Whittier

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...

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...

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 (...

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'...

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 is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Girdwood, Alaska.

Mount Alyeska is an out-and-back where you may see local wildlife located near Girdwood, Alaska.

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 is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Girdwood, Alaska.