How far is Alyeska Resort from Anchorage? This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. There arent many spots, so make sure to arrive early!And if you cant find parking, we read that you can park at the City of Whittier Campground. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-11101569', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars,vans parked. Portage Glacier is one of Southcentral Alaskas most visited places. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. When I was at Exit in 2006 I saw a couple of teens go right into one of the ice caves. "take the time to do the 1 hour walk on Portage Glacier or wait and go to Exit Glacier?". Seward to Whittier - do we have enough time? The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Lower Winner Creek Trail is approximately 3.5 miles one-way and 7 miles round-trip. Many trails in Alaska require you to go through brush, which can often be wet and soak your pants. 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Location. Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears. Sometimes in the same sentence. To access the trailhead you must drive through the Whittier tunnel. We loved this glacier trail! Many small falls & streams were cascading down the nearby hills. However, you dont need to hike the entire trail to see the ice. Meet the Portage Pass Trail in Whittier, Alaska. BOOK NOW. Winter hike to Byron Glacier Ice Caves - AdventureinHerShoes Choose from charming Bed and Breakfast retreats, mountainside townhomes, full-service hotels, secluded cabins, and cottages low-cost hostels, and fully-equipped condominiums. There can be a cold, brisk wind coming off the glacier, so it is always important to dress warmly! Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". The drive will take you approximately 4.5 hours. What's the best pet-friendly accommodation in Girdwood? As soon as you leave the parking area, prepare to get a good cardio workout! Yes, you can get a roadside view of Portage Glacier, but you will need to take the 10 mile diversion up the Portage Valley from the Seward Highway. What restaurants are near Byron Glacier Trail? There are many other ways to experience the glaciers beauty, including easier and much shorter trails that depart from the nearby Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. We always recommend having the map downloaded just in case, which requires an AllTrails+ subscription. This trail is easy to follow, but having the AllTrails map will be handy to check your progress along the way. Is it true you can see Portage from Seward Highway? Portage Glacier and Nearby Glaciers | Visit Anchorage There is one beautiful glacier that is approachable by hiking, biking, or skiing during the winter. I have taken relatives that come to visit to portage and they really liked it..what we decided to do was to drive to the glacier boat/tour area, just before you get there on the right side of the 2lane road you, normally will see a pull off area that will have some (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The moderate trail is a favorite for many hikers and guests heading to the Granite . 5 OF THE BEST HIKES IN ALASKA 1. Instead, hikers can marvel at the beauty of Raven Glacier about 4 miles into the Crow Pass hike from the Girdwood side. 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. Its one of four glaciers apart of the impressive Harding Icefield, a vast sheet of ice in the Kenai Mountains. Winter Hike to Portage Glacier, Anchorage, Alaska - The Outbound Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. 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. If you want to get a bit more hiking in, it's another mile down from the pass to Portage Lake. Girdwood sits at the base of Mt Alyeska and Alyeska Resort resides in Girdwood. Alaska glaciers are everywhere. From Denali to Seward-overnight in Anchorage or not? We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Its a great place to reach if you dont have a lot of time. Venture to the U.S.s subarctic region to witness the fleeting beauty of Alaskas magnificent glaciers. 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. The flat, fast trail to Byron Glacier (3.2 miles round trip) leads to close views of cavernous ice caves; for a picturesque perspective of Portage Glacier, board the mv Ptarmigan for an hour-long, iceberg-lined tour across Portage Lake. Byron Glacier Byron Glacier, only 50 mile southeast of Anchorage, can be accessed from the Seward Highway. You can't see Portage Glacier from the Seward Hwy. I travel a lot and I love to explore. It costs $13 roundtrip for passenger vehicles and RVs under 28 feet not pulling a trailer. Would you recommend doing it? Required fields are marked *. It not only offers stunning scenery, but also provides a unique experience in how you get to it. Girdwood has two hostels close to the mountain for the budget-minded person. There was no security or parking "police". Kathryn wears the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket and Adam wears a Columbia rain jacket. It is one of the most visited and accessible glaciers in Alaska, with a couple different ways to experience it. Seward Air Force Camp or private lodging? Portage Lake at its deepest is 800ft! The trail was fairly easy and busy. This trail goes through the Tongass National Forest and leads to an overlook where you can see the Mendenhall Glacier at a distance. Glacier City Snowmobile Tours LLC Operates under special use permits with the U.S. Forest Service. We operate 7 days a week with up to 4 tour times per day and typically our season is from May 15th to September 15th. An Anchorage Glacier Adventure Itinerary | Visit Anchorage Wed recommend watching this video that explains how to use bear spray, if you arent familiar. The trailhead isnt well marked from the road but is located near mile marker 28 on Glacier Highway, about 35 minutes from Juneau. