The glacier descends through the surrounding mountains, nearly reaching the trail. Which means that youll first have a nice climb uphill to Portage Pass, before having a steep downhill walk the rest of the way. Girdwood is 90 miles from Seward on the road system but 60 miles as the crow flies, During Aurora Activity, the Northern Lights can be seen in Girdwood during the winter months. Girdwood, which sits at the base of Mt. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There was still a lot of snow in the valley, it it has given additional beauty to our pictures. Walk the "Edge of the Glacier Trail" (also known as the Lower Trail) to get a good photo in front of glacier ice, it's not huge, but it looks big up close. At 2.5 miles, this tunnel is the longest combined rail and highway use tunnel in North America. A lift ticket at Alyeska Resort in 2020 ranged from $60-$75 per person. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world. Outdoors Glaciers Portage Valley Portage Valley One of Alaska's most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers. There are hiking, biking and skiing trails throughout the community. You can actually access it and touch the ice which makes it so unique. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-11089329', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise boat on the lake. Girdwood has guide operations available to arrange custom tours. We went in November and were really glad we brought the shoe spikes. The glacier is particularly famous in the winter as a spectacular ice cave usually forms. My intentions are Kenai Fjords 6 hr boat trip, Sea Life Center, Seavvy's dog sled & walking on a glacier. As soon as you leave the parking area, prepare to get a good cardio workout! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2023 Adventures of A+K. We all actually walked-up in the glacier for about half way to the top and had lots of fun. One of the best ways to see Exit Glacier is via the Glacier Overlook Trail. Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center so from here, choose your own adventure to get an up-close look. Soak up the sunset over Turnagain Arm on the 1.5-hour drive back to Anchorage. The best time to hike the Portage Pass Trail is in the summer or early fall, when its snow free. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) After your hike, make sure youEat Your Way Through This One Tiny Town In Alaska and fuel up after your adventure! See Visit Girdwood Winter Activities page for more ideas. It can rain or snow any day of the year so having rain gear is recommended. To the left is a ridge that overlooks Portage Glacier, but is quite a scramble to get up and down from. Considering the shoreline is only 150ft above sea level that is an impressive feat! Maybe it was the walk to Byron Glacier--I think I read it in a post from Manitoba Maple. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. We were definitely huffing and puffing during the climbs (and saw many others doing the same), but it was well worth it for the scenery at the end, as well as along the way. You can also kayak to Portage Glacier via Portage Lake. The Teeny Tiny Brunch Restaurant In Alaska You Simply Have To Try is a perfect spot for something delicious! It is very difficult to walk on Portage Glacier unless you hike for miles to get to it. A large picture window overlooks the narrow outlet of Portage Lake. How long did the hike take to get all the way to the glacier itself? Along the way, the sights and sounds of a babbling creek fill the air. Plus dozens of mountain peaks! Take the Portage Glacier Cruise, What to bring to hike the Portage Pass Trail. With 1,610 skiable acres and 76 named runs, and seven chairlifts, even the skier who has seen it all will be astounded by the terrain and the views. And if you have a brave dog like ours, they may want to get their feet wet too! It was nice walk. The hike to the glacier is about 3 mile round trip and worth every step. Shes now location independent and enjoys slow travel to new and exciting places. To do this, youll start at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, which means you skip the tunnel and dont actually hike the Portage Pass trail. Before embarking on a glacier hike in Alaska, its necessary to prepare with essential safety tips. Is it true you can see Portage from Seward Highway? Inspect the nose and chose your way carefully if you choose to go beyond the roped off limits. Will I see the Northern Lights in Alaska in the summer. Related read:11 Best Resorts in Alaska for Unbeatable Outdoor Adventures. Get more stories delivered right to your email. In fact, there are 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. 6 Things to Do in Whittier, AK | Travel Alaska The closest location is 40 miles away in Anchorage. