Portage Glacier Road is located south of Anchorage, Alaska, at the end of Turnagain Arm (just before the Seward Highway curves onto the Kenai Peninsula). With an estimated 291,538 residents in 2018, it is Alaska's most populous city and contains 39.37% of the state's population; among the 50 states, only New York has a higher percentage of residents who live in its most populous city. Portage Glacier (Girdwood) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Despus del miedo y tranquilizarnos, comenzamos el camino de descenso, el cual implic volver a escalar, buscar el camino entre la maleza y llegar a un ro ms crecido y con el agua ms fra que nunca. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the train from Whittier to Anchorage, Take the bus from Whittier Cruise Terminal - Alaska to Anchorage, AK - Museum. Entrance fees are included. The paved asphalt bike path known as the Bird-to-Gird trail offers scenic views and a highly rated experience. No, its not the desert, but you can pretend youre having tea in the Sahara without even leaving Anchorage city limits at 1,400-acre Kincaid Park, where youll find a 40-foot-high dune formed from sand deposited by Ice Age glaciers and shaped by the winds off Turnagain Arm (park at the Jodhpur trailhead to access the dune). Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water. Esta ciudad queda 6 horas y 1/2 de Fairbanks, la ciudad donde vivamos en Alaska. The trail is a portion of the annual Tour of Anchorage cross country ski marathon. Point Woronzof Park borders the coastal trail to the east for about a mile, starting at about mile 5.0. #travel The Turnagain Arm is widely regarded as the most scenic drive in North America and can be experienced more intimately on the quiet trail. The visitor center costs $5 (free with an annual federal lands pass) and features a film as well as exhibits about the glacier, its retreat and the surrounding land. (Open weekends only in winter, 9 to 6 in summer) The turn off for Portage Valley Road and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is located approximately 50 miles south of Anchorage or around 80 miles north of Seward on the New Seward Highway. At 1,706sqmi of land area, the city is the fourth-largest by area in the United States and larger than the smallest state, Rhode Island, which has 1,212sqmi. Portage Glacier - Wikipedia Two glaciers are easily accessible in the valley. You also get to see the glacier up close! Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour. Take a really good pair of binoculars to see the wildlife details and catch the experience of glacier calving. Youll pass through Girdwood on the way to Portage and if you have more time its a great place to explore. Youll get within 300 yards of Portage Glacier close enough to see icebergs calve and crash into the water. Jeremy made the excursion great. #kayak #kayaking #portagelake #portageglacier #anchrorage #alaska #travel #explore #kayakingadventures #gopro #gopro5 #Whittier #ak #summer, Portage Valley The landscape is a narrow channel of Alaskan ocean being flanked on either side by the Chugach mountains reaching up to 6,000 feet. As well as visiting the Portage Glacier, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: Now, it's time to add your favorite experiences to this list for eligibility. Tickets cost $17-$200 and the journey takes 2h 15m. The area around Portage and Whittier is the homeland of the Dena'ina and Alutiiq people. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour 81 Bus Tours from $239.00 We love to provide top-shelf personalized service and experiences so that you can see Alaska your way! In the summer the trail is used extensively by walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and cyclists. The best way to get from Portage Glacier to Anchorage is to train which takes 2h 25m and costs $17-$200. Our guide made sure we got all of the highlights! . #travelbloggers Thanks! Loved the glacier cruise. i only have my USA visa. Stop at Beluga Point for photos and watch for Dall Sheep are ending and ending with Anchorage's best spots! Hi! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If they are its so worth it! Rome2Rio makes travelling from Portage Glacier to Anchorage easy. Tickets cost 35-65 and the journey takes 2h. Tours to the Portage Glacier typically include a one-hour cruise. Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour, Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience. Best Vacation Value, Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest, Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour, Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour, Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination", Glaciers and Wildlife: Super Scenic Day Tour from Anchorage, Valley of Glaciers Experience with Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour, Afternoon Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage, Alaska Wildlife Visit and Glacier Cruise Adventure, Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour, Seward to Anchorage Private Tour and Transfer, Alaskan Adventure at Wildlife center, Portage Glacier, Tram, Private Anchorage to Seward Tour/Transfer, Wilderness, Wildlife, Whittier (with Airport/Hotel transport), Private Whittier to Anchorage Tour with Transfer, See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). They should be. Save your favorites. The cars alternate with trains but dont worry, its all very controlled and isnt as crazy as it sounds! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. A wind breaker with a tee and sweater shirt under it, gloves and something to cover your ears, even a bandana, will probably do great. Its on a lake so we didn't notice any boat rocking. The trail up to Portage Pass is short, but fairly steep. . Diners at the venerable Simon & Seaforts crack open Alaskan Golden King crab legs paired with melted butter and a water view. This small-group tour takes you to most scenic spots along Turnagain Arm, over mountain passes, and past jagged peaks, forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the Pacific Ocean. