Portage Glacier
Witness the raw power of nature at Portage Glacier, a stunning tidewater glacier offering boat tours and scenic hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Portage Glacier
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the raw power of nature at Portage Glacier, a stunning tidewater glacier offering boat tours and scenic hikes.
"Beautiful glacier! Truly amazing. I just hope it remains for generations to come."
🚢 Book Glacier Cruise Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for an up-close glacier experience. 🎟️
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Portage Pass Trail is steep in parts. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 153 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Portage Glacier Cruise
Portage Lake
Get up close to the majestic Portage Glacier and witness icebergs calving. A truly unforgettable Alaskan experience.
Portage Pass Trail Hike
Whittier, Alaska
A rewarding 4-mile out-and-back hike with stunning panoramic views of the glacier and Passage Canal.
Portage Lake Vista
Along the highway
Catch glimpses of the glacier from the roadside, a beautiful reminder of nature's grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Glacier Views
Hiking and Wildlife Wonders
Remember to pack layers, as Alaskan weather can change rapidly, impacting your comfort and enjoyment of the trails and the glacier itself.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Glacier Cruise Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for an up-close glacier experience.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Portage Pass Trail is steep in parts. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Alaskan weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures. ☁️
📸 Capture the Calving
Witnessing ice break off is spectacular! Be patient and ready with your camera.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Glacier Cruise Early
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot for an up-close glacier experience.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The Portage Pass Trail is steep in parts. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Alaskan weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temperatures. ☁️
📸 Capture the Calving
Witnessing ice break off is spectacular! Be patient and ready with your camera.
🦢 Spot Wildlife on Trails
Keep an eye out for swans and other local fauna, especially near the top of Portage Pass. 🐦
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Portage Glacier for its stunning natural beauty and the awe-inspiring glacier cruise. Many highlight the rewarding Portage Pass Trail hike for its incredible views. While the glacier's recession is noted with concern, the overall experience is described as unforgettable and highly recommended for its raw, natural spectacle.
"Beautiful glacier! You can pull over on the highway to see it from afar, or take a boat tour for a closer view. Truly amazing. I just hope it remains for generations to come so others can experience these glaciers."
Shahbaz Salehi
"Hiked the postage pass trail today and it has to be one of my new favorites. We saw some swans in a lake near the top! Beautiful views that are SO worth the steep hike up!"
Ellee Telford
"We bought a boat tour. It was reasonably priced and took us up to Portage Glacier. You can get tickets in advance or buy at Portage Glacier Cafe which is near by. It was lovely."
zhanna sikorski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Portage Glacier is accessible by car via the Seward Highway from Anchorage, approximately a 1-hour drive. You can also take a bus tour. The drive itself offers scenic views. +1
While direct public transport is limited, many tour operators offer bus trips from Anchorage to Portage Glacier and Whittier. Renting a car provides the most flexibility.
The drive along the Seward Highway is scenic, passing by mountains and Turnagain Arm. Be aware of potential wildlife sightings.
Yes, it's possible to visit both Portage Glacier and Whittier in one day, especially if you have a car. Plan your time carefully, considering tunnel openings for Whittier.
Yes, there is parking available at the Portage Glacier Visitor Center and near the boat tour departure points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Boat tours typically cost around $49 per person, but prices can vary. Booking in advance is highly recommended as they sell out.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the Portage Glacier Cafe, located near the boat tour departure point.
Access to Portage Lake and the surrounding areas is generally free. However, specific activities like boat tours or guided hikes may have associated fees.
Boat tour operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or contact the tour operator for the most up-to-date schedule.
No, the Portage Pass Trail is a public hiking trail and does not require advance booking. However, check local conditions before you go.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a scenic boat cruise on Portage Lake for close-up glacier views, hike the Portage Pass Trail, or simply enjoy the stunning natural scenery from various viewpoints.
The boat tours typically last about 1 hour, offering a focused and impactful experience of the glacier.
The Portage Pass Trail is considered moderately challenging due to its steep sections. It's a 4-mile out-and-back hike.
Children aged 4-5 and older can typically manage the hike with some assistance. Younger children may need to be carried.
You might spot swans on the lake near the top of the Portage Pass Trail, and potentially other birds or marine life.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light often provides the best conditions for photography, offering clear skies and softer light. However, any time with good visibility can yield stunning shots.
The Portage Pass Trail offers panoramic vistas. The boat tour provides unique angles of the glacier and icebergs. Even roadside pull-offs offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, glacier calving is a dramatic event and a popular subject for photographers. Be prepared for sudden ice breaks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the glacier or wildlife.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of safety and respect any posted signs or guidelines, especially near the glacier's edge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit