Portage Glacier

The Basics

Due to dramatic recession over the past years, this still-impressive ice flow is no longer visible from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. To get up close to the ice, travelers need to head out on the ice-filled waters with a boat tour on Portage Lake or hike one of several trails that lead to the glacier.

Full-day tours to the glacier from Anchorage might also include a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska, wildlife spotting along the scenic Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, or a photo stop at Beluga Point.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Portage Glacier is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Anchorage.

• Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water.

• Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise.

• Most tours include round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

How to Get There

To reach the glacier, take Seward Highway south of Anchorage to the Portage Glacier Road, which winds its way to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Whittier, the departure point for Portage Glacier cruises. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can visit as part of a guided tour from Anchorage.

When to Get There

The best season to visit Alaska’s outdoor attractions, including this Ice Age relic, is between mid-May and mid-September. August brings the highest chance of rainfall, and mid-June to mid-August is considered peak tourist season.

Chugach National Forest

This national forest is the second largest in the National Forest Service and an outdoor playground for more than a million visitors each year. In an area roughly the size of New Hampshire, visitors will find some of the world’s largest tidewater glaciers, diverse wildlife (including 214 species of birds), and some 200 miles (322 kilometers) of trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

How much is a Portage Glacier tour?

That depends on the tour option that you choose. The most cost-effective tours typically begin at around $70 per person and are around half a day long, including round-trip transit from Anchorage. More extensive tours—which can last the whole day and include hiking and Portage Lake cruises—go up to several hundred dollars per person.

How long is Portage Glacier?

The exact length of the Portage Glacier is difficult to measure (as the glacier fluctuates in size), but it is estimated to be around 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and is 10 stories high. Its impressive scale and proximity to Anchorage make it one of Alaska’s top tourist attractions.

Can you touch the Portage Glacier?

That depends. While it’s impossible to walk on the glacier itself, this active glacier regularly “calves” chunks of ice into Portage Lake. If you head to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, rangers regularly share samples of that ice for visitors to touch (and even taste).

Can I walk on Portage Glacier?

Generally, no. The only official trail close to Portage Glacier is the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Portage Pass Trail, which offers excellent views but doesn’t lead up to the glacier itself. While some intrepid hikers cross Lake Portage when it freezes in the winter to reach the glacier, that’s risky and not recommended.

Is Portage Glacier melting?

Yes and no. Portage Glacier has fluctuated throughout the years, advancing and retreating in different phases. Over the last century, the glacier has retreated significantly, revealing Portage Lake and disappearing from view from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, although its current position hasn’t changed significantly since 1999.

Can you drive to Portage Glacier from Anchorage?

Yes, you can drive up to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The journey takes roughly 1 hour via AK-1 S and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. However, if you wish to see the glacier itself, you’ll need to embark on a boat trip or hike.

Ways to explore

While Portage Glacier has receded in recent decades and is no longer visible from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, you can still see it by hopping on a boat tour or hiking the Portage Pass Trail from Whittier. Portage Glacier cruises, which get you up close to the ice face and teach you about its geology, are often included on guided day trips from Anchorage. Depending on your tour, you might also get to see bears and elk at the nearby Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or enjoy a scenic drive with plenty of photo ops along the Turnagain Arm.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible Portage Glacier cruises are available—just check with the tour provider in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, bottled water, binoculars for wildlife viewing

What to wear

Wear closed-toe shoes and waterproof layers; even though Portage Glacier cruises take place in the warmer months of May–September, it’s still chilly as you approach the ice.

Not allowed

Rules vary by glacier tour, but most don’t allow pets, smoking, or alcohol.

Amenities

The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center has restrooms, drinking water, and informational exhibits.

Address 

Portage Glacier is in the Chugach National Forest. Cruise passengers often visit on a shore excursion from Whittier, which is also the starting point for the Portage Pass Trail. Others drive or join guided day trips from Anchorage.

Driving

From Anchorage, take Alaska Route 1 south toward Portage Glacier Highway. You can park at the visitor center to check out the exhibits and lake, but you’ll need to get on a boat cruise to see the actual glacier.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation to Portage Glacier, but there are plenty of guided tours to the attraction from Anchorage (about one hour and 30 minutes away by car) and nearby Whittier.

Best times to visit

Depart for the glacier in the morning to maximize your time, especially if you’re visiting on a full-day tour from Anchorage.

Best days to visit

Glacier cruises usually run daily in the summer, so plan your visit around your tour.

Best months to visit

Portage Glacier cruises typically only run from late May–early September, which coincides with the overall best time to visit Alaska for warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and prime wildlife-viewing opportunities.