In short
- The MV Ptarmigan boat tour costs $49–$59 and gets you close to the ice.
- The Portage Pass Trail is a steep 2-mile hike with an 800-foot climb.
- Hiking requires driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and paying a toll.
In this article
Since 1914, the glacier has retreated over three miles out of sight. You now have two main options to view the ice face during summer. You can take a narrated cruise on Portage Lake, or you can tackle a steep day hike.
What is the Portage Glacier boat tour like?
The MV Ptarmigan takes you across the 600-foot deep Portage Lake directly to the glacier face.
This one-hour narrated cruise runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is the easiest way to see the ice closely. Tickets generally cost $49–$59. The open deck gets very cold from glacier winds, so pack warm layers and a windbreaker.
What should I expect on the Portage Pass hike?
The Portage Pass Trail is a 2-mile, one-way hike featuring an 800-foot elevation gain.
This steep trail is the only established path offering a panoramic view of the glacier on foot. It takes two to three hours round-trip. You need sturdy hiking boots and bear spray. Trail access is free, but you must reach the Whittier side of the mountains.
How do costs compare between the boat and the hike?
The boat tour requires a ticket fee, while the hike is free but requires a tunnel toll.
Boat cruise tickets cost around $49–$59 per adult. Hiking the Portage Pass Trail costs nothing for trail entry. However, the trailhead sits on the far side of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. You must pay the vehicle toll to drive through the tunnel from Portage Valley.
Which option is better for families?
The boat tour is better for young children or anyone avoiding a steep climb.
The 800-foot elevation gain on the Portage Pass Trail is physically demanding. If you want a physical challenge, the hike offers great rewards. If you prefer a relaxed trip, the MV Ptarmigan is the obvious choice.
Can I do both in one day?
Yes, you can easily hike the trail and take the boat cruise in a single afternoon.
You will need about five to six hours total. Start with the hike early to secure parking on the Whittier side of the tunnel. Then time your return through the tunnel to catch an afternoon sailing on the MV Ptarmigan. Keep a close eye on the strict tunnel schedule.
Questions travellers ask
Can you see Portage Glacier from the visitor center?
No. The glacier has retreated over 3 miles since the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center was built in 1914. You can see floating icebergs from the viewing decks, but the main glacier is hidden.
How much does it cost to visit Portage Glacier?
Viewing the glacier from trails is free. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center charges $5 per adult for exhibits, but children 15 and under enter free. Boat tours typically cost $49–$59.
How do you get to Portage Glacier from Anchorage?
Drive south from Anchorage on the scenic Seward Highway. After 50 miles, turn east onto Portage Glacier Road and drive for 5 miles. The trip takes about one hour by car.
