Outbound Collective logo

Winter Hike to Portage Glacier

Anchorage, Alaska

Details

Distance

6 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Anna Ferntheil

When conditions allow, this six mile (rt) hike, bike, skijour, ski, etc rewards you with a beautiful view of Portage Glacier!

This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe.  Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. 

This trail is appropriate for children. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire. 

Starting at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center (Near Byron Glacier Trailhead), there will probably be a trail on the lake already. When conditions are right, this becomes a very popular hike. Hundreds of people per day will make the trek to the glacier.  Portage Glacier is at the far end of the lake, just around a slight bend. 

If you bring your dog, make sure he or she has a good recall or is leashed. My dog found all the people and other dogs a little over-stimulating and I had to leash him. 

Depending on your method of transportation, this is a 1-4 hour round trip excursion.   

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Scenic

Winter Hike to Portage Glacier Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Byron Glacier

Hike to Portage Pass and Portage Lake

Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound

Mount Alyeska

Hike Winner Creek Gorge