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. What's the best place to stay for families in Girdwood? We always recommend having the map downloaded just in case, which requires an AllTrails+ subscription. If you love photography, a zoom lens (we use a Sony 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 GM lens) is a lot of fun here, as youll be able to capture much closer shots of the glacier! Connecting the road between Whittier and the glacier is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. You will have to cross a wide creek, which is sometimes knee-deep or even deeper. This trail goes through the Tongass National Forest and leads to an overlook where you can see the Mendenhall Glacier at a distance. How should I dress for an Alaska rafting and hiking trip? The hiking and accessability at Exit Glacier is much more trecking friendly..The Ice is also bigger.. To reach the glacier terminus, you must follow Castner Creek to an ascent through a canyon. It was our last day in Alaska. Return the way you came (and be sure to time your hike with the tunnel, which is one-way and runs back towards Anchorage once every hour). Have you hiked out to Portage Glacier in the winter? We hiked the trail at the very beginning of August and it was perfect! It not only offers stunning scenery, but also provides a unique experience in how you get to it. The best months to hike in Alaska are June-October. People come from all over the world to ski the incredible terrain. Lots of bird noise and you can see the glacial creek rushing past on spots. A Guide to Portage Glacier, Alaska - YourAlaskaCruise.com Girdwood has two hostels close to the mountain for the budget-minded person. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Or, if you have the energy to burn, the trailhead to see Portage Glacier is only a 20-minute drive away, allowing you to cross two glaciers off your list in one day. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. It is relatively easy on well marked trail. If climbing the snowfield, proper shoes are very helpful. There are no guided signposts, as the lake can go through many freeze and thaw cycles in a single winter. We thankfully didnt find the mosquitoes to be that bad at all during our time in Alaska. However, you dont need to hike the entire trail to see the ice. Wildlife. Byron Glacier Trail is a unique hike where visitors can reach out and touch the crystal ice. We recommend booking Byron Glacier Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Our small group Alaksa adventures are suitable for all experience levels and ages! Portage Glacier and Begich,Boggs Visitor Center Guide - Alaska Trekker She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world. Our Portage Glacier Raft and Hike Tour offers views of the closest glaciers to Anchorage in the Chugach National Forest. The gravel beach on Portage Lake would be a great place for a picnic lunch. 1. So that must be it . There was space reserved for buses, but smaller cars will park there. Or just admire the view from a roadside overlook!Your next step is to drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. One of which being the Portage Pass trail! Located just a short drive from Anchorage, the trail to Portage Glacier is accessible to many different skill levels! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The trailhead is located just past the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center (about 5 miles down the road) near Portage Lake. Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood, Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience. The one-hour cruises leave several times daily from mid-May to mid-September. There are a number of winter activities in Girdwood from Skiing, biking, to Snowshoeing. Experience Portage Glacier in Alaska - Gray Line Alaska Thanks Ryakbrn--that seems like a great idea. Maybe you're thinking of the walk to Byron Glacier? Alaska is home to approximately 100,000 glaciers, some of which can only be seen by water or air. Amazing hike to the glacier. Girdwood does not have a satellite DMV. If hiking the Portage Pass Trail seems a bit too intense for you, there is another option to see the Portage Glacier. Once you exit the tunnel, take the first turn to the right it is marked with a trailhead sign. Travel, hiking, & food 3+ years in @brisketthevan This trail is appropriate for children. Your guide will have bear spray and an air horn to keep you safe in the Alaskan wilderness. You can learn more about our editorial policies. It is the only fully-operational resort in Alaska that offers downhill skiing and downhill mountain biking. Alyeska Resort sees approximately 600 inches of snow per year at the top of the Mountain and 75 inches at the base. The slower pace of the Girdwood compared to Anchorage is worth the stay. Scientist Thomas Mendenhall gave the glacier its current name in 1898. An Anchorage Glacier Adventure Itinerary | Visit Anchorage Winter Hike to Portage Glacier, Anchorage, Alaska - The Outbound more. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is a must see. Alyeska, gets approximately 75 inches, or 6-7 feet per year. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. When it rains on Oahu, nearly every hike becomes a waterfall hike. In order to see the end of the glacier, you have to hike out to it in the wintertime or take a boat out to it in the summer. The highest activity is in the early morning hours and Hotel Alyeska will offer wake-up calls as requested. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! If you arent very outdoorsy or not sure on how to navigate in the wild, it wont matter because this trail is very easy to navigate. This ridge overlooks the entirety of Byron Glacier, along with Portage Glacier and 3 other glaciers across Portage Lake. Mount Tammany is the #1 hike in New Jersey on @All, The Pine Barrens encompass about 1.1 million acres, We hopped onto a ferry from Delaware to our 46th s, When one of your brothers books a birthday trip to, Next up on our final states road trip: Delaware! In the Winter, people walk and ski to Portage Glacier. What's the best pet-friendly accommodation in Girdwood? Would you recommend doing it? And in this guide were detailing everything you need to know before hitting the trail, including the trail stats, when to hike, what to expect, and more! Sweet home Alabama! Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of the valley. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Many parts of this trail have zero protection from the sun. The Portage Pass trail is located in Whittier, which is a small town located about 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast of Anchorage, Alaska. We have the Black Diamond Equipment Distance Z poles and highly recommend them! What is there to do in Girdwood in the winter? We highly recommend having some time to just sit and soak it all in. Easy trail the has a great reward at the end of it. FAQs Visit Girdwood Visit other members of our travel family Princess Cruises, Princess Lodges,Holland America Line&Westmark Hotels, From Anchorage, Portage Glacier is just a short drive south. This trail is appropriate for children. You can also kayak to Portage Glacier via Portage Lake. After youve hiked Portage Pass, take a drive through Whittier to see Prince William Sound and enjoy the areas small-town charm. The Resort has 304 rooms, six separate dining options, unique shops, and multiple spa opportunities for their patrons. We have the Bushnell H20 Roof Prism binoculars and we love them! Alaska glaciers are everywhere. 2023 Girdwood Chamber of Commerce dba Visit GirdwoodVisit Girdwood is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 Organization. You have the constant sound of the rushing river all the way till you see blue ice. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. Unfortunately, the worlds glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, so if seeing them is a top priority, you should do so sooner than later. The views are 360 around can be a very short/quick trip that is well worth the time! Yes Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 6 pm with last entry at 5 pm. While visitors could once walk up to the edge of Exit Glacier, the ice has reportedly receded more than 2,000 feet in just two decades. Winter hike to Byron Glacier Ice Caves - AdventureinHerShoes For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center so from here, choose your own adventure to get an up-close look. Girdwood is also home to Alyeska Resort, the only ski resort in Alaska with the longest vertical black diamond run. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. Seeing glaciers with the naked eye is fantastic, but youll be able to see even more views with binoculars. Not only will you experience magnificent views of the glacier, but you'll get to enjoy the surrounding waterfalls and wildlife along the way. adventures and follow local regulations. . Choose from charming Bed and Breakfast retreats, mountainside townhomes, full-service hotels, secluded cabins, and cottages low-cost hostels, and fully-equipped condominiums. Alaska has some of the best hiking in the world! In any case, a visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor . Visitors can explore the center and view the wildlife by walking or driving the loop around the sanctuary. How to See Portage Glacier: Summer vs Winter Whittier is a unique city in Alaska where most residents live in the same building and is about an hour and 15 minutes by car from Anchorage. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Furry friends are allowed on the trail. But we think this is a mistake! Glacier National Park's Highline Trail opens to hikers 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. Hikers should take precautions for bears and local wildlife, avalanche warnings, and the buzzing presence of the Alaskan state bird (mosquitos). Pair it with a light pair of wool socks and you are ready to take on any Alaskan trail! Its one of four glaciers apart of the impressive Harding Icefield, a vast sheet of ice in the Kenai Mountains. Its the only route in and out of Whittier by car or train. Hiking, Climbing, and Seeing the Portage Glacier living on the road in our. They were never found. Its a great place to reach if you dont have a lot of time. Let us know in the comments below! When in Alaska always be on the lookout for bears! It is not safe to access Portage Glacier without a guide who has extensive knowledge of the glacier and area. There was no security or parking "police". 8 Breathtaking Alaska National Parks to Visit this Year, 10 Remote & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Alaska, 7 Unique Alaska Airbnb & Vacation Rentals, 9 Extraordinary Cabin Rentals In Anchorage, Alaska. The Portage Pass Trail in Alaska is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore Alaskas backcountry. You do have to buy tickets, which you can do ahead of time online or Mount Alyeska is an out-and-back where you may see local wildlife located near Girdwood, Alaska. Follow this road, and the first parking lot on your right is the one for you. When the visitors center first opened in 1986, the glacier was readily visible, but it is now out of sight around a corner, and in recent years the number of icebergs entering the lake has decreased greatly as it continues to shrink as the climate warms. Portage Glacier hike. The glaciers near Anchorage are among the most accessible. To be able to access Portage Glacier our best trip is the Glacier Raft and Hike. Hike Out To This Glacier In Alaska That's Almost Too Beautiful For Words Dont forget your bug spray! This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. The hundred mile paddle across PWS is a right of passage for Alaska kayakers. Most people start at the Alyeska Resort and hike to Crow Creek Parking lot. If you dont have your own vehicle or would