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.

Alaska Railroad and the US Forest Service formed a partnership to create a wide variety of world-class recreational and transportation opportunities for users of the Chugach National Forest.
Take a guided hike with a Forest Service interpreter. The 2.6-mile round-trip Spencer Glacier Trail is fully accessible, affording up-close views of picturesque Spencer Glacier. For the more adventurous types, there is a self-guided hike to the face of the glacier (6.2 miles round trip). In addition to the trail, the site contains well-maintained historically themed waiting shelters, interpretive kiosks, a campsite, and restroom facilities.
Float among the icebergs at Spencer Lake and down the gentle Placer River with Chugach Adventure Guides. Raingear, rubber boots, & deli-style lunch are provided.
You can also explore the lake in a modern version of an Alaska Native canoe. You’ll paddle these sleek and elegant craft to the face of Spencer Glacier and, conditions permitting, you may stop on shore for a short hike up to the glacier. Learn glaciology and enjoy the view of endless miles of ice all set among the glorious beauty of the Kenai Mountains. Deli-style lunch and raingear are provided.
Travel into the Grandview Valley and the historic “loop district” where you’ll be surrounded by alpine meadows, wildlife and wildflowers. Enjoy exceptional views of Trail Glacier, Bartlett Glacier, and Spencer Glacier. This is one of the most scenic areas of the entire railbelt.