Explore the Portage Glacier Cruise, Anchorage’s local favorite for combining thrilling glacier views with accessible outdoor activities. This guide provides a practical yet immersive look at what to expect, how to prepare, and why this adventure remains a must for visitors of all experience levels.
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers for Variable Weather
Temperatures can vary drastically from the glacier’s edge to the surrounding forested trails. Be prepared to add or remove layers quickly to stay comfortable.
Wear Waterproof Footwear
Trails can be wet and slippery due to melting ice and rain, so waterproof boots with good grip will keep you steady on uneven terrain.
Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks
The combination of boat ride chill and hiking effort demands proper hydration and energy; pack water and nutrient-dense snacks to maintain stamina.
Arrive Early for Best Light and Crowd Avoidance
Morning departures provide calmer waters and softer lighting ideal for photos, plus fewer tourists.
Portage Glacier Cruise: Anchorage’s Outdoor Playground on Ice and Water
Portage Glacier isn't just a frozen expanse in Alaska; it’s a living, breathing adventure waiting to unfold. The Portage Glacier Cruise offers an approachable yet thrilling gateway to experience this fiercely majestic ice flow up close. From Anchorage, a quick drive delivers you to the Portage Glacier area, where water meets ice in a dynamic dance. This isn't a passive sighting—it’s an engagement with the glacier’s edge, its creaks and rumbles a constant reminder of the glacier’s slow but powerful movement.
The cruise launches from the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, winding its way through the blue-reflected waters of the Portage Arm. Expect a route of 4 miles round trip on calm, often chilly waters, with the glacier hovering like a massive ice fortress ahead. The boat’s captain steers close enough to hear the glacier’s ice calving—a deep, resonant crack as ice blocks plunge into the water below. These moments reveal nature’s immense force, daring you to witness without interference.
The surrounding terrain offers more than the cruise alone. Trails at the visitor center run from easy paved paths to more rugged options, perfect for stretching legs before or after the voyage. The 1.8-mile Glacier View Trail ascends with a gentle 400-foot elevation gain, leading hikers through spruce and birch stands, each tree bracing against wind’s persistent force. The path rewards with panoramic views of the glacier and the Chugach Mountains’ jagged skyline—terrain both inviting and unapologetically wild.
Preparing for this adventure means embracing Alaska’s variable climate. Layer up—the weather shifts quickly, and the glacier’s icy breath chills even mid-summer. Waterproof footwear is a must; trails can be slick from drizzle or melting frost. Bring hydration and snacks to maintain energy between the chill of the waterborne experience and the higher trails’ exertion.
For the outdoor enthusiast, the Portage Glacier Cruise combines the thrill of intimate glacier viewing with accessible hiking that suits wide-ranging skill levels. It's a day trip that feels both manageable and memorable, inviting you to connect with a living glacier and its rugged neighbors. Whether you come for a clear summer day or a crisp fall afternoon, the glacier pushes forward—unchanged by your presence yet sharing its story for all willing to listen.
Nearby Trips
Adventures near Anchorage
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Anchorage special.
No landmarks available
We're still collecting detailed landmark information for Anchorage. Check back soon for updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does the boat get to the glacier?
The cruise navigates within a few hundred yards of the glacier’s face, close enough to hear and see ice calving but maintaining a safe distance to respect the glacier’s movement and falling ice hazards.
Are the hiking trails suitable for children?
Yes, trails like the Glacier View Trail offer manageable terrain for older children comfortable with moderate hikes, although supervision is advised near steeper drop-offs and rocky sections.
What wildlife might I see during the cruise or hike?
Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above, mountain goats on nearby slopes, and occasionally moose in the forested areas. The glacier waters may also reveal harbor seals.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
While the visitor center and some viewing areas are accessible, the cruise boats have limited accessibility due to boarding ramps and deck space. Contact the operator in advance to assess needs.
What is unique about Portage Glacier compared to other Alaskan glaciers?
Unlike many remote glaciers, Portage Glacier is easily accessible by car from Anchorage and experiences visible retreat, offering real-time insight into glacier dynamics and climate change impacts.
Are there guided tours available for the hike?
Guided hikes are occasionally offered through local outfitters and visitor services, providing educational context about geology, ecology, and Alaskan history tied to the glacier environment.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Crucial for maintaining traction and comfort on wet or icy trails.
Layered Clothing System
Allows you to adapt quickly to fluctuating temperatures during boat and land segments.
Insect Repellent
Important to ward off mosquitoes common during Alaska’s warmer months.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Captures the distant ice calving and wildlife without getting too close.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "The overlook trail behind the visitor center offers quieter views away from the main boat launch."
- "Small, meltwater ponds along the hiking trails reflect the mountain peaks creating unique photo spots."
Wildlife
- "Mountain goats with their sure-footed climbing skills frequent the rocky outcrops."
- "Harbor seals resting on floating ice chunks can sometimes be spotted near the glacier edge."
History
"Portage Glacier was a key resource for the Native Alutiiq people. More recently, the area has been central to scientific studies tracking glacial retreat and climate change in south-central Alaska."