Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier
4.5
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BrewskiTraveler
Singapore, Singapore41 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
We hiked to Portage Glacier fairly early in the morning to beat the crowd and heat. Also parking can be difficult if you go later.
The first mile up to Portage Pass was a bit steep and slippery with gravel. Better to go with hiking shoes and trekking poles. The view of the Glacier and the surrounding area was breathtaking. There are a few benches for hikers to rest. From here it was all down hill to Portage Lake.
It's a pretty long and winding hike down and the view of the Glacier from the lake is not really worth the long trek.
So if you are short on time just turn back at the top of Portage Pass. That's the best view in my opinion.
But hiking down to the lake is its own reward if you are up for it.
The first mile up to Portage Pass was a bit steep and slippery with gravel. Better to go with hiking shoes and trekking poles. The view of the Glacier and the surrounding area was breathtaking. There are a few benches for hikers to rest. From here it was all down hill to Portage Lake.
It's a pretty long and winding hike down and the view of the Glacier from the lake is not really worth the long trek.
So if you are short on time just turn back at the top of Portage Pass. That's the best view in my opinion.
But hiking down to the lake is its own reward if you are up for it.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
becky h
Omaha, NE121 contributions
Mar 2020
Going out on a frozen lake and walking to a glacier would be so amazing. I saw a receding glacier at the other end of the lake and thought Portage Glacier looked pretty sad but I'm glad I kept walking because you have to walk/ski/bike a few miles and turn around the mountain to the right to see Portage glacier. I am not one who feels comfortable on ice but felt with bikes on the ice I should be okay. I did pause to take a picture and heard a sound and saw a crack form in the snow on top of the ice. I was nervous most of the time but it was great. Someone did send me a video of the glacier calving two weeks later and busting up the ice and making the ice ripple. Do not get too close and know that it calves all year long. This was my favorite day trip from this visit.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave Skis
9 contributions
Jun 2023
This boat trip was part of a 1/2 day tour that included transport from Anchorage and stopped first at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It was a cold day with sporadic rain but the main level is enclosed and heated (and has bathrooms) so very pleasant. Its on a lake so we didn't notice any boat rocking. The Capitan, Jan, even backed the boat up when a black bear was spotted so everyone could have a better view.
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip E
Scottsbluff, NE9 contributions
Jun 2022
Girdwood is primarily a winter resort but there is still plenty to do in the summer. You can ride the gondola to the top of the ski area. You have options too, you can hike back down or ride back down. If you are really ambitious you can hike up and then ride down. They also opened a chair lift this year to ride on. I also rode bicycle on the Bird to Gird trail. There are several bicycle rentals around. I went to Portage Lake and rode the MV Ptarmigan to the Portage Glacier and back. It is a very scenic boat trip and the glacier is awesome. It costs $45 per person for a one hour trip.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ItchyFeet
Camarillo, CA11,328 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We took the Portage Glacier cruise toward the end of our two week Alaska trip last week (8/18). We had seen glaciers from the air and day trips on a boat from both Homer and Seward. For those who do not like small planes / helicopters or longer boat rides this is a great option to see a glacier without having to experience the motion sickness of the ocean or a long trip.
This is a one hour ranger guided boat cruise on a large boat with the indoor downstairs seating area and the top deck having open air where you can get better views but also exposed to the elements like the rain. It rained the entire time we were in Alaska including this trip but you should expect that when you go to Alaska in August. Dress for rain and layers ; it was our coldest day in 2 weeks and winter was starting to arrive with the foliage colors.
Downstairs is where the Ranger talks on the microphone but you can hear clearly upstairs as well which was our preferred location for the open air and to take photos.
It’s a quick one hour cruise to see the glacier and some small icebergs that are right in front of the glacier.
You can also see, if you’re lucky, white mountain goats high on the hills surrounding the lake.
There are two large restrooms downstairs; the boat is very comfortable and smooth and we would suggest this cruise for anyone including people that were mobility challenged since you can stay downstairs and still see and hear everything.
This is a one hour ranger guided boat cruise on a large boat with the indoor downstairs seating area and the top deck having open air where you can get better views but also exposed to the elements like the rain. It rained the entire time we were in Alaska including this trip but you should expect that when you go to Alaska in August. Dress for rain and layers ; it was our coldest day in 2 weeks and winter was starting to arrive with the foliage colors.
Downstairs is where the Ranger talks on the microphone but you can hear clearly upstairs as well which was our preferred location for the open air and to take photos.
It’s a quick one hour cruise to see the glacier and some small icebergs that are right in front of the glacier.
You can also see, if you’re lucky, white mountain goats high on the hills surrounding the lake.
