how long is the hike to portage glacier

Was that really just a couple of weeks ago? If youre looking for a reason to travel through the tunnel to Whittier, this is it. The upper valley is rugged and rawwith silt-blackened debris covering iceoffering an austere feel for authentic glacial terrain, as though you were on an adventure deep in Alaskas coastal backcountry. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Section 17.38.035. Is Portage Glacier worth visiting? Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip to glacier. This is the best and cheapest option. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Please remember to bring hiking boots, water and dress for changing weather! The hike is approximatelytwo mile in length, one way (four miles roundtrip). Its shallow, and I didnt find it to be very good for photographic reflections. A remnant of Byron lies buried beneath a large rock glacier of boulders and silt, rising above the creek and blocking a view of the upper valley. While at the lake, I met a hiker who said another member of her group had stripped down and swam out to one of these glaciers. [33][36] It was possible for boats to travel through the valley by using the Passage Canal and the creek up until 1913. Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the head of Turnagain Arm. Distance 1 miles Elevation Gain 100 ft. The designation then shifts from Portage Lake Loop Road to Byron Glacier Road, which proceeds southward past low-lying marshland along Portage Lake. Pre-cast panels were laid where the tracks had been, before the old rail was put back and secured to the panels. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Begich Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Lake is 55 miles south of Anchorage and Portage Pass Trail in Whittier is 60 miles south of Anchorage. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Fifty miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway is the turnoff to Portage Glacier and Whittier. Most people start at the Alyeska Resort and hike to Crow Creek Parking lot. [53] Carl S. Armbrister, the Director of the Office of Planning and Program Development for the Federal Highway Administration's 10th Region and head of the project was sued by several environmental agencies and tourism groups, headed by the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE). Potential to camp higher up on a ridge. A temporary bridge was built over Portage Creek so that the tunnel could be constructed. Driving the Seward Highway: Best Things to Do, Map, & Photos At the end of the trail, you can look straight across the lake for a great view of Portage Glacier, and plenty of tiny icebergs between here and there. There you will be blown away by the stunning Portage Glacier view and beautiful ice formations that exist on the lake. The tunnel is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:15p.m. during summer months, and from 7:00a.m. to 10:45p.m. during winter months. Supplies were received behind schedule, mainly due to the war. Continue south on the road as it curves around the lake toward the mountains. Can you hike to Portage Glacier? You can get Alaskan salmon here! When conditions are right, this becomes a very popular hike. Portage Glacier is located 50 miles south of Anchorage. . At its best, you can paddle in a t-shirt and shorts, stopping for a lunch break swim on a sandy beach. There is no cell service at Portage Glacier for most people (last verified May 2023). The town government also approved of several long-term changes to the city that would begin after the road was opened, including a second harbor, a bicycle trail, a new sidewalk system, and shopping center. . [61][63] Following expansion of the tunnel, one of the first steps the crews took was to demolish the existing entrance portals. The massive 1964 earthquake dropped the land 6-10 feet, flooding Portage with saltwater, but you can still see ruins of the old Portage Garage, along with a ghost forest of dead spruce trees. The Alaska Railroads Portage train station is directly across the road, and they offer a special Rail and Wildlife Day Trip ($175 pp) that includes a visit to AWCC and a train ride to the scenic Grandview region. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 47 min to complete. Supervisor's Office This diagram illustrates the retreat of both Portage and Burns Glaciers over the last century. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Depending on the weather, you may be able to see some of these chunks of ice sticking out of the lake below. Google Maps Apple Maps The Portage Pass Trail near Whittier is a stunning moderate hike that goes over Portage Pass and leads to Portage Lake. Car, train, or group tour. How far is Portage Glacier From Anchorage? The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. The Guide to Portage Pass Trail, Alaska | 10Adventures Best Day Trips from Anchorage - Why Portage Glacier is Amazing? These chunks of ice are like mini-sculptures, constantly changing as they bob in the (only slightly warmer) water. [38] The U.S. Army hired the West Construction Company of Boston, Massachusetts, to assist in the construction of the future railroad's two tunnels. The highway passes through a low-lying wetland before reentering forest and providing access to the Alder Pond Day Use area and the Portage Valley RV park. Once you exit the tunnel, take the first turn to the right it is marked with a trailhead sign. Elevation gain: 100 ft. Insane views. After about 1.2 miles (1.9km), the roadway intersects a small gravel road that leads to the Moose Flats Day Use area, which has access to several scenic hiking trails. