Welcome to the trail of Blue Ice…
Portage Valley is a 14 mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. It was once home to a massive glacier which extended the entire length of the valley all the way to Anchorage. Today Portage Glacier, a preserved part of that relic ice field, is one of Alaska’s most visited and accessible destinations.
Things to do
The rustic Portage Glacier Lodge is a great place to start (or end) your day. Grab a meal or snack and browse brochures to learn more about some of the great tours offered in the area.
Portage is home to the scenic Trail of Blue Ice, a 5-mile gravel trail perfect for hiking or biking. The trail winds through forests, over boardwalks, past lakes and ponds and offers up breathtaking views of mountains and hanging glaciers. Wildlife are also abundant in the area, including black bear. Visitors can access the trail at Begich Boggs Visitor Center or the Moose Flats Day Use Area. The Tunagain Arm Shuttle offers some great self-guided tour options for those wanting to explore this beautiful region.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Portage Glacier up close aboard the MV Ptarmigan. Visitors aboard the Portage Glacier Cruise will venture within 300 feet of this awesome glacier and if you’re lucky, you might witness an ice fracture splash dramatically into the surrounding waters.
The Begich Boggs Visitor Center, built on the remnants of a glacial end moraine (debris left behind by a glacier), is just a 15-minute drive from the Portage Glacier Lodge. At the Center, visitors can view exhibits and an award-winning film shown every hour to learn more about the geological history and glaciers in the area.
Turnagain Arm Shuttle to Portage
We recommend planning to spend at least 5 to 8 hours in Portage Valley if you want to take the Portage Glacier Cruise or explore the Trail of Blue Ice. Some visitors decide to spend a couple of days in Portage – there are certainly enough adventures in the area to keep you busy! Whatever you decide, the Turnagain Arm Shuttle can get you there!
New tours continue to be added to this area, so be sure to do your homework ahead of time and check out the brochure rack at Portage Glacier Lodge or ask at the front desk about tours in the area.
The Shuttle has convenient hourly departures from Anchorage to Portage Valley and back. If you book an excursion in Portage ask your vendor to give you a code to get substantial discounts. We are always happy to partner with vendors in Portage and to pass savings on to you.
Below is our schedule from Anchorage to the Portage Valley and back:
| Depart | Arrives |
|---|---|
| 9 am | 10:40 am |
| 10 am | 11:40 am |
| 11 am | 12:40 pm |
| Noon | 1:45 pm |
| 1:30 pm | 3:25 pm |
| 2:30 pm | 4:25 pm |
| 3:30 pm | 5:20 pm |
| Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|
| 10:40 am | 1:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 11:40 am | 2:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 12:40 pm | 3:30 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 1:45 pm | 3:10 pm (Does not go through the Wildlife Center) |
| 3:25 pm | 6:20 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 4:25 pm | 7:20 pm (Customers will be going through the wildlife center and must pay entrance fee separate) |
| 5:20 pm | 6:35 pm (Does not go through the Wildlife Center) |