Hike, Camp, And See Giant Glaciers At One Of Alaska's Most Visited Attractions

A premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, there's really no better place to visit than Alaska. Drawing in a whopping 3.3 million visitors in 2023, the state's pristine wilderness and rugged landscapes look directly out of a postcard. From towering glaciers to dense forests teeming with wildlife, the bucket list-worthy destination is brimming with must-see places for first time visitors and returning travelers alike. And best of all, you don't need to go too far (or venture out too deep) in order to enjoy some of the region's most dramatic landscapes.

That said, among Alaska's most accessible and natural wonders, Portage Glacier stands out as a can't-miss stop on any visit to the ever-so-popular Chugach National Forest. Located roughly 60 miles from Anchorage, this massive ice formation offers visitors the chance to come up close and personal with a glacier — while, at the same time, exploring the surrounding valleys and catching a peek at some of the local wildlife.

When visiting Portage Glacier, you'll likely start your visit at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. For a $5 admission fee, guests can check out some highlights at the pre-glacier stop, including walking through a simulated ice cave, seeing live ice worms, and even touching real glacier ice. Back outside, the best way to see the glacier's face is aboard one hour-long guided cruises that'll take you across Portage Lake and offer unmatched views all nearby ice giants. 

Meanwhile, for visitors who prefer to stay on land, there are also several hiking trails that provide views of the valley's glacial landscape. Specifically, there's the Byron Glacier Trail — an easy 1.4-mile walk that's suitable for families — and the Trail of Blue Ice, which runs on a 5-mile journey through the forest and can be done by bike. Alternatively, you can also make your way over to Whittier by crossing through the longest highway tunnel in North America: the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which stretches for 2-5-miles along a single lane. Once there, you can lace up your boots to tackle the Portage Pass Trail, a challenging 2-mile hike that'll reward you with views of Portage Glacier from the lakeshore. Whatever the route, though, make sure you keep your eyes open for some of the valley's most popular residents — including moose, bears, and mountain goats.

For travelers hoping to extend their trip, the U.S. Forest Service manages two campgrounds designed for overnight stays: Black Bear Campground, a forest setting perfect for tent camping; and Williwaw Campground, which offers RV-friendly spots with views of Explorer Glacier. Both of these sites tend to fill up quickly — although potential crowds shouldn't deter you from visiting Alaska during the high tourist season — so just make sure you book ahead.

If you're not into the idea of trying to DIY your own Alaska vacation, you're in luck — Viator has you covered. With over a dozen tours and experiences available on their website, you'll be spoiled for choice in terms of what you prefer — and how much you're looking to pay for it.

One of the most popular choices is Viator's "Glacier Experience from Anchorage." Starting from $200 per traveler, the tour takes you on a six-hour long journey to Alaska's most popular hotspots — including Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier (only available from June to August), and more. Plus, considering the tour currently holds a five-star rating — as well as over 2,000 reviews on the platform — it's safe to say that the experience ticks off all the boxes in terms of value and satisfaction.

For travelers on a tighter budget, Viator's "Portage Glacier Self-Guided Tour" is also an excellent way to check out the glacier for about half the price. Starting from $99 per person, the 5-hour trip lets you explore the Portage Valley at your own pace — whether by foot or bike — and includes a hop-on, hop-off shuttle from Anchorage.