Alaska, United States
Portage Glacier is a massive, retreating glacier 50 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors explore via boat tours, accessible trails, and a visitor center.
4.8 from 174 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
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Explore
Discover the main areas around the lake and glacier.
3 spotsVisitor Center GuideEducational hub built on the 1914 moraine of Portage Glacier.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsHiking and WalkingScenic walking paths and hikes surrounded by hanging glaciers.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsPortage LakeThe 600-foot deep lake between the visitor center and the ice.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center.
It has retreated over 3 miles since 1914.
Plan your visit
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours. You need 1.5 hours for the boat tour.
Boat tours and the visitor center operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter offers lake ice skating.
Drive 1 hour south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway. Turn east on Portage Glacier Road.
Trails are free. The visitor center exhibits cost $5. Boat tours are roughly $49 to $59.
Portage Glacier is located on the Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. It once filled the entire 14-mile Portage Valley. It has retreated significantly since 1914. Visitor Center Guide sits on the moraine left behind.
As the ice retreated, it carved Portage Lake, which reaches depths of 600 feet. The glacier is now hidden behind mountains from the visitor center. Visitors take the MV Ptarmigan boat tour or hike the Portage Pass Trail to see the ice face.
The area offers outdoor activities year-round. Summer brings boat cruises and salmon viewing. Winter visitors often ice skate across the frozen lake. Packing List to ensure you stay warm.
We check which stops are actually included.
We read traveler feedback for common complaints.
We detail exact durations for every trip.
From Viator
174 reviews of the wildlife center & glaciers on Viator
Joan was an excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. I so enjoyed the wildlife tour. The glaciers were an experience as well
Joan was full of knowledge about the area and the wildlife conservation center. We booked this last minute and highly recommend this for a nice outing and to see wildlife.
The excursion was a great exper. Our guide Tim, was very knowledgeable, pleasant and professional. I highly recommend this tour.
A very knowledgeable and funny guide! He went out of his way to make sure all the guests enjoyed the tour. 10/10 recommend!
Great guide and stops!! Taylor was awesome and super engaging!! Highly recommend whenever in Anchorage!!
great stops. knowledgeable and very kind. gave us ample of time to explore each area we stopped at. i would use Ty again if we came back to Alaska.
Travel tips
Boat vs HikeCompare the MV Ptarmigan cruise and the Portage Pass trail.Read 
Visitor Center FeesLearn about the $5 exhibit fee and free entry options for the center.Read 
Getting ThereDirections and tour options for traveling from Anchorage to Portage Glacier.Read 
Best TimeFind out when to visit for summer boat tours or winter ice skating.Read Trail with KidsCompare the steep Portage Pass hike with the flat Trail of Blue Ice.Read Packing ListEssential gear and clothing for visiting Portage Glacier.Read No. The glacier has retreated over 3 miles since 1914. It is no longer visible from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. You can often see floating icebergs in the lake from the viewing decks.
Viewing the glacier from the trails is free. The visitor center charges a $5 exhibit fee for adults. Boat tours cost between $49 and $59. Visitor Center Fees explains pass options.
Drive south on the Seward Highway for about 50 miles. Turn east onto Portage Glacier Road for 5 miles. The drive takes roughly 1 hour by car.
The trail is 2 miles one-way with an 800-foot elevation gain. It offers the only established direct view of the glacier on foot. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Only if you hike the Portage Pass Trail. The trailhead is on the Whittier side of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The visitor center and boat tour are before the tunnel.
In the summer, you can hike the Portage Pass Trail for a view. You cannot walk directly to the ice edge over land. In winter, people sometimes trek across the frozen lake.
Book your tour and pack your layers for the glacier.