There are two large restrooms downstairs; the boat is very comfortable and smooth and we would suggest this cruise for anyone including people that were mobility challenged since you can stay downstairs and still see and hear everything.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ohiowanderer
Columbus OH1,122 contributions
Jul 2021
We are pleased we did this detour off the Seward Highway. The Visitors Center on the lake is excellent and the relief map helps you understand the enormity of the area. Instead of the boat trip, we drove through the Whittier Tunnel and did the Portage Pass hike which brings you to Portage Lake, a pretty glacial blue, and a lovely view of the glacier. While we were eating lunch at the lake, a big iceberg in front of us rolled over and drifted to the left. We could also hear, but not see, the glacier calving. A recommended trip for sure.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
srobby
Pennsylvania421 contributions
Jul 2021
The Portgage glacier sight gives you a chance to see multiple glaciers for one viewing area. They have a wonderful gift shop and cafe and a chance to get tickets to ride a ferry boat which gives you a chance to view the Portage Glacier which is only viewable from the boat. Four other glaciers are viewable from the visitor center. There are also great hiking trails along the Portage glacier road from the Seward Highway to Whitney.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seekingwarmerclimes
Anchorage, AK105 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Portage Glacier is awesome but you can’t see it from the visitors center or really even the road. You need to boat out or hike over the pass from Whittier. You can’t do those things in the winter, though, so you’re only option is to walk out on the lake ice which is really dangerous and shouldn’t be done by anyone but the most knowledgeable local experts. So anyway, the place is awesome in the summertime but really quite limited in the winter time (the visitors center is also closed in the winter).
Written February 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Secret Agent Man
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Situated about an hour away South from the main city of Anchorage, if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is definitely a route to take. On the way here we stopped off at Potters Marsh which offers a mini trail to walk. Then stopped over at birds point. The great part of this trip is that they have multiple areas where you can pull over and take in the scenery. Not too mention there were a couple of waterfalls near the shoulder lanes which you could pull over and interact with.
Upon arriving to our destination, there is an observatory centrally located near the boardwalk where you can see the blue ice. The waters are pristine and gorgeous, also very cold. Ample parking for visitors and a lovely place to take great photos. May want to anticipate brining a coat with you. Other than that, very lovely trip filled with new memories.
Upon arriving to our destination, there is an observatory centrally located near the boardwalk where you can see the blue ice. The waters are pristine and gorgeous, also very cold. Ample parking for visitors and a lovely place to take great photos. May want to anticipate brining a coat with you. Other than that, very lovely trip filled with new memories.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Artem K
Yelizovo, Russia14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We were fortunate enough to visit it on a cloudy day. I believe that was the perfect condition for capturing the glacier's bluish color. We booked this tour in Anchorage, which included the Alaska wildlife conservation center, Girdwood, and Alyeska resort. All of these places are worth visiting, but the glacier is truly a gem. The entire day's experience was unforgettable. As our boat approached the glacier, a massive chunk of ice calved into the water with a resounding splash. It served as a somber reminder of the glacier's ongoing recession. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the glacier is rapidly diminishing. Around a hundred years ago, the glacier occupied the entire valley. Just 30 years ago, it could be seen from the visitor center. Today, we must take a boat ride across the lake to reach it
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the price of the tour?
Written December 18, 2019
do you need canadian visa to go from anchorage to portage glacier... whittier.
i only have my USA visa. thats why im flying from seattle to anchorage. cant take any cruise without canadian visa
thnks
Written July 9, 2019
Hi everyone,
We are arriving in Anchorage mid November .
I would appreciate suggestions of things to do and the best way to get about in November . Would really like to see the glaciers and northern lights.
Thanks for your help in advance
We are really looking forward to seeing your beautiful country.
James
Written November 10, 2018
I got to see about 14 glaciers on oneAlaskan Railroad ride. They offer different rides so can read on line to see which one would work best for you.
Written November 10, 2018
Hello, I'm going to Alaska April 29-May 6, 2018. Does anyone know what the glacier is like around this time or if it's open or if there are tours available? Thanks!
Written March 7, 2018
I’d advise you to call them
And ask? It’s not the sEason and I’d say they are not. But definitely not sure
If they are it’s so worth it!
Written April 13, 2018
What is the address for GPS? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
Written July 24, 2017
I do not have the GPS coordinates, but you cannot miss it. Head out of Anchorage on Seward Hwy down Turnagain Arm. The turn is roughly 2/3 the way to Seward and is well marked. The road is the first turn past the road to Girdwood. 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.
Written July 24, 2017
Gerard V
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Does this tour usually sell out? We would like to buy tickets when we get there so we can use a discount coupon instead of making reservations over the phone. We are coming up around Sept 7th.
Written March 26, 2017
That is a very hard question to answer. There are so many factors to consider, such as the weather. They are having a harsh winter this year. I would book in advance to be sure, but call the company for their read on it.
Written March 27, 2017
Disculpe como puedo realizar una reservacion para el tour en Portage Glacier, para dos personas para el dia 4 de noviembre del 2016?
Written October 26, 2016
I am very sorry, didnt see your question. Hope you had a great time there. Best regards, Anita
Written February 13, 2017
Hello,
I checked the weather is 53-70 for June but look like it will be much colder on the glacier tour. Should i brought thicker jackets with ear mugs and mittens ? Thank you.
Jean
Written June 22, 2016
l like cold weather so I didn't bring a hat. I did have gloves and I am glad I did. 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. Enjoy it. The flowers are gorgeous in the area right now.
Written June 23, 2016
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