I've seen many elders walk it with no problems. What is there to do in Girdwood in the winter? Watch us hike the Portage Pass Trail and spend the day in Whittier, Alaska! Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring thousands of readers every week. Just a short drive south of Anchorage, its centrally located and easily accessible by hike or day cruise. 7 Easy Boardwalk Hikes In Alaska That Offer Stunning Views, Take This Stunning Hike Through Americas Northern Most Temperate Rainforest To The Turquoise Blue Of Glacier Creek In Alaska, Hike Right Outside Of Valdez To This Turquoise Alpine Lake In Alaska, Get Close Up Views Of Byron Glacier On This Easy Family Trail In Alaska, Spot The Pink Fireweed Blooming On The Lower Dewey Lake Trail In Alaska, All Aboard The Train That Takes You To Go Hiking In The Alaskan Wilderness, Hike Alongside This Immense Icefield On This Unforgettable Trail In Alaska, Climb High Up Into The Mountain Range To See This Alpine Lake Up Close In Alaska, Eat Your Way Through This One Tiny Town In Alaska. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Take the Portage Glacier Cruise, What to bring to hike the Portage Pass Trail. This valley is the gateway to Whittier Alaska and Prince William Sound. Portage Lake at its deepest is 800ft! The hike to the glacier is about 3 mile round trip and worth every step. Girdwood has two hostels close to the mountain for the budget-minded person. Girdwood offers a diverse selection of accommodations from the budget-minded to the luxury hotel. Very easy trail and can be done with young children. 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. Originally from Wisconsin, she fell in love with travel blogging after living and teaching English in South Korea. There is one beautiful glacier that is approachable by hiking, biking, or skiing during the winter. Portage Pass Trail is located on the Whittier side of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. With some steeper climbs, youll want to stay hydrated. Most people start at the Alyeska Resort and hike to Crow Creek Parking lot. The beginning of this relatively flat trail leads from the parking lot to the glacier through lush vegetation. Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. Portage Glacier hike. Its a great place to reach if you dont have a lot of time. Will I see salmon on my Alaskan rafting trip? The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Be the first to leave a review! The weather forecast called for rain, but we lucked out with a mix of sun and clouds.You technically can hike to Portage Glacier in the winter if Portage Lake is frozen over. The hike to the glacier is about 3 mile round trip and worth every step. We're visiting our fin, Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Things to know before hiking the Portage Pass Trail, Dont want to hike? Glaciers. Click this link or use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! You can walk about 1.5 miles to see glacier. Some glaciers are also suitable to ski in the summer but are only recommended with a Guide. Inspect the nose and chose your way carefully if you choose to go beyond the roped off limits. What restaurants are near Byron Glacier Trail? After about 1.4 miles from the top of the pass, the trail will open up to give you a view of Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. easy roundtrip from the Portage Glacier parking lot, and yes, you can walk on the glacier for a little ways. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The gravel beach on Portage Lake would be a great place for a picnic lunch. Unfortunately there are no bathrooms here, but if you're a true adventurer you won' You'll see tons of animals including bald eagles, bears, moose, muskox, lynx, reindeer, and wolves! Distance (round trip): 4.2 milesElevation gain: 1,433 feetReviews & Current ConditionsNestled within a mountain on the edge of Portage Lake is the Portage Glacier. Yes, there is a hiking trail to Portage Glacier from the Whittier side of the tunnel. What hotels are near Byron Glacier Trail? The drive will take you approximately 4.5 hours. As far as seeing Portage Glacier, the only way to see it is by taking the small (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Embark on a one-hour . To view predicted Aurora Activity, visit the University of Alaska- Fairbanks Aurora Forcast, Girdwood does not have a brick and mortar visitor center. Glacier National Park's Highline Trail opens to hikers 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. As tempting as it may be to bushwack closer to the glacier, hikers who do so can destroy fragile vegetation. Soak up the sunset over Turnagain Arm on the 1.5-hour drive back to Anchorage. thanks! Love Alaska? 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. 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. It is the only fully-operational resort in Alaska that offers downhill skiing and downhill mountain biking. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. The glaciers near Anchorage are among the most accessible. Herbert Glacier Trail is an out-and-back hike thats long but easy. Once you get to the trail end, just follow the valley as it bends to the left and you will literally walk into the glacial ice caves. Can't say enough about this place a very short/flat hike in with some amazing views along the way. Portage Glacier or Exit Glaicer - Seward Forum - Tripadvisor Have you ever hiked the Portage Pass Trail In Alaska? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Follow this road, and the first parking lot on your right is the one for you. I travel a lot and I love to explore. Castner Glacier is particularly popular thanks to its striking ice cave. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world. The reward at the end is an open tundra leading to an ice cave, which is totally awesome. There are also multiple different condos with varying prices available for rent. When we visited in the summer of 2022 there was not a dedicated parking lot. We also have a digital guide at visitgirdwood.com/guide. If its a clear day, youll be able to see the nearby mountains, which have glaciers tucked into them. Located inside the Chugach National Forest, the Portage Glacier is visible by taking a boat tour or one of two hiking paths. One of the best ways to see Exit Glacier is via the Glacier Overlook Trail. After your day in Whittier, you can hop back on the train to Anchorage in the evening. Aboard the mv Ptarmigan, guests can enjoy a heated viewing cabin on cooler days or stand outside on the deck for the duration of the trip. And its a fun adventure!First, youll need to make the scenic drive along the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage. Many others choose to cross country ski out, as well! It is located right before the tunnel to Whittier. The Portage Pass Trail in Alaska is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore Alaskas backcountry. The Portage Pass hike round trip takes 3-4 hrs depending on your guides ability and how much time you spend at the lakeshore taking in the glacier views! We thankfully didnt find the mosquitoes to be that bad at all during our time in Alaska. The Portage Pass Trail in Alaska is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore Alaska's backcountry. Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center so from here, choose your own adventure to get an up-close look. There is also an Upper Winner Creek Trail that is a 9 miles hike to Twentymile River that opens into spectacular mountain views and beautiful valley vistas. 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. Nearest town: Seward Difficulty: Easy to moderate Distance: 2 miles Elevation gain: 308 feet Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. Its the only route in and out of Whittier by car or train. A large picture window overlooks the narrow outlet of Portage Lake. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! This reasonably easy hike takes you through cottonwood trees to an open vista, where you can see the ice from afar. You can either hike along the glacier's edge, and find ice caves and little streams, or you can head up to one of the ridges. Many parts of this trail have zero protection from the sun. You can see the full schedule for both directions here. Why you should go: A forested trail thats well-maintained with glacier views from across a floodplain. There are different pathways that will take you down to Portage Lakes rocky beach and right in front of you will be the impressive Portage Glacier! As soon as you leave the parking area, prepare to get a good cardio workout! Visit Exit Glacier | The Lower Trail & Harding Icefield Trail Not a bad way to spend a morning. Alaska glaciers are everywhere. You can also kayak to Portage Glacier via Portage Lake. Chugach National Forest - Home - US Forest Service The climb up the snowbank did not provide extra views beyond what can be seen at the bench area. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This is mostly flat and there is a sidewalk along the side of the road. 8 Enchanting Glacier Hikes in Alaska to Add to Your Bucket List The best time to hike the Portage Pass Trail is in the summer or early fall, when its snow free. Furry friends are allowed on the trail. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. To get back to the trailhead you will go the same way you came. Youll turn off right before the Kenai Peninsula begins to head down Portage Glacier Road. I really suggest Exit Glacier. Quickdry pants are a great way to stay cool and dry off easily. Conveniently, there are a handful of exhilarating hikes scattered around The Last Frontier, where you can marvel at the glacial ice from lookouts or up close. Girdwood is 40 miles from Anchorage and 45 miles from Ted Stevens International Airport. Well make planning your next adventure much easier! YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. In the Winter, people walk and ski to Portage Glacier. Experience Portage Glacier in Alaska - Gray Line Alaska From Denali to Seward-overnight in Anchorage or not? With a state thats as big and as diverse geographically as Texas, you wont be disappointed with the hiking options. One of which being the Portage Pass trail! " James Jackson OpenMapTiles OSM 4.4 Miles Out and Back 738' High 54' Low 934' Up 933' Glaciers have shaped the Anchorage area for thousands of . It is over six miles long, but it used to be much, much longer. From Anchorage, Portage Glacier is just a short drive south. Just outside of Anchorage you can hike with us to Portage Pass or the Byron Glacier Trail to get amazing mountain and glacier views. The moderate trail is a favorite for many hikers and guests heading to the Granite . Scientist Thomas Mendenhall gave the glacier its current name in 1898. There is plenty of parking at the trail head. See whats available in Girdwood for rent at Visit Girdwood. