Portage Glacier Recreation Area. Access via 5-mile paved highway. The road ends at a large parking lot overlook at the western end of Portage Lake with excellent views of the icebergs floating in the lake.
The Begich Boggs Visitor Center, near the parking area, is open daily in summer 9 to 6. 907-783-2326.
Portage Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible and frequently photographed glaciers. In less than 70 years the glacier has receded over 2 miles. The 8 million dollar center is the only one of its kind in the state.
For years, the best vantage point of Portage Glacier was from over three miles away. Now, you can finally see Alaska’s most visited attraction right up close from the comfort of the MV Ptarmigan! Board Gray Line of Alaska’s exclusive day boat and cruise iceberg-dotted Portage Lake to within 300 yards of the glacier. Choose a seat in the enclosed lounge or take a stroll on the open-air observation deck. Either place, you’ll have fantastic views of the blue-white icebergs that decorate Portage Lake. Nature willing, you will witness the “calving” of an iceberg from the face of Portage Glacier. Portage Glacier Cruises operates daily, between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.
