Is the Portage Glacier Cruise worth it?
Is the Portage Glacier Cruise worth it?
Portage Glacier is truly worth the drive. Cruising on the mv Ptarmigan, you’ll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for chunks of ice to break off the glacier and crash into the water below. Board the mv Ptarmigan for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across iceberg-dotted Portage Lake.
Can you see Portage Glacier from the road?
You can no longer see Portage Glacier from the road, or the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. But there are still many ways to see the glacier and get up close to it! Depending on the time of year, you can hop on a boat cruise on Portage Lake, or hike nearby trails.
What happened to the Portage Glacier?
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Portage Glacier terminated on land at the western end of Portage Lake, filling Portage Lake with ice (Photo Plate 1914). The retreat was driven primarily by calving of unstable ice at the glacier terminus into Portage Lake.
Can you kayak to Portage Glacier?
Paddling Portage Glacier You can paddle alongside breathtaking water falls on the east side of the lake or head down, paddle hard along the west side to lessen the headwinds. Once you’re one mile in you can see Portage Glacier, and it gets more and more massive the closer you get.
Can you touch Portage Glacier?
This was our first trip to Anchorage, so we wanted to see/touch a glacier. After visiting the Exit Glacier in Seward and the Portage Glaciers (viewing from a distance), we wanted to walk on and touch a glacier. Drive another 2 miles on the dirt road to get to the glacier. …
How long is the Portage Pass Trail?
4.2 mile
Portage Pass Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Whittier, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.
Where is Portage Valley Alaska?
Portage Valley is a 14 mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of the valley. The glacial remnants seen today are Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns, and Shakespeare glaciers.
What kind of Glacier is the Portage Glacier?
alpine glaciers
Portage Valley. One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers.
Can you swim in Portage Lake Alaska?
Portage Glacier and its lake were opened to kayaking in 2009 by the National Park Service. It’s also close to Anchorage! Floatation devices are a necessity: it’s glacial water, super cold, and full of silt. This means swimming without dry suits is not an option, even in emergencies.
Can you canoe on Portage Lake?
The only motor boat allowed on the Portage Lake is the commercial tour boat near the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. Man-powered boats such as kayaks and canoes are allowed on a specified route on the east side of the lake.
How long is the Portage Glacier cruise in Alaska?
The cruise takes only one hour. Watch for huge chunks of ice to break away and crash in to the lake as the MV Ptarmigan weaves through iceberg-dotted waters. This is the best glacier cruise in Alaska for the money. Transfer: Transportation is included from Anchorage Westmark for the Portage Glacier Cruise Tour.
What is the best way to see Portage Glacier?
During summer, most people approach Portage aboard the 80-foot MV Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises. It’s a fun marine outing, suitable for families with children, known for lively commentary by its guides. The vessel will motor within 300 feet of the craggy face and its royal blue fractures.
What is there to do on Portage Lake?
Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you’ll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below. topside view deck offers a great vantage point for watching the glacier “calve,” and for visitors to enjoy the fresh air
Where is the best glacier cruise in Alaska?
Cruise the placid Portage Lake, about an hour south of Anchorage, to Portage Glacier. It’s not a long drive and it’s a beautiful one! The cruise takes only one hour. Watch for huge chunks of ice to break away and crash in to the lake as the MV Ptarmigan weaves through iceberg-dotted waters. This is the best glacier cruise in Alaska for the money.