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Day 1 Credits: Juno Kim | Visit Anchorage Know Before You Go Day use only, visitor center closes at night. You drive through the very narrow tunnel in a caravan of cars going through at your time. And for sure no hurry to leave the restaurant until everyone is done. It was a cold day with sporadic rain but the main level is enclosed and heated (and has bathrooms) so very pleasant. Child age: 8 year old minimum. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Portage Glacier: 98% of travellers recommend this experience. Also a very nice guy. But definitely not sure Past Girdwood, about 48 miles from Anchorage at the head of Turnagain arm, youll reach a junction. P.S: If you are in #Alaska, go #explore. Situated in Chugach National Forest about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Anchorage, Portage Glacier ranks as one of Alaskas most visited attractions. The lox bagel sandwich at Birch & Alder - Anchorage is in the middle of a small-batch bagel boom and the Birch & Alder bagels - available via a drive-thru window on the way to Girdwood - are some of the best of the bunch. Best Vacation Value (From C$264.78) Wildlife and Glaciers with a walk in the Rainforest (From C$171.64) Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour (From C$318.00) Afternoon Wilderness, Wildlife, Glacier Experience from Anchorage (From C$264. The first road off to the right after you pass the lodge is the road to the Ptarmigan boat dock. This beautiful place is a must see on your Alaska adventure! See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. From local haunts to quirky fun, these picks arent the usual tourist fare. This rail journey takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Railbelt: enjoy exceptional views of Trail Glacier, Bartlett Glacier and Spencer Glacier. Child rate: $199. Highly recommend to join this tour especially for first visiting. Tour guide, Jeremy, was excellent and enthusiastic about Alaska. If you're a first-time visitor, or short on time, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Anchorage and its modern culture. With this tour, youll enjoy the freedom to explore Portage Glacier at your own pace while also enjoying convenient round-trip transportation from Anchorage and a boat cruise to the face of the glacier. The captain Joy expertly maneuvered us really close to the glacier in hopes that it would calve (it had on the previous tour) but alas it did not. He shared a lot of information about Alaska its history and ecosystems. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. There you will be blown away by the stunning Portage Glacier view and beautiful ice formations that exist on the lake. Make sure you know where to drive to -- we had trouble finding the launch. If you are really ambitious you can hike up and then ride down. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11mi trail along the coast of Anchorage, Alaska designated for non-motorized use. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Dont let Alaskas short growing season fool you. The visitor center currently houses exhibits demonstrating glaciers on the move with insight into the retreat of Portage glacier. #Hikealaska, Muy pronto el video y el podcast con esta historia alucinante The glaciers near Anchorage are among the most accessible. Depending on your schedule, we'll stop at some of our guest favorites along the way. Explore the natural beauty of the Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and city of Anchorage on a customized full-day private tour with an informative guide. Outside of the cruise ship times, this is a very quiet area with some good view points and trails if you take the road that goes outside of town. In an area roughly the size of New Hampshire, visitors will find some of the worlds largest tidewater glaciers, diverse wildlife (including 214 species of birds), and some 200 miles (322 kilometers) of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Follow the scenic Seward Parkway through the breathtaking landscape of the Turnagain Arm waterway, stopping at Beluga Point and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge to look for wildlife. Follow the road to the right and there will be a turn-off to the Portage Glacier Lodge on the left. 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. It is close to the highway. Anchorage to Portage, Portage Glacier - 3 ways to travel via - Rome2rio The animal conservatory was very interesting and our guide explained how all the animals got there and made it so interesting, more than just going to a zoo. Get special free access to our hand-picked deals and expert insider advice delivered right to your inbox. The Alaska Zoo is a zoo located in Anchorage, Alaska located on 25acre of the Anchorage Hillside. Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. This VIP Seward Transfer is a private tour for your family or group only. We were safe and felt safe the entire time. Portage Glacier, Anchorage - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide Skip the hassle of a rental car; round-trip transportation from Anchorage is included with this tour. #vacation Enjoy a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, with over 250 acres of all the Alaska animals. Portage Glacier: Our most recommended tours and activities. Side note: the visitor center is named for Alaskas Congressman Nick Begich and Lousiana Congressman Hale Boggs who disappeared in a plane crash in 1972. Also, many passengers choose to board the train now for a direct ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview. A visit to the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road are also included. The total trail is 4 miles round trip with just over 700 feet of elevation gain in both directions. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Anchorage to Portage, Portage Glacier easy. If you have specific need to have GPS coordinates, you might call the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center for Portage Glacier, as they are likely able to provide that info to you. Then discover the best spots for restaurants and cultural attractions in Anchorage on a comprehensive city tour. A professional Alaska tour guide will tell you about the area and share . Camping sites and RV hookups in the Portage Valley Easy Activity Level. Ellos nos contaron que haba un sendero "fcil" a un lado de la cascada seca para llegar a una de las caras del Glaciar Portage, con esos pocos datos nos lanzamos a buscar el camino y el resultado fue: He explains things very clearly. #hike The glacier itself lies just beyond the end of a flat, well-maintained trail up a narrow, glacier-scoured valley south of the Portage Lake. With 25,000 objects in its collection, downtowns Anchorage Museum is also the home of the Smithsonians Arctic Studies Center. You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Anchorage. Stop for provided light snacks and water in the town of Girdwood near Mt. I would appreciate suggestions of things to do and the best way to get about in November . Portage Glacier 4.5 1,073 reviews #4 of 19 things to do in Girdwood Geologic Formations Closed now 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A popular tourist attraction. Do you need to book in advance to visit Portage Glacier? The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. 4 stunningly beautiful Philippines islands you need to visit, Anchorage to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. There are 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage, and countless ways to experience them all. Anchorage Glacier Tours | Get Up Close To A Glacier Or | ALASKA.ORG One of Alaska's most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers. Be sure to dress in layers; it can get chilly out on the water. Yes, the driving distance between Anchorage to Portage, Portage Glacier is 88 km. You can ride the gondola to the top of the ski area. You may walk out onto the ice during winter for a brisk 30 minute walk each way. Portage Glacier has retreated far enough that you can NOT see it from the visitor center. The moment you arrive in the quirky town of Portage and wind away from the water, you could be forgiven for thinking the gorgeous scenery is left behind. The restaurant operation is overseen by Reuben Gerber, who used to be chef de cuisine at the Crow's . 1. What are the nearest attractions to Portage Glacier? There were only about 10-12 passengers so was really easy to listen to the ranger and find a quiet spot to take pictures. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. The Portage Glacier Road runs 6 miles (9.7 km), mostly past USFS campgrounds, to the Begich, Boggs . Portage 2 Inbound: On the ride back from Grandview and Spencer Glacier, many guests will choose to disembark at Portage for a complimentary motorcoach transfer to Girdwood or Anchorage. 13 Must see stops between Anchorage and Seward, wildlife and glacier boat tour of Prince William Sound, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. 2023 Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour - Tripadvisor . Mathew was our tour guide. These cookies do not store any personal information. Portage Glacier Cruises - Departs Daily May-Sep - Gray Line But while the town is gone, Portage remains an important stop for the Alaska Railroad. Get up close to Portage Glacier aboard the mv Ptarmigan on a one-hour cruise. #springinalaska#alaskalife#america#usa We believe that to see Alaska, you need to walk on its ground. Anchorage (officially called the Municipality of Anchorage; Dena'ina: Dgheyay Kaq') is a unified home rule municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska, on the West Coast of the United States. It's really very pretty and interesting for those who appreciate nature. I will pick you up in Seward, and begin the tour to Anchorage. The award-winning film, Voices From the Ice is shown hourly and provides a spectacular view of many glaciers and wildlife. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Portage Glacier to Anchorage easy. We had seen glaciers from the air and day trips on a boat from both Homer and Seward. This famous stretch of water is known for its 40 foot tide changes, tidal bore waves, and its ever changing glacial silt channels that have an appearance of mud. Add the below excursion to your rail itinerary by calling Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552. There is no cell service at Portage Glacier for most people (last verified May 2023). In the winter the trail is used primarily for cross country skiing and also skijoring. Dont expect to see a town in Portage: the settlement that used to exist on the edge of Turnagain Arm was destroyed in the 1964 earthquake, when the area abruptly dropped six feet. Find the best sandwiches in Anchorage, Alaska. Entrance fees are included. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Find tickets & tours worldwide. The distance between Portage Glacier and Anchorage is 81 km. Along the way youll pass through the town of Girdwood. Anchorage has a range of hotels and . This is also a great place to stop for pizza on your way back to Anchorage at Chair 5. You may see icebergs in the lake which have broken off from the glacier and floated across the lake. Glaciers near Anchorage | Visit Anchorage #portageglacier#portagelake#portagepass Dress warm as it is quite chilly. Set out from Anchorage on an itinerary that offers many stops for photographs such as the Alaska Wildlife Conversation Center, the Seward Highway along the shores of Turnagain Arm, and Beluga Point.