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. Portage Glacier is located in Portage Lake, inside the Chugach National Forest. As far as seeing Portage Glacier, the only way to see it is by taking the small (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are also multiple different condos with varying prices available for rent. Wear sturdy boots and dress warm. Very easy trail and can be done with young children. The Portage Pass Trail was one of our favorite shorter day hikes in Alaska and it's easy to see why. This makes it a great day trip option if spending time in Anchorage!And to get to both Whittier and the Portage Pass Trail youll have a unique journey. When youre on way to Portage Glacier, dont forget to grab something warm to eat! Girdwood is 40 miles from Anchorage and 45 miles from Ted Stevens International Airport. Alaska is home to approximately 100,000 glaciers, some of which can only be seen by water or air. Escape for a night in the wildwithout a tent that blows away. However, it doesnt get the higher up views of the glacier and area that youll get along the trail! Follow this road, and the first parking lot on your right is the one for you. Carrying some layers with you helps you be prepared for a day in Alaska. Re: Portage Glacier or Exit Glaicer 15 years ago Save Hi there, As far as seeing Portage Glacier, the only way to see it is by taking the small cruise boat on the lake. For a different view, you can hike the Portage Pass Trail. Its about a 30 minute walk on a relatively easy trail. Glaciers. Its the only route in and out of Whittier by car or train. Once in Girdwood, there is a free transportation service in the town. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. We took a short path off the trail to a river (see pic) with a great view of the mountain. A short but taxing hike up to the incredible view at Portage Pass, and a continuation down to the lake if you're in the mood! 94% of travelers recommend this experience. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2023 Adventures of A+K. Brittany is a freelance travel writer and avid photographer with a love of hiking and nature. Plus dozens of mountain peaks! We hiked the trail at the very beginning of August and it was perfect! Dont miss an opportunity to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaskas wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Some glaciers are also suitable to ski in the summer but are only recommended with a Guide. Alyeska, gets approximately 75 inches, or 6-7 feet per year. Make sure to bring bug spray with DEET! However, rainy weather can cause the creek to flow too high, making the hike impassable. 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. , guests can enjoy a heated viewing cabin on cooler days or stand outside on the deck for the duration of the trip. Have you hiked out to Portage Glacier in the winter? This very cool glacier is only about 60 miles from Anchorage, Alaska, which makes it an excellent day trip. Read our. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Not only will you experience magnificent views of the glacier, but youll get to enjoy the surrounding waterfalls and wildlife along the way. If youre in the Anchorage area, put this hike at the top of your list. Seward to Anchorage - Celebrity or Alaska Railroad. Make sure to turn around every once in a while to admire the view behind you. Only 4-5 miles from the parking lot to the glacier, a bicycle can make quick work of getting to the face of the glacier. Glaciers near Anchorage | Visit Anchorage If hiking the Portage Pass Trail seems a bit too intense for you, there is another option to see the Portage Glacier. And within just a couple of hours of hiking that trail you can gain access to Exit Glacier from that hike if you want to walk on the glacier (Exit Glacier Guides offers excellent glacier hikes there and they lend you the proper equipment). Glacier National Park's Highline Trail opens to hikers The one-hour cruises leave several times daily from mid-May to mid-September. At the end of the road to the trailhead there is a Y, where you can park or turn around. As tempting as it may be to bushwack closer to the glacier, hikers who do so can destroy fragile vegetation. How should I dress for an Alaska rafting and hiking trip? 98% of travelers recommend this experience. So ALWAYS be prepared! Its not a long trail to do, and the difficulty is only rated moderate. They have a five-star hotel with 304-rooms, a 60-person tram, four chairlifts and Spa. Thankfully the bear was 30-40 ish yards away up a hill so we just gave it more space and it walked away. That is an excellent way to get there, especially after a fresh snowfall. We didn't have time to hike very far, but at least far enough, to see very nice mountains. Byron Glacier Trail | Hike to Glacier Views in Portage Valley Although we didnt see any bears on the trail, we did see a black bear roaming the streets of Whittier! Portage Valley is a 14 mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. One of the best ways to see Exit Glacier is via the Glacier Overlook Trail. You can also kayak to Portage Glacier via Portage Lake. Not only is it important to have bear spray on you, but you need to have it readily available and know how to use it. