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This trail makes a quick out and back with a great view of the Portage Glacier.


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Map Key

4.4

Miles

7.2

KM

82%

Runnable

738' 225 m

High

54' 16 m

Low

934' 285 m

Up

933' 284 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Though challenging to access, this run offers a great opportunity to visit the toe of Portage Glacier. The vistas here are increadible and worth the effort.

Need to Know

In order to access this hike from outside of Whittier, be prepared to pass through the Whittier tunnel. Vehicles can only pass through the tunnel once per hour (to Whittier on the half hour, from Whittier on the hour) at a rate or $13 per car, as of Summer 2018.

Runner Notes

This is great for trail running, and the route is well marked.

Description

The trailhead is easy to find. Coming from the east end of the Whittier Tunnel, take the next available right. You'll see a USFS sign for the trailhead. There is a lot of available parking.

The first mile is up an old cat-track. At the top is Portage Pass. There is a great vista of the Portage Glacier to the southeast. You can see other glaciers to the northeast and southeast. Someone was kind enough to build a bench up at the top so you can soak up all vistas. From Portage Pass, it is another mile downhill to Portage Lake. There will be a sign that says Portage Lake. This is the end of the trail, but it was fun to wander around the lake edge. If you think you can make it to Portage Glacier without getting wet, you can't. There is a good-sized creek between the trail's end and the glacier.

When you return, it is a mile up to the pass, and another mile back down to the trailhead. It is a tough climb, but still possible for a whole family.

Flora & Fauna

Along the trail, it is fairly common to see signs of bear activity, so be sure to take some Bear Spray. Mountain goats can sometimes be seen off in the distance.

Sitka spruce, hemlock, and heavy alder underbrush make up the majority of the flora here.

Contacts

Shared By:

James Jackson with improvements by Bryan Brown

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 13 votes

#1

in Portage

#956

Overall
  4.6 from 13 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Portage

#10

in Alaska

#956

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3,411 Since Sep 15, 2017
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Photos

A glimpse of Prince Edward Sound at Portage Pass.
May 31, 2018 near Girdwood, AK
Portage pass and glacier.
Sep 3, 2019 near Girdwood, AK
Trail's End - Portage Glaicer
Sep 15, 2017 near Girdwood, AK
Portage glacier.
Sep 3, 2019 near Girdwood, AK
Portage lake and glacier.
Sep 3, 2019 near Girdwood, AK

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