Exploring Portage Valley & Whittier: A Guide to Glaciers & Beyond

Byron Glacier is another stunning attraction. From the visitor center at Portage Lake, you can continue your journey towards Byron Glacier. An easy, accessible hike of 1 mile (1.6 km) on the well-maintained trail through lush greenery will take you to a glacier-scoured valley. At the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the massive ice formations of the glacier extending out from the mountainside.

From the end of the trail to the area beneath the glacier, there is a stream you can follow, carefully stepping over rocks and avoiding any slippery areas, and get to a snowfield left over from winter avalanches.

While walking on the glacier itself is not recommended due to safety concerns, visitors can get close enough to see and hear the ice cracking and melting.

Below the glacier, you will notice two massive ice cones that were formed by snow avalanches. Sometimes it is possible to see ice caves created by meltwater streams beneath the cones. Be careful – entering these ice caves is extremely dangerous, as chunks can fall down without warning!

Note that no facilities or services are available at Byron Glacier, so be sure to bring water and snacks.

Whittier is an interesting coastal town on the shores of Prince William Sound.

Whittier serves as a cruise ship port, second to Seward, offering travelers another option to begin or end their Alaskan adventure.

Whittier also functions as the departure point for ferries to and from Valdez, another picturesque Alaskan town nestled on the other sideof Prince William Sound.

To access Whittier, you must go through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The tunnel is a unique experience in itself. It is a 2.5-mile (4 km) long tunnel with a single lane shared by cars and trains traveling in both directions. The meaning is that you drive your car directly over the railway tracks!

Access from each direction is regulated due to the tunnel’s single-lane structure. It is important to note that the tunnel is only open for specific periods in each direction. During these times, designated slots are assigned for cars and trains, so be sure to check the schedule before you plan your drive. Here you can find the schedule of the Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

Because of delays at the opening or long lines, the tunnel can take 20-30 minutes to get through, even though the drive is only 10 minutes.
We strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes earlier than the opening time on which you plan to enter the tunnel.

Once you pass the tunnel, you will find yourself in the town of Whittier.

Whittier is famous for its population of just 273 residents, with most of them are living in a single building constructed in 1974 as an Army Barracks.

This small community is nestled between mountains and fjords, offering breathtaking views.

Take some time to explore the waterfront, where you can find a few cute cafes and a pizza and ice cream restaurant. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor.

You can also visit the Prince William Sound Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the area.

From Whittier, you can explore the magnificent Prince William Sound and experience the stunning glaciers and wildlife on a guided boat tour. Prince William Sound is a sheltered area with calm waters, hence suitable for those prone to seasickness, too.

There are several alternatives for boat tours:

Phillips Cruises and Tours operates big catamarans with heated cabins for the following tours:

26 Glaciers Cruise – one of Whittier’s most popular boat tours. You will see 26 glaciers during this 5.75-hour tour (some from afar).

Glacier Quest Cruise – You will pass through 10 glaciers during this 3.75-hour cruise.

Several companies operate private small boat tours for more intimate experiences. These tours offer a closer look at the glaciers and allow for a more personalized experience with the wildlife.

One such company is Lazy Otter Charters, which offers various tour options ranging from 4.5 to 8 hours in duration. We highly recommend this company as we had a wonderful tour with them.

For those seeking adventure, several companies offer guided kayak tours from Whittier. Paddle through the calm waters and get up close to the glaciers and wildlife.

The Trail of Blue Ice in Portage Valley is a captivating 5-mile (one-way) trail that starts at Moose Flats Recreation Area on Portage Lake Road, approximately 80 miles south of Anchorage. This scenic trail winds through scenic woods, and through bridges over streams and ponds, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
This trail is great for hiking or biking. There is a small elevation via a small section of stairs, which can be bypassed by an alternate, fully accessible route along the shoulder of the road.

Please find more information, including a map of the trail in the USDA Forest Service website.

Portage Pass is a hiking destination known for its stunning views. It is the only easy way to see Portage Glacier by foot.

It is a 2-mile (3.2 km) one-way moderate trail that is defined as family-friendly, but please note that the trail has an elevation of 800 feet (243 m) and some steep parts. This trail is not accessible.

The trail starts just outside of Whittier, right near the Anderson Memorial Tunnel. The trail ends on the shore of Portage Lake in a location that can only be reached by kayak or canoe, so you will have to return by foot as well.

Here you can find more information, as well as a map of the trail.

A convenient location for observing spawning salmon on an accessible boardwalk during the late summer and early fall months.

You can find more information, including a map of the area, on the USDA Forest Service website.

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