Portage Glacier and Area Attractions Map
Facilities
The recreation area features two Forest Service campgrounds, both along Portage Glacier Access Road. Black Bear Campground is a beautiful forest and is popular among tent campers. Williwaw Campground is located beneath Explorer Glacier and more suited for recreational vehicles. Both campgrounds are extremely popular in the summer.
Even though Portage Glacier has since retreated out of view of its observation decks and telescopes, Begich-Boggs Visitor Center is still an interesting stop thanks to such exhibits where you can walk through a simulated ice cave, view live ice worms or touch an iceberg. For a closer look at Portage Glacier, there are hour-long sightseeing boat cruises on Portage Lake.
Or you can hike a number of foot trails that wind near the frozen monument. Portage Pass Trail, a mile-long trek to the pass, will provide a good view of Portage Glacier. The trail begins near the tunnel on the Whittier side. The new Trail of Blue Ice parallels Portage Glacier Access Rd and meanders through forest on a wide gravel route with boardwalks across wet area. Another interesting hike is Byron Glacier View Trail, an easy mile-long hike to an ice worm-infested snowfield and grand glacier views.
Fees
There is a per-person entrance fee for visiting Begich-Boggs Visitor Center and a nightly camping fee. Sites at Williwaw Campground can be reserved in advance (877-444-6777, 518-885-3639).
Accessibility
Portage Glacier lies 50 miles south of Anchorage and 10 miles south of the Alyeska Highway/Girdwood junction and is accessible by road via the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Access Road. For more information from late May through September contact the Begich-Boggs Visitors Center (907-783-2326).