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.

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.