rather not drive, you can also get to Whittier by riding the Alaska Railways Glacier Discovery Route! There is no fee to access the Portage Pass trail, but you will need to pay the toll to get through the tunnel to the trailhead if driving. Probably one of the best bang-for-your buck hikes I've ever been on. It adds an extra, flat 1.4 miles round trip.Also, the road to the trailhead, at least during our visit, was pretty rough with some large potholes. This moderately steep, four-mile roundtrip hike to Portage Glacier rewards you with a panoramic view of the lake, the . However, rainy weather can cause the creek to flow too high, making the hike impassable. We werent on the trail 20 minutes and we had a close encounter with an adult black bear and later saw sign. In what seems like no time at all, you'll be at Portage Pass, with views of the Passage Canal in one direction, and the incredible vista of Portage Glacier, Byron Peak, and Carpathian Peak in the other. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Weather in Alaska can be extremely unpredictable. Mendenhall Glacier is easy to reach for those visiting Juneau and is conveniently a 15-minute drive from the city center. In the Portage Valley, salmon can be seen in the river from mid-August through late September. But here are a few items we really want to stress bringing with you on the Portage Pass trail. We loved this glacier trail! One Way Cruise Vancouver - Seward, then what? Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears. Glacier City Snowmobile Tours is an eco-friendly tour operation utilizing modern, clean-burning, four-stroke snowmobiles. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Portage Glacier and Nearby Glaciers | Visit Anchorage No matter how you choose to experience Portage Glacier, we hope to see you soon! To reach the trailhead, you must pass through the one-way Whittier Tunnel, which requires a $13 toll per car and changes traffic direction on a timed schedule. Girdwood offers a diverse selection of accommodations from the budget-minded to the luxury hotel. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What shoes should I bring for my summer Alaska trip? Why you should go: An out-and-back trail that leads to an incredible glacier overlook. Sun also has showed up for a while. This glacier gets its name because it was used by a variety of people over the years to portage between the Turnagain Arm and Prince William Sound. The hike offers spectacular scenery, including lake, glacier, wildlife, and wildflower views. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Portage Pass Trail in Alaska is a great way to get stunning views of Portage Glacier, Lake, and Pass. It was originally built as a railroad tunnel during WWII and connects Whittier to the rest of Southcentral Alaska. Why you should go: An out-and-back glacier hike featuring a seasonal ice cave only an hour from Anchorage. Well make planning your next adventure much easier! The Gorgeous Spring Hike In Alaska That Leads To A Downed Bomber Plane, The Incredible Alaska Hiking Trail That Takes You Past Ancient Lava Flow, This Short Spring Hike In Alaska Has An Incomparable View, This Exhilarating Hike Takes You To The Most Crystal Blue Lake In Alaska, The Enchanting Lakeside Trail In Alaska That Is Just As Gorgeous In The Winter, Get Lost In The Alaska Mountains On This Former Wagon Trail, The Whole Family Will Love This Easy And Beautiful Winter Hike In Alaska, The Easy Trail In Alaska That Will Take You To The Top Of The World, The Teeny Tiny Brunch Restaurant In Alaska You Simply Have To Try. What's the best place to stay in Girdwood? One of the most visited glaciers in Alaska, Portage completely covered its lake and reached into the valley in the 1800s. When we visited in the summer of 2022 there was not a dedicated parking lot. The 2.5 mile hike across Portage Lake is completely flat since its on a frozen lake! At mile 79 of the Seward Highway, turn north on the Portage Valley Road. Waterproof hiking shoes can take you anywhere you want to go in the Alaskan summer. Being there last month (july 2019) you can walk around right on the glacier. You can enjoy Portage Glacier by day cruise on Portage Lake. From here, youll have sweeping views of the Passage Canal on one side and Portage Lake and Portage Glacier on the other. The Crow Pass Trail is a strenuous hike because of its steep elevation gain, even during the beginning portion of the trail. Portage Glacier Winter Hike - Live, Travel, Teach This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Glaciers. It is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm Inlet. by Brittany Varano Its the perfect day hike if youre in the area! You'll pass Divide Lake on the way, and reach a beautiful glacial lake at the bottom. Located inside the Chugach National Forest, the Portage Glacier is visible by taking a boat tour or one of two hiking paths. Specifically, both black bears and grizzly bears, with grizzlies being the more aggressive of the two. I enjoy going to both places and would recommend at least a stop at the VC which should take less than an hour to enjoy the beautiful lake and if you are early enough in the year the ice bergs floating in turquoise blue water. And please pick up after them! in the vehicle. With a film shown hourly, the exhibits cater to adults and children, providing fun insights into the glacier and the surrounding areas. This trail is easy to follow, but having the AllTrails map will be handy to check your progress along the way.
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