The Scenic Portage Glacier

The Portage Glacier has been a very popular tourist destination in Alaska for quite some time. It is located on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska and about four miles from Whittier. Since it was  first discovered in 1898, the glacier has seen some dramatic changes. Climate changes have resulted in a lot of receding or melting of the portage as it has many other glaciers through out the world.

                                                             The Portage Glacier

Even though the Portage Glacier continues to melt, the area around it continues to be a very active vacation spot. No doubt because of the vast array of scenic beauty to behold.

One way to visit the glacier is to hike the Portage Pass Trail. This is a short hike of around a mile. You will have a great view of both the glacier and of Portage Lake.

The Begich-Boggs visitor center at Portage Lake offers a number of attractions to visitors(although the Portage Glacier is no longer visible from there). It has a glacier exhibit room with lots of interesting information about glaciers, you can also see and touch an iceberg broken off a glacier, plus the many observation decks there offer some great scenic views.

              The Portage Valley with Portage Glacier and lake in background

A cruise of Portage Lake only takes about an hour and is a great way to see the Portage Glacier up close. Many have witnessed huge chunks of ice breaking off the glacier and plunging into the sea below.

If you are considering a vacation to Alaska, consider going to see the Portage Glacier while there. In a few years it may no longer be around, and that will surely be a scenic wonder lost forever.