. I was in the boat group and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and interesting information given by our guide and boat captain. Portage Glacier Cruises offers 5 cruises per day. We hiked to Portage Glacier fairly early in the morning to beat the crowd and heat. Portage Glacies formerly extended from the mountains to a few miles from the highway to the Kenai Peninsula. Some of our group took the boat tour and others hiked. Stay in your vehicle as you swing through the center to see everything wild from a bear to a moose. Chugach National Forest ranger Megan Parsley holds photos showing this summer's ice loss at the face of Portage Glacier, Alaska, U.S. August 17, 2019. Monthly travel tips, highlights and savings! Visiting Alaska in the winter is a magical opportunity ideal for travelers who want to avoid the summer crowds. Portage Valley is a 14-mile long isthmus that conjoins mainland Alaska to the Kenai Peninsula. Portage Glacies formerly extended from the mountains to a few miles from the highway to the Kenai Peninsula. From here it was all down hill to Portage Lake. 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. It's an easy hour cruise that takes you to the face of the glacier. Luckily, with this tour, you don’t have to worry about logistics or conditions and can focus on enjoying the sights. Unique Alaska Multi-Activity Backcountry Helicopter Adventure Package. Portage Glacier Recreation Area – Access via a 5 mile/8 km paved highway.Three U.S. Forest Service campgrounds with more than 64 camping spaces are located approximately a mile apart on the Portage Glacier … See photos, videos, trip ideas, suggestions from Alaskans and more. For more information, the onsite phone number is 907.783.2687. Access is via the Seward Highway, about 50 miles south of Anchorage. Exit Glacier, the only part of the park accessible by road, offers short trails, viewpoints, and a nature center. Visitors flock to the area in the summer to see the glacier calve into the blue iceberg waters of Portage … Today, the glacial remnants still visible today are the Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns, and Shakespeare glaciers. The closest town to Portage Glacier is Whittier, a popular … One of the most unusual railroad trips in Alaska is the Alaska Railroad's Spencer Whistle Stop Train. The new highway offers fantastic views of Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. Portage Glacier Portage Glacier Valley Guide and Information 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. Most of the highway travels through mainly rural areas just north of the Kenai Peninsula, with the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel passing under Maynard Mountain, part of the Chugach Mountain Range. Stop in and see them while you can! 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! 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 & 4:30 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Even though Portage Glacier has since retreated out of view of its observation decks and telescopes, Begich-Boggs Visitor Center is still an interesting stop. 25°F-4°C. Managed by Chugach National Forest, the center features a variety of exhibits where you can walk through a simulated ice cave, view live ice worms or touch an iceberg. Portage Glacier Visitor Center has lots of information about the area and plenty of Portage Glacier Facts but we skipped all that and only cared about seeing the natural glacial blues with our own eyes.