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Five Glaciers You Can Drive to in Alaska - RV Alaska Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". Its about a one hour hike total time. Lower Winner Creek Trail is approximately 3.5 miles one-way and 7 miles round-trip. Byron Glacier Trail | Hike to Glacier Views in Portage Valley spread out throughout the state especially in the areas outside of towns. We have seen some cool things in the past along this section - moose tra Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound, Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. We all actually walked-up in the glacier for about half way to the top and had lots of fun. I would suggest to do that as well as walk to the face of Exit, which doesn't take too long, as both are different experiences. The glacier has a little cave formed. Amazing hike to the glacier. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Instead, hikers can marvel at the beauty of Raven Glacier about 4 miles into the Crow Pass hike from the Girdwood side. Turn onto Portage Valley Road and go approximately 5 miles to the end. Pin this hiking guide to help plan your trip! 907-382-1050. . 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. Specifically, both black bears and grizzly bears, with grizzlies being the more aggressive of the two. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Donations for the Girdwood Valley Transportation bus are highly encouraged. Aboard the. In fact, going on a glacier cruise or taking to the skies on an aircraft tour is undoubtedly one of the most exciting experiences to have in Alaska. The glacier descends through the surrounding mountains, nearly reaching the trail. 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. The slower pace of the Girdwood compared to Anchorage is worth the stay. Get more stories delivered right to your email. In fact, there are 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Girdwood offers a diverse selection of accommodations from the budget-minded to the luxury hotel. If she is mobile you may want to walk with her at times, but the trail is not a black top or graveled packed trail. Whatever route you choose, its sure to be an unforgettable experience! However, if you choose this method, youll have to walk an additional 1.3 miles each way from the train station to the trailhead. Before embarking on a glacier hike in Alaska, its necessary to prepare with essential safety tips. Be wary of getting too close to the face of the glacier, as this is an actively calving glacier. There are hiking, biking and skiing trails throughout the community. This train leaves from Anchorage in the morning and arrives in time for a full day exploring Whittier, whether that is a cruise on the Prince William Sound or hiking the Portage Pass trail. 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? Why you should go: A private hiking experience thats accessible only by guided tour where you can see glacial ice up close. Alaska has world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding and nordic skiing. Portage Glacier is located in Chugach National Forest, and is bordered by Portage Lake. In fact, Alaska has more than 100,000 glaciers. With a film shown hourly, the exhibits cater to adults and children, providing fun insights into the glacier and the surrounding areas. If you havent heard, the common joke is that the state bird of Alaska is the mosquito. Despite being now open to both cars and trains, it is only one lane, so cars and trains take turns going through in one direction. Layers, layers and waterproof layers. Best reached via the unmaintained and unmarked Castner Glacier Trail, this moderate hike is best for those with a bit of hiking experience and good physical fitness. Your guide will have bear spray and an air horn to keep you safe in the Alaskan wilderness. But here are a few items we really want to stress bringing with you on the Portage Pass trail. 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 trail is relatively flat other than a small climb on the way to the Exit Glacier Overlook. Although situated in one of the coldest parts of Alaska, Castner Glacier is a natural landmark worth seeing. 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. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Would you recommend doing it? See our Winter Activities. Chugach National Forest - Portage Glacier & Portage Valley The highest activity is in the early morning hours and Hotel Alyeska will offer wake-up calls as requested. 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). Boise offers dozens of hiking trails accessible from the city itself, and hundreds more in the nearby Boise National Forest. Along the Portage Road, there are several glaciers with short easy hikes to the base of the mountains from which they flow down. It is a short hike and we could say we actually walked on a glacier. The beautiful Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers and is only about 50 miles from downtown Anchorage. Girdwoods Population is approximately 2500. Exit Glacier is a famous landmark in Alaska, thanks to its easily accessible location in Kenai Fjords National Park. June 26, 2023 Hiking It was a gray and wet day so the trail had some muddy spots and lots of parts where you needed to go from rock to rock because of so much water, but it was a great hike and as foggy as it was out, we were still able to see the glacier very clearly when we got to Portage Lake.
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