Get out of the city of Anchorage and take the Turnagain Arm Shuttle to the Portage Glacier Lodge. This self-guided Portage Glacier adventure is truly idea for the independent traveler. Your shuttle will take you directly to Portage Glacier Lodge at Portage Valley where you can enjoy a meal and enjoy stunning hiking trails like the Trail of Blue Ice and Byron Glacier Trail.
This self-guided Portage Valley Tour allows you freedom to break away from tour groups and explore on your own and return at appointed return times from Portage Lodge. You must make sure you plan accordingly so that you arrive at the Portage Lodge with ample time to explore. This self-guided tour is not for the faint at heart as you will be out in the wilderness exploring on your own. This means you will need to dress appropriately and plan your day ahead of time. Read up on all that Portage Valley has to offer.
What You Can Expect
Your journey to the Portage Valley begins with a custom tour of the Turnagain Arm and it is a treat you won’t want to miss. On the way to the Portage Valley you will be traveling down Alaska’s most scenic stretch of highway known as Turnagain Arm. Your adventure includes a Turnagain Arm Tour with highlights listed below.
HIGHLIGHTS
Beluga Point
Popular photo stop with panoramic views of Turnagain Arm. Possible opportunities to see Dall sheep and Beluga whales. Beluga whales are often sited during later part of July through August when the salmon are spawning in the area streams.
Portage Valley
Enjoy breathtaking views of Explorer Glacier which overlooks a serene lake. Then it is on to the next stop for a 10 minute walk into a rainforest that leads to an overlook looking down on Portage Lake and its many glaciers that surround it. Here you will leave the group and continue to the Portage Lodge to purchase you cruise ticket and get directions down to the boat. Remember you will be on your own and it is a beautiful walk. If you have time prior to the cruise you may want to hike the Byron Glacier trail. It takes 20 minutes to get to the end of the trail, 20 minutes to gawk and 20 minutes to get back off the trail. From the trail head it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the cruise departure point. The trail can be enjoyed prior or after your cruise.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS TO ENJOY WITH PROPER PLANNING
Portage Glacier Lodge
Built in 1956 and features a cafeteria style restaurant and gift ship. It is family run and is the only place to eat in the valley. If you plan to explore the valley you may want to grab a bite before or after. Closing is at 5 pm so plan accordingly. Please do not take food on any of your adventures around the area as it will attract unwanted attention from wildlife. Most people bring along bells that jingle or talk to their partner so animals are not snuck up on. Nobody likes to be spooked. They will not bother you if you don’t encourage them.
Portage Glacier Cruise
Portage Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions and the closest glacier to Anchorage that offers a cruise. The Glacier has sheer awe inspiring ice that if you’re lucky will fracture and you can witness ice break off and crash into the water. Departures: 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm. Click here for more information
The Trail of Blue Ice
Trail of Blue Ice is a 7.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near in the Portage Valley that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and road biking and is best used from May until September.
Byron Glacier
Byron Glacier trailhead is near Portage Lake and from the trail head to the viewing point is approximately 0.8 miles. The walk along the trail is well groomed and mostly flat with some small hills. When you reach the viewing area you will find benches to rest before you head back. We usually say its 20 minutes to walk, 20 minutes to gawk and 20 minutes to get back. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and plan for the weather.
Begich Boggs Visitor Center
The visitor center is on Portage Lake and has observation decks and telescopes. Prior to the Portage Glacier retreat it would offer great views of Portage Glacier but now you have to take the cruise to see the glacier. Inside the center are interpretive displays of wildlife and an excellent movie. All this can be seen for a nominal fee or if you have a park pass it is FREE.
Price: $49.50 each way or $99 roundtrip
Included: Round-trip shuttle service with a tour of Turnagain Arm with pick up and drop offs at appointed locations.
Excluded: Any cost of activities found along the way are an add-on paid by you.
OFFERS THREE DEPARTURES DAILY
Please plan accordingly as you will notice each time you choose allows for a limited amount of time at Portage Valley. So if you have plans to take in the other highlights above please choose a departure time that allows you to take in all the attractions you want to visit. Departure times are 10 am, 11 am and Noon.
Leaves Anchorage Downtown Visitors Center: 10 am
Arrives Portage: 11:40 a.m. (Allows for 5.5 hours at the Portage Valley)
Depart Portage back to Anchorage from the Portage Glacier Lodge: 5:20 pm
Arrive Anchorage: 6:35 pm
Duration: 8.5
Leaves Anchorage Downtown Visitors Center: 11 am
Arrives Portage: 12:40 a.m. (Allows for 4.5 hours at the Portage Valley)
Depart Portage back to Anchorage from the Portage Glacier Lodge: 5:20 pm
Arrive Anchorage: 6:35 pm
Duration: 7.5
Leaves Anchorage Downtown Visitors Center: Noon
Arrives Portage: 1:45 pm. (Allows for 3.5 hours at the Portage Valley)
Depart Portage back to Anchorage from the Portage Glacier Lodge: 5:20 pm
Arrive Anchorage: 6:35 pm
Duration: 6.5 (Perfect for those wanting to take the cruise then hike the Byron Trail)