Whittier
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Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound
Whittier, Alaska
5.0
The hundred mile paddle across PWS is a right of passage for Alaska kayakers. Like most big adventures in AK, it’s a daunting proposition to launch into what locals refer to as both beautiful and terrifying. Sometimes in the same sentence. At it’s best, you can paddle in a t-shirt and shorts, stopping for a lunch break swim on a sandy beach. Otherwise it can bring weather that would put the sma...
Hike to Portage Pass and Portage Lake
Whittier, Alaska
4 mi
/ 800 ft gain
Probably one of the best bang-for-your buck hikes I've ever been on. Starting from the trailhead, which is just on the Whittier side of the Portage tunnel, you'll hike up 800ft in one mile on a mostly wide, rocky trail. In what seems like no time at all, you'll be at Portage Pass, with views of the Passage Canal in one direction, and the incredible vista of Portage Glacier, Byron Peak, and Carp...
Winter Hike to Portage Glacier
Anchorage, Alaska
6 mi
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 (...
Hike Byron Glacier
Anchorage, Alaska
4.8
To begin on this adventure, you first have to find the trailhead. Drive out on the highway to Girdwood, and turn left at the sign that says "Portage Glacier". Towards the end of the road, it Ys and you take a right, then another right. Follow this road, and the first parking lot on your right is the one for you. Unfortunately there are no bathrooms here, but if you're a true adventurer you won'...
Explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Anchorage, Alaska
5.0
You'll see tons of animals including bald eagles, bears, moose, muskox, lynx, reindeer, and wolves!
It's a conservation center so they have a great mission. It is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm Inlet.
Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 6 pm with last entry at 5 pm. You do have to buy tickets, which you can do ahead of time online or...
Virgin Creek Falls
Anchorage, Alaska
0.69 mi
/ 220 ft gain
Virgin Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Girdwood, Alaska.
Mount Alyeska
Anchorage, Alaska
4.11 mi
/ 1755 ft gain
Mount Alyeska is an out-and-back where you may see local wildlife located near Girdwood, Alaska.
Hike Winner Creek Gorge
Anchorage, Alaska
4.7
6 mi
Most people will start this trail behind the Hotel Alyeska and parking is available there if you're not a guest spending the night. This trail can be broken down into 3 segments and the first section is .75 miles along many sections of boardwalk. It's all very flat and keeps you dry when the surroundings are rather wet. We have seen some cool things in the past along this section - moose tra...
Girdwood Nordic Ski Loop
Anchorage, Alaska
3.7 mi
/ 735 ft gain
Girdwood Nordic Ski Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Girdwood, Alaska.
Places to stay
Anchorage, Alaska
Williwaw Campground
Overview
Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime ...
From $18 / night
Moose Pass, Alaska
Granite Creek
Overview
Granite Creek Campground is set in the captivating Kenai Mountains, surrounded by wildflowers and spruce forests. The rugged mou...
Anchorage, Alaska
Crow Pass Cabin
Overview
Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditar...
From $75 / night
Hope, Alaska
Trout Lake Cabin
Overview
Trout Lake Cabin is a large, rustic cabin set alongside Trout Lakeoffering a placefor visitors to come and enjoy the forests of ...
Hope, Alaska
West Swan Lake Cabin
Overview
West Swan Lake Cabin is in a very remote area on the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. Swan Lake is just steps away from ...
Hope, Alaska
Swan Lake Cabin Seward
Overview
Swan Lake Cabin is a rustic cabin on beautiful Swan Lake, providing access to fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing opp...
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