Portage Valley trails
No tunnel crossing required.
Six trails · Two sides of the tunnel
Explore Portage Valley.
Easy wetland walks, glacier valleys, forest paths, waterfalls, and a hike to Portage Glacier views.
Start at the lodge
Six ways to spend more time outside.
Four walks begin in Portage Valley. Portage Pass and Horsetail Falls begin after the Whittier tunnel, so those two require extra travel planning. Distances are trail distances, not distances from the lodge.
Whittier-side trails
Check the tunnel schedule first.
Range of effort
From a quarter-mile boardwalk to a five-mile valley trail.
Portage Valley
Trail of Blue Ice
Follow the broad Portage Valley from Moose Flats toward Portage Lake through forest, ponds, streams, and landscapes exposed by the retreat of Portage Glacier.
- Distance
- About 5 miles one way
- Difficulty
- Moderate · nearly flat
- Terrain
- Gravel, boardwalks, forest and stream crossings
- Best for
- A longer valley walk or beginner bike ride
Highlights
- Hanging-glacier and mountain views
- Ponds, creeks and changing forest
- Ends near Portage Lake and Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
- About 10 miles round trip when bicycled out and back
Getting there
Start at Moose Flats Recreation Area near Mile 1 of Portage Glacier Road. The route crosses the road twice, so use extra care at both crossings.
Know before you go
Weather changes quickly. Carry rain layers, watch for wildlife, and confirm current trail conditions before a full out-and-back trip.
Maps & brochures
Portage Valley
Byron Glacier Trail
An easy, heavily used gravel trail follows Byron Creek from lush forest into a rugged valley ringed by glacier-cut mountains. The maintained trail ends at a viewing area at the base of the snowfields, 0.9 mile from the trailhead.
Do not enter ice caves or walk beneath snowfields. Cornices and avalanche danger can last into summer.
- Distance
- 0.9 mile one way on the maintained trail
- Difficulty
- Easy · gentle ups and downs
- Terrain
- Maintained gravel trail through alder and cottonwood beside Byron Creek
- Best for
- Families and a short glacier-valley walk
Highlights
- Close-up glacial-valley scenery
- Ferns, alder, cottonwood and cascading Byron Creek
- Viewing area where the maintained trail ends
- Usual season is mid-June through October, conditions permitting
Beyond the maintained trail
Past the viewing area a rougher route climbs a talus slope of loose rock for about another half mile. It is not maintained, is often under snow until late summer, and is not part of the easy family walk.
Getting there
From Portage Glacier Road, turn onto Portage Lake Loop Road and follow Byron Glacier Road to the signed trailhead, about one mile from the visitor center.
Know before you go
Do not enter ice caves or walk beneath avalanche snowfields. The Forest Service warns that huge cornices and avalanche danger can persist into summer. A season range is not a safety report, so check current conditions before you go.
Maps & brochures
Whittier side
Portage Pass Trail
Climb from Whittier to Portage Pass, then descend toward the gravel shore of Portage Lake for a direct view across the water toward Portage Glacier.
- Distance
- 2 miles one way · 4 round trip
- Difficulty
- Moderate · pass near 800 ft
- Terrain
- Steady climb, tundra, glacial scrub and descent to lake shore
- Best for
- Portage Glacier views on foot
Highlights
- Passage Canal and mountain views
- Glacier-scraped rock and alpine tundra
- Divide Lake and the Portage Lake shore
- One of the strongest on-foot views of Portage Glacier
Getting there
The trailhead is on the Whittier side of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Plan the tunnel schedule and toll before leaving the lodge.
Know before you go
Bring warm layers and rain gear even on a clear day. Whittier weather can be colder, wetter, and windier than conditions on the Portage side.
Maps & brochures
Portage Valley
Moose Flats Wetland Trail
A short wetland walk at the west end of Portage Valley provides an observation point over ponds used by nesting waterfowl, and sometimes by moose.
- Distance
- About 0.25 mile
- Difficulty
- Easy · short boardwalk
- Terrain
- Wetland boardwalk beside ponds and river channels
- Best for
- Wildlife watching and a quick stop
Highlights
- Waterfowl nesting and rearing habitat
- Moose sightings are possible
- Spring, summer and fall viewing
- Connects with the Trail of Blue Ice area
Getting there
Enter Moose Flats Day-Use Area near Mile 1 of Portage Glacier Road. The listed trail coordinates are 60.8124, -148.9435.
Know before you go
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Keep a long distance from moose, never approach calves, and keep dogs controlled.
Maps & brochures
Portage Valley
Williwaw Nature Trail
A well-maintained interpretive trail near Williwaw Campground follows forest and water habitat, with numbered posts that correspond to a guide available from the visitor center.
- Distance
- About 2-mile loop
- Difficulty
- Easy · accessible route
- Terrain
- Maintained nature trail with a bridge and interpretive posts
- Best for
- Salmon viewing, families and accessible nature time
Highlights
- Spawning salmon in late summer and fall
- A roughly 30-foot bridge
- Berries, wildlife and forest habitat
- Wheelchair-accessible trail design
Getting there
Use the Williwaw Campground and fish-viewing area in Portage Valley. The listed trail coordinates are 60.7867, -148.8775.
Know before you go
Do not disturb spawning salmon or enter closed habitat. Bears may use salmon streams; carry bear spray where legal and know how to use it.
Maps & brochures
Whittier side
Horsetail Falls Trail
Climb through spruce forest above Whittier for open views of numerous waterfalls, including the long drop of Horsetail Falls across Blackstone Ridge.
- Distance
- 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate · about 700 ft gain
- Terrain
- Forest trail with steps, boardwalks and switchbacks
- Best for
- Waterfalls and elevated Whittier views
Highlights
- Horsetail Falls and neighboring cascades
- Spruce forest and constructed trailwork
- Elevated views above Whittier
- Short enough to combine with other Whittier stops
Getting there
Drive through the tunnel into Whittier, follow Whittier Drive and Blackstone Road, then use Reservoir Road for the signed trail approach.
Know before you go
Wet boards, roots, and steps can be slick. Plan around the one-way tunnel schedule and allow enough time to return before the final opening.
Plan safely
Conditions outrank the itinerary.
Rain, snow, avalanche debris, bears, moose, and tunnel timing can change a simple outing. Check current information on the day you go and turn around when conditions are wrong.
- Carry rain layers, warm clothing, water, and suitable footwear.
- Never enter glacier caves or stand beneath avalanche snowfields.
- Give moose and bears a very wide distance.
- For Whittier hikes, confirm tunnel hours before departure.
Before or after the trail