Portage Sightseeing

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Traveling from Girdwood to Portage is a short but beautiful trip that lets you experience stunning views of Alaska's wilderness, glaciers, and rich landscapes. Here’s a detailed guide for this journey.​

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Starting Point: Girdwood

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Start your journey in Girdwood, a charming town famous for its ski resort and scenery.​

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The Seward Highway (Girdwood to Portage Glacier Road)

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This portion of the Seward Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway and offers breathtaking views. The highway is lined with towering mountains, lush forests, and views of Turnagain Arm, a unique waterway known for its tides and potential for spotting wildlife.

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​Portage Glacier Road Turnoff

 

After about 10 miles on the Seward Highway, you’ll reach the Portage Glacier Road turnoff on your left. Take this road toward Portage Valley, where you’re greeted by stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, rivers, and glaciers. This road leads into the heart of Portage Valley and offers multiple opportunities for scenic stops, short hikes, and even a chance to learn more about the area’s natural history.

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Exploring Portage Valley

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1. Portage Valley Viewing Sites

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• Explorer Glacier: One of the first glaciers you’ll spot from Portage Glacier Road, Explorer Glacier is viewable from a few roadside pullouts. It’s an ideal place to stop for a quick photo of this accessible hanging glacier.

• Scenic Views and Wildlife: Portage Valley is home to beavers, moose, and black bears, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive. Various viewing platforms allow you to stop and appreciate the pristine landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams.

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2. Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

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• About halfway down Portage Glacier Road, you’ll find the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, a key stop to learn more about the valley’s glaciers and ecosystems. The center offers interactive exhibits, short films about the area’s glacial history, and guided information about local wildlife. For a nominal fee, you can also watch a short film called Voices from the Ice, which provides insights into Portage Glacier's formation and its impact on the region.

• Portage Lake: Just outside the visitor center is Portage Lake, a glacial lake where you can view floating icebergs and, on a clear day, the face of Portage Glacier from a distance.

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3. Portage Glacier Cruises

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• Near the visitor center, you’ll find Portage Glacier Cruises, which offers a 1-hour boat tour on Portage Lake to the face of Portage Glacier. The cruise gives you an up-close experience of the glacier and surrounding landscape, along with narration about the glacier’s history, geology, and ecology. This is a popular activity, especially in summer, as the boat brings you as close as possible to the glacier.

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4. Hiking Trails in Portage Valley (optional)

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• Trail of Blue Ice: A 5-mile, family-friendly trail through the forest that connects several viewing spots and scenic areas. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible for all skill levels, and offers beautiful views of the valley, small streams, and occasional wildlife sightings.

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• Byron Glacier Trail: A short, 1.4-mile hike that takes you close to Byron Glacier, one of the few glaciers you can safely approach on foot. The trail winds through a beautiful glacial valley, surrounded by rugged peaks, and ends at a viewpoint where you can see the glacier up close. Be cautious, as snowfields can linger into early summer.

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Additional Stops in Portage Valley

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• Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform: Just off Portage Glacier Road, this spot offers a chance to see salmon spawning in late summer. Interpretive signs at the platform provide information about the salmon life cycle, and the viewing area gives you a close-up look at the fish as they swim upstream.

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Summary

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This drive offers a fantastic opportunity to see multiple glaciers, explore scenic trails, and learn about Alaska's natural wonders. Portage Valley is a natural gem, making the short journey from Girdwood worthwhile for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Alaska’s glacial landscapes.

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