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. [30] The average passenger vehicle toll cost per mile is $39.42, while the average per-mile vehicle price for trucks is $39.52. Those days have passed. How long is the Portage Glacier hike? Whittier's location made it a large tourist location, and after the military pullout, travel to Whittier grew massively. Portage Pass Trail, hike to Portage Glacier, Whittier This nonprofit game farm for orphaned and injured Alaskan animals houses brown and black bears, wood bison, moose, elk, musk oxen, Sitka black-tailed deer, lynx, caribou, coyotes, bald eagles, and even Snickers the famous (on YouTube at least) porcupine. [61], Despite the conditions, the crews were forced to do much of the work during the winter, since the project had to adjust to the train schedule. [33][35] Russian fur traders and early settlers continued to use the valley, establishing a trail along the creek and the Portage and Burns glaciers. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. How to hike the Portage Pass Trail in Whittier, Alaska - Adventures of A+K [2][8] During spring and autumn, migrating species of ducks, geese, swans, and cranes can be seen throughout the region. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. After winding down through the brush, the trail pops out onto a gravel embankment. The black, tiny, thread-like ice worms can be found on the lower slopes of exposed ice, concentrated on the glaciers algae-strewn dirty surface. It's an easy-to-moderate trail that takes you up to a beautiful pass, then down the other side to Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. If you feel particularly adventurous, zigzag your way through the tortured landscape to the left of the pass. Near milepost 4 is the Williwaw fish viewing observation deck, which allows travelers to view spawning salmon in July through September. As of 2016, the tunnel toll was $13 for an average-size car. . 18 reviews #4 of 15 things to do in Whittier Hiking Trails Visit website Write a review What people are saying " Passover and out " Jul 2022 Highly recommend spur trail to east at summit for best views. The bridge, which is just 83 feet (25m) long,[11] spans over Placer Creek, the smaller of the two creeks feeding Portage Lake. It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. FAQ: How Long To Hike Alyeska Trail? - Blog about beautiful and The trail was usable until 1939, due to the continuous recession of the Portage Glacier. Yes, there is a hiking trail to Portage Glacier from the Whittier side of the tunnel. [2] Past milepost 6 is a turnout for the Byron Glacier and Portage Lake. Once they were destroyed, the existing rail was removed in sections. Whittier, one of the wettest places in Alaska, often lies under lots of clouds, which makes for potentially hypothermic conditions. You can still see the glacier by boat, but to see it by foot, you have to hike the length of Portage Pass Trail. Visit Whitter village nearby there is a marina, and several cafes. One of the best reasons to pay for a trip through the tunnel to Whittier is to hike the Portage Pass Trail. When you climb the last few steps into the narrow gap between those two towers, youve reached the passa mere 800-or-so feet above sea level. This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Most likely, there will be a cruise ship parked at Whittiers terminal. [21] Running parallel to the Alaska Railroad line, the route - now named West Camp Road - continues between the Passage Canal and several mountains for approximately 0.5 miles (0.80km). Fortunately, this excursion makes for a fine family outing. ) or https:// means you've safely My dog found all the people and other dogs a little over-stimulating and Ihad to leash him. Probably one of the best bang-for-your buck hikes I've ever been on. It will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. Anchorage to Portage Glacier (Distance from Anchorage to Portage Glacier - 60 miles) Girdwood to Portage Glacier (25 miles) We drove from Anchorage to Begich Boggs Visitor Center in just about 1 hour and were quickly on our way into this frozen white wasteland. Alaska was declared a vulnerable attack target, as was the existing railroad connecting Anchorage and Seward. Keep in mind that traffic passes through the Anton Anderson Tunnel at :30 past the hour (inbound into Whittier) and on the hour (outbound to Anchorage), so plan your arrival and departure times accordingly. [49], In 1993, the AkDOT&PF finally initiated the study for the alternative transportation system to Whittier. Portage Pass Trail (Whittier) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) Portage Glacier is at the far end of the lake, just around a slight bend. [40][42], The Kiewit Construction Company, based in Omaha, Nebraska, was awarded the contract for phase two, redesigning the Anton Anderson Tunnel. [13], The tunnel can accommodate either eastbound traffic, westbound traffic, or the Alaska Railroad but only one at any given time. The trail itself is about 1.5 hours round-trip. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Explore and book active vacations in over 80 countries. The Portage Glacier, in south-central Alaska, is viewed by thousands of visitors annually who come to the U.S. Forest Service Begich, Boggs Visitor Center located on the road system between Anchorage and Whittier, Alaska. You will be surrounded by lush greenery and bushes almost all the way to the pass. Enjoy the ice crashing into Portage Lake as you experience the wonderful natural phenomenon of glacial ice carving. By car - If you have your own car, you can drive to Portage Glacier in less than an hour and a half. The highway is made up of a series of roads, bridges, and tunnels that connect the Portage Glacier area of the Chugach National Forest and the city of Whittier to the Seward Highway. The main portion of the highway traveling from the western terminus to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Lake is designated as National Forest Highway 35 by the United States Forest Service (USFS). The gravel beach on Portage Lake would be a great place for a picnic lunch. A large amount of glacier is actually underwater in Portage Lake, more than 100 feet deep. Im also fairly certain that theres a nice waterfall up there. From there the trail decends down past Divide Lake and ends at Portage Lake. By the end of 1941, workers had tunneled more than 170 feet (52m) into Maynard Mountain. Our Portage Glacier Raft and Hike Tour offers views of the closest glaciers to Anchorage in the Chugach National Forest. Thinking a lot about Zion this time of year. The entrance portals are designed to withstand the force of an avalanche. At Williwaw Campground, the 1.25-mile Williwaw Nature Trail provides an easy introduction to the area, and Trail of the Blue Ice continues to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. It is a great hike that rewards you with a view of Portage Glacier; in fact, it is the only establishedtrail with a view of Portage Glacier! Any vehicles owned or operated by any state government agency or school district pay $11. A Century of Retreat at Portage Glacier, South-Central Alaska Its fun to have an impromptu snowball fight in snowfields left over from winter avalanches, or take one of the multiple side trails that will lead you to the edge of the valley where bouldering opportunities abound. Carry on until you pass the Whittier Tunnel and take the first turn on your right. The ACE appealed the decision and the case went to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. [42][59] The final part of the phase was replacing the temporary bridge over Portage Creek. The hike offers even more marvels, and few difficulties. The monthly and yearly counts are taken at the entrance to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Improve this listing The cost of construction was reevaluated to be around $60 million, and the project was planned to begin in March 1997. This 2-mile-long (4 roundtrip), family-friendly trail, which begins 90 minutes south of Anchorage at the far end of the Whittier Tunnel, remains the only easy way to see Portage Glacier on foot. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The view at the pass (907) 743-9500 Portage Highway heads east from here to Portage Glacier before passing through a long tunnel and ending at the town of Whittier. Kiewit claims that workers had to deal with "winds of more than 120 mph, minus 40 degree temperatures and snow up to 43 feet deep" and wind chills that would drop to around 80F (62C). These systems control the timing of vehicles entering the tunnel, spacing them for safety, and lower railroad gates when a train is approaching. Two hikes are within walking distance of the visitors center. Parts of the route were first constructed in the early 1900s, and the entire highway was completed on June 7, 2000, as part of the Whittier Access Project. Hike to View Portage Pass - Review of Portage Glacier, Girdwood, AK All the while you continue hiking steadily toward two stone towers rising against the sky in the pass above. A group of three of them chained themselves together in the middle of the road in an attempt to block traffic, while another group of about twenty hung banners and waved signs. In order to get right up to the glacier, Portage Lake needs to be completely frozen over. It's a conservation center so they have a great mission. The final party to attempt to use the trail that year was forced to climb 3,000 feet (914m) up the Portage Shoulder to avoid the drop-offs and crevasses that had formed along the trail.[37]. [31] The tunnel is operated on a strict time schedule, with vehicles being allowed in for 15 minutes from each direction before alternating to the other. Its only about a 20 minute hike up, and then you could spend an hour or two exploring the area and soaking in the view. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. BOOK NOW. Trains ran daily during the summer, so work was restricted to about nine-hour shifts during the night. Alaska's Portage Glacier This page is not available in other languages. United States government. Question: How Long To Hike Portage Pass Trail - BikeHike About Getting There Photos Why Take This Hike This 2-mile-long (4 roundtrip), family-friendly trail, which begins 90 minutes south of Anchorage at the far end of the Whittier Tunnel, remains the only easy way to see Portage Glacier on foot. Portage Highway is a six-mile access road through scenic Portage Valley to Portage Glacier. Chugach National Forest - Home - US Forest Service It was amazing last January. Its an easy-to-moderate trail that takes you up to a beautiful pass, then down the other side to Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. [Railway Gazette International September 2015 pg55, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe, "Alaska Forest Highway Route Descriptions", "FH-35, Portage Glacier and Portage Loop", "Gen-Sets Provide Standby Support For Nation's Longest Vehicle Tunnel", "The Whittier Access Project: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel", "Whittier Tunnel, Transportation & Public Facilities, State of Alaska", "Whittier Tunnel, Transportation & Public Facilities, State of Alaska: Schedules and Hours of Operation", "Overview Map of Portage Glacier Highway", "National Highway