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Hop in the car or book. Why you should go: A challenging glacial hike along one of Alaskas famous trails through the Chugach Mountains. . Love Alaska? At the end of the road is Portage Lake and a wonderful Museum of the Chugach National Forest. Hosting 100+ miles of the Continental Divide Trail and astounding mountain scenery, Wyoming's Wind River Range offers more to explore beyond the Tetons, Medicine Bows, and Yellowstone National Park. Or just admire the view from a roadside overlook!Your next step is to drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. To the left is a ridge that overlooks Portage Glacier, but is quite a scramble to get up and down from. During the summer months, June-Sep, they offer Single-track Mountain Biking and hiking. Visitors can explore the center and view the wildlife by walking or driving the loop around the sanctuary. And get a firsthand look at one of the prettiest glaciers in Alaska! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Once you finally make it to the top, prepare to be treated to even better views, which make the slog worth it! Portage Pass Trail Hiking Trail, Girdwood, Alaska - Hiking Project The closest glaciers to Anchorage are in the Chugach National Forest just an hour south of Anchorage. We recommend booking Byron Glacier Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Experience Portage Glacier in Alaska - Gray Line Alaska Kathryn rocks Lowa Womens Renegade GTX and Adam wears the ALTRA Lone Peak 6, which are trail running shoes. Located in Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers and one of the best hikes in Alaska. This beautiful sheet of ice is the largest glacier in the United States that can be reached by car. Whatever route you choose, its sure to be an unforgettable experience! I want to enjoy the drive to Seward but should I take the time to do the 1 hour walk on Portage Glacier or wait and go to Exit Glacier? Lots of bird noise and you can see the glacial creek rushing past on spots. The highest activity is in the early morning hours and Hotel Alyeska will offer wake-up calls as requested. 1. Furry friends are allowed on the trail. For avid backpackers, the general area along the Exit Glacier Road has many places to explore and camp. 2023 Girdwood Chamber of Commerce dba Visit GirdwoodVisit Girdwood is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 Organization. This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Let us know in the comments below! When we visited in the summer of 2022 there was not a dedicated parking lot. Mendenhall Glacier is easy to reach for those visiting Juneau and is conveniently a 15-minute drive from the city center. The beginning of this relatively flat trail leads from the parking lot to the glacier through lush vegetation. Alyeska is a year-round resort in Girdwood, Alaska. We have the Black Diamond Equipment Distance Z poles and highly recommend them! This well-marked trail leads to a once-in-a-lifetime view. Soak up the sunset over Turnagain Arm on the 1.5-hour drive back to Anchorage. The trail also provides access for people with disabilities. This trail is appropriate for children. Rain pants or waterproof pants are another recommended item that we did not have, but will hopefully have for future Alaska trips. What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Girdwood? Hiking to Exit Glacier is easy with multiple short trails intertwined to view the blue ice from different angles. This nearly three-mile tunnel, known commonly as the Whittier Tunnel, was once the longest constructed tunnel in North America before the Big Dig tunnel in Boston was completed. Inspect the nose and chose your way carefully if you choose to go beyond the roped off limits. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Portage Glacier is a road-accessible glacier located about 50 miles south of Anchorage, about 5 miles off the scenic Seward Highway. 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. . You wont find the Lost Dutchmans gold, but you will get luminous views of Weavers Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. Our small group Alaksa adventures are suitable for all experience levels and ages! Why you should go: A massive glacier that showcases the ices retreating history. Want to see one of Alaskas most accessible glaciers? Related read: The Best Time To Visit Alaska: A Year-Round Planning Guide. Girdwood has guide operations available to arrange custom tours. Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center so from here, choose your own adventure to get an up-close look. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We always carry our Garmin inReach Mini when we hike or backpack and it has come in handy several times on our adventures, mostly to text family (not for SOS reasons, thankfully)! Related Read:10 Best Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska for an Epic Day in Nature. In the Winter, people walk and ski to Portage Glacier. 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. Trail. more. Alyeska Resort is open for downhill skiing from approximately Dec-April.