If you are visiting Anchorage and want to experience a slice of Alaska without disappearing deep into the wilderness, make sure you carve out time for Portage Glacier. It is an easy day trip with a big payoff.
Here is how to make the most of your visit.
Where and What Is Portage Glacier?
Portage Glacier is about 50 miles south of Anchorage, a straight shot along the Seward Highway. It usually takes around an hour to get there, but most people take longer because the drive is packed with places you will want to pull over and admire. The glacier sits tucked behind Portage Lake, once visible from the road itself but now slightly recessed due to natural retreat.
Today, you reach it either by boat, by hiking, or by standing at strategic viewpoints. It is one of the easiest glaciers to visit without needing a long expedition.
How to Experience Portage Glacier
- Take the M/V Ptarmigan Glacier Cruise
The M/V Ptarmigan is the only boat permitted to operate on Portage Lake. It runs quick one-hour cruises that take you right up to the face of the glacier. Tours are narrated with just the right balance of facts and local stories. You can buy your ticket at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. - Visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
Even if you are not planning to get on the water, you should walk through the visitor center. Exhibits explain the formation of glaciers, local wildlife, and the dramatic history of the 1964 earthquake that reshaped this whole area. On clear days, the views across Portage Lake are postcard-perfect. - Hike the Portage Pass Trail
If you want a little more adventure, drive through the Whittier Tunnel and hike the Portage Pass Trail. It is about two miles one way. At the summit, the view opens up and you get one of the best full-frame shots of Portage Glacier you will find anywhere. Be prepared for some wind and changing weather.
A Few Local Tips to Know
- Start early if you can
Mornings are usually calmer. Winds pick up across Portage Lake later in the day, and if you are taking the boat, a still lake makes the views even better. - Always dress in layers
Anchorage might be sunny, but down at Portage it can turn misty and cool without warning. Always bring a rain jacket and an extra sweater, even if it feels silly. - Watch the drive
The trip down Turnagain Arm is a treat on its own. Keep an eye out for beluga whales during high tide and look up to spot Dall sheep scaling the cliffs near Windy Corner. - Pack food
There are no food vendors at Portage. If you are planning a longer day, pack sandwiches or snacks in advance. Whittier has a few small restaurants but expect long waits in summer.
Why Portage Glacier Stays With You
Portage Glacier is not just another pretty spot in Alaska. It is one of those places that sticks with you because of the way everything comes together. The drive along the water, the mist rolling over the lake, the sharp blue of the glacier ice — it all feels real and a little wild, even though you are not far from town.
It is also welcoming to everyone. You do not have to be an athlete or a hardcore hiker to experience it properly. Families with little kids, older visitors, and casual travelers can all find a way to enjoy it without feeling like they are compromising.