system (NHS) Route List", "The National Highway System: A Commitment to America's Future", "Benefits abound for late-season camping", "Non-Interstate System Toll Bridges and Tunnels in the United States", "Building the Road to Whittier in Alaska", "The Whittier Access Project State of the Art Engineering for Alaska", "The Whittier Road case: the demise of Section 4(f) since Overton Park and its implications for alternatives analysis in environmental law", "Alaska Center for the Environment v. Armbrister", "The road to prosperity: state sees funding increase of nearly 50 percent", "Editorial: Civil engineering group recognizes outstanding project", "Roughing It: Kiewit Construction Takes on the Tough Jobs", "Alaska town fears flood of visitors when car tunnel opens", Template:Attached KML/Portage Glacier Highway, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Portage_Glacier_Highway&oldid=1148575932, Western terminus. Currently it is used as a migratory route for birds and as a recreational opportunity by hikers like you! Once youre done enjoying the surrounding mountains at the pass, set your sites on another destination: Looking southwest from the pass, youll have an excellent view of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake, as well as Divide Lake (a small pond that looks big from this perspective). One option is to take a tour from Anchorage . Day Cruise During summer, most people approach Portage aboard the 80-foot MV Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises. Beginning from the western entrance, Kiewit drilled away several feet of the rock face from the top of the tunnel and installed a net to prevent any potential rockfalls. To access the trailhead you must drive through the Whittier tunnel. The trail begins with 750 feet in elevation gain over fairly strenuous terrain and levels out at the top of the pass. While crews were working on the tunnel, a drunken Whittier resident drove his or her truck into the tunnel and got it stuck on the rails. Find other amazing hikes around Anchorage: To get to the start of the Portage Pass Trail, from Anchorage, take Seward Highway heading east and turn to Portage Highway on your left (around 17.7 km after Girdwood). [54], Work on the project was finally approved following the Ninth Circuit's decision. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. The tunnel was upgraded to bimodal use by the Kiewit Construction Company between September 1998 and mid-summer 2000. As you approach the glacier, the forest thins out to display views of the rugged cliffs and glacier andif you turn aroundPortage Lake and Valley. It was just deep enough, and fast-moving enough, to be impassable. Portage Pass Trail: 1578 Reviews, Map - Alaska | AllTrails Part of the job of the AkDOT&PF is to measure traffic along the highway. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. Small buses and regular RVs are charged $38, while large buses must pay $137. These rulings were legally significant as they appeared to overturn the precedent established in the Overton Park case, which was interpreted as saying that "it must be shown that the implications of not building [a] highway pose an 'unusual situation'". It's not a long trail to do, and the difficulty is only rated moderate. Since the early 1900s, the glacier has receded, leaving Portage Lake in the scoured basin. ( [11] It allows the highway to cross over the small Portage Creek, which drains Portage Lake, in turn fed by Portage Glacier. FAX: (907) 743-9476. [30], Seasonal passes are also available for normal-sized cars, trucks and motorcycles, and are priced at over $600. This was the first road to exist in the Portage Valley. In November 1995, an environmental impact statement, created by HDR Alaska, was approved by the Federal Highway Administration, allowing the project to proceed. Much of the trail is close to Byron Creek, where kids can play among the smooth stones, but keep an eye because the water is cold and sometimes rapid. Once you are through, follow the signs and takethe first rightpast the bathrooms, cross over the railroad tracks on the gravel road, and the trailhead is on the right. The hike to Portage Pass and Portage Lake is probably one of the most beautiful hikes in Alaska. The glacier, once so near, has now retreated far behind the north buttress of Byron Peak. This sparked the need for the completion of the tunnel earlier than expected. [19], Track circuits in the tunnel had problems because of moisture; in 2015 these were replaced with axle counters. Ice caves to explore. Up here, you cant see the town of Whittier (its around the corner to the right), but you will enjoy a great view of Passage Canal. Follow the trail down the hill. The tiny pond at the pass provides a nice reflection of the surrounding mountains when the wind is calm. From here on, theres no definite path, but you can wander in several directions. Hundreds of people per day will make the trek to the glacier. The highway is approximately 6.6 miles (10.6km) long, and is mostly designated along the Portage Glacier Highway. The estimated AADT for the Portage Glacier Highway is 1,030 vehicles. Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". " Beautiful hike " Jul 2020 Bring some water as the first part of the hike up the mountain is pretty strenuous (but well worth it). In a very real sense the entire State of Alaska, 1/5 the size of the continental United States, is a giant park. One important thing to keep in mind: be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothing. Large areas of the rock were blasted away with dynamite. The 18-acre bear facility (largest in the United States) is particularly impressive, with an elevated walkway to separate people from the brown and black bears. Alaska Administrative Code, Title 17. How Do You Get to Portage Glacier? (A hub) of roads will grow out of Anchorage because of its strategic location as the head of defenses in the Territory. The larger Williwaw Campground (518/885-3639 or 877/444-6777, $18-28) has 60 tent and RV sites (no hookups), plus a wheelchair-accessible observation platform where spawning salmon are visible in the summer. Chugach National Forest - Begich, Boggs Visitor Center No wonder the water was cold, with this many ice cubes floating around in it! Anchorage, Alaska99501 [55][56] The ACE held that a new highway was not needed and improving the existing rail service was a prudent and feasible option. [40], In March 1996, the state of Alaska announced its final plans for the construction of the Whittier Access Project. where a place to sit was most appreciated. [38], In early 1941, large groups of people from the Kenai Peninsula traveled to Washington, D.C. to protest the moving of the railroad. These counts are taken using a metric called annual average daily traffic (AADT). The views here are amazing you will get a glimpse of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, Byron Peak and other surrounding mountains. An official website of the How long does it take to hike Portage Pass Trail? General Simon Buckner, the U.S. Armed Forces plan for Alaska, October 15, 1940. It's a relatively quick 10-mile trip from Portage station, about 45 miles southeast of Anchorage near the head of Turnagain Arm. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Byron may be the easiest spot in the world to view ice worms in the wild. The event has been held since 2002, except it was not held in 2010. The city, including roads, began to form. Matthew Worden / All Trails. Bald eagles can occasionally be seen from the highway. Portage Pass Trail is located on the Whittier side of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The contract for the phase had been awarded prior to the lawsuit, but work on the components was not completed until very late in 1998. In late April, the U.S. Army's 177th Engineering group began work on clearing and grading the former native trail. Portage Pass has been historically used by Alaska Natives, Russian fur traders, and early settlers. [15] The tunnel's eastern terminus is in Whittier. Depot Road splits away from the highway, which continues for a short distance along Dock Access Road before reaching its eastern terminus, the AMHS pier. While that was being completed, some crews installed a series of anti-icing insulation panels and drainage pipes to keep the tunnel clear during winter months. Yes, you can hike to Portage Glacier in the winter. Check out the license plate sculptures I'm selling on Etsy! 7-10 days is the most common. The visitors center boasts an array of displays, including an ice cave, a small iceberg hauled in from the lake, an engrossing relief map of local icefields, and everything you ever wanted to know about glaciers, including displays on glacial motion and crevasses. Hike The Portage Pass Trail in Alaska And Spot Portage Glacier The trailhead for the 1-mile Byron Glacier Trail is just over .6 miles ahead on the right. [8] The road continues for a short distance before passing the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and associated buildings, comprising the headquarters of Portage Glacier unit of the Chugach National Forest. connected to the .gov website. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Visit Spencer Glacier | Travel by Scenic Rail. Hike, | ALASKA.ORG [2][8], Moose can be seen along the highway, as well as black and brown bears. The trail is a real-time demonstration of how an ecosystem rebounds from the ice age, with large trees and forest giving way to alder thickets, which in turn morph into lichen-dotted rock only recently exposed by retreating ice. No matter how clear and sunny the day appears in Anchorage (or even in Girdwood), the weather may be cloudy and rainy on the other side of the Whittier tunnel. The trailhead is a short distance up the dirt road. Vehicles pulling trailers must pay a higher toll, set at $22. Portage Glacier and Begich,Boggs Visitor Center Guide - Alaska Trekker Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Youll enjoy beautiful views of Passage Canal (Whittiers inlet on Prince William Sound) on the way up, and views of the glacier on the way down the other side. Between the mounds, youll see deep trenches, evidence of the power of ice to shape the landscape. I take requests! Take a boat tour to see Portage Glacier. The old town of Portage was located here, along the Placer River where it flows into Turnagain Arm. So I guess you could do that, if you wanted to. At the pass, you can explore to the left or right, or keep going forward. Photo Lisa Maloney. Because rail and road traffic must share the tunnel, it is coordinated by two computer-based systems the Tunnel Control System and the Train Signal System. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. This trail can be broken down into 3 segments and the first section is .75 miles along many sections of boardwalk. Portage Glacier Cruises operates several trips every day. Get to know this 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Girdwood, Alaska. The project was predicted to cost around $50 million, and the project was planned to begin later that year. Notice the big, rounded mountain on the left thats Maynard Mountain, through which the Anton Anderson tunnel passes. [52] On May 22, 1997, construction of the project was halted.
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