Welcome to the trail of Blue Ice…
Portage Valley is a 14 mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of the valley. During the ice age the glaciers all combined to be one and they crawled down the Turnagain Arm all the way to Anchorage. Their depth was known to be 4,000 feet in height. So as you travel down the Seward Highway along the Turnagain Arm imagine that the Chugach Mountains range upwards of 6,000 feet. Then imagine the glaciers that were once there during the ice age. The glacial remnants seen today are Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns, and Shakespeare glaciers. While still massive in size, these glaciers stand as smaller reminders of the immense ice sheets that once covered the landscape all the way to Anchorage.
What do people come into Portage Valley to see and experience?
- The Portage Glacier Cruise
- Hike or walk the Trail of Blue Ice
- Biking
- Visit the Portage Glacier Visitors Center
- Enjoy Lunch at the Portage Glacier Lodge
Whatever you decide just know that you cannot see it all unless you plan for at least an 5 to 8 hour day in the Portage Valley. There are vendors popping up every day and so do your homework or when you visit the Portage Glacier Lodge be sure to check out the brochure rack or ask them if there are tours in the area. All that being said this is not for the fait at heart. You must be adventures and semi fit to see it all…
Portage Valley has so many tours, hiking and biking adventures it may take you two days to see it all. So please do your homework and make sure you do not miss out.
The Shuttle has convenient hourly departures from Anchorage to Portage Valley and back. And if you book an excursion in Portage ask you vendor to give you a code to get substantial discounts to get you to them. We are always happy to partner with vendors in Portage and help them pass a savings on to you.
Below is our schedule from Anchorage to the Portage Valley and back:
| Depart | Arrives |
|---|---|
| 9 am | 10:40 am |
| 10 am | 11:40 am |
| 11 am | 12:40 pm |
| Noon | 1:45 pm |
| 1:30 pm | 3:25 pm |
| 2:30 pm | 4:25 pm |
| 3:30 pm | 5:20 pm |
| Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|
| 10:40 am | 1:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 11:40 am | 2:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 12:40 pm | 3:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 1:45 pm | 3:10 pm (Does not go through the Wildlife Center) |
| 3:25 pm | 6:20 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 4:25 pm | 7:20 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 5:20 pm | 6:35 pm (Does not go through the Wildlife Center) |