Located 50 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway in Alaska, the Portage Glacier and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center day trip combines two premier Chugach National Forest attractions in a single efficient route. The drive south from Anchorage follows Turnagain Arm, a narrow ocean inlet of Cook Inlet where tidal bore events send 6-foot walls of water racing up the channel and beluga whales regularly surface in summer. Beluga Point Scenic Overlook at Mile 110 of the Seward Highway is a recommended 10-minute stop for wildlife scanning. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center at Mile 79 Seward Highway is a 200-acre rescue sanctuary housing Alaskan wildlife including brown and black bears, moose, bison, musk oxen, Sitka black-tailed deer, lynx, wolves, caribou, and porcupines. Visitors move through the grounds on foot or by vehicle and can observe animals at close range from safe viewing platforms. Adult admission runs $21.95; seniors $16.95; children $12.95. Allow two to three hours for a complete loop. From the AWCC, continue east on Portage Glacier Road approximately five miles to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, operated by the USDA Forest Service. The center features free exhibits on glacial geology, the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, and the Chugach National Forest ecosystem, along with a panoramic deck facing Portage Lake. The Portage Lake glacier cruise, operated by Gray Line Alaska at approximately $39 per adult, departs several times daily from mid-May through mid-September across an iceberg-dotted lake to the face of Portage Glacier. The Byron Glacier Trail, 1.5 miles round trip and suitable for all fitness levels, departs from the Portage area parking lot and leads to an icefall with accessible ice fragments. Recommended itinerary: depart Anchorage by 7:30 AM, stop at Beluga Point, arrive at AWCC by 9:00 AM when animals are most active, tour for two hours, then drive to Portage Glacier for a midday boat cruise. The Girdwood area at Mile 90 Seward Highway, home to Alyeska Resort and Chair 5 Restaurant, serves as a useful breakfast stop. Return to Anchorage is typically completed by 4:00 PM. A rental car is essential; no public transit serves the Portage corridor.
How to get there
- Rental car (essential)
- Alaska Tour & Travel bus ($75, alaskatravel.com, 800-208-0200)
Location
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, 79 Seward Hwy, Portage, AK 99587
60.8268, -148.8838 View on map
Highlights
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: observe brown and black bears, moose, wolves, musk oxen, and caribou at close range in a 200-acre rescue sanctuary
- Portage Lake glacier cruise: boat trip across an iceberg-filled lake to the calving face of Portage Glacier (Gray Line Alaska, ~$39/adult)
- Turnagain Arm scenic corridor with tidal bore watching and beluga whale sightings at Beluga Point Overlook
- Byron Glacier Trail: easy 1.5-mile round-trip walk to an icefall with accessible ice fragments and mountain valley views
- Begich Boggs Visitor Center: free USDA Forest Service exhibits on Chugach glaciology and the 1964 Alaska Earthquake
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center when it opens at 9 AM — bears and wolves are most active in early morning
- Pre-book the Portage Lake glacier boat cruise through Gray Line Alaska before the trip; afternoon departures fill quickly in July and August
- Pack lunch — no restaurants operate at Portage Glacier; Girdwood at Mile 90 is the last food stop heading south from Anchorage
- Stop at Beluga Point (Mile 110 Seward Highway) for 10 minutes to scan Turnagain Arm for beluga whales, most often seen June through August
- Bring warm layers — the Portage Glacier valley funnels cold air off the ice and temperatures drop noticeably from Anchorage even in summer
When to visit
June through August offers the best combination of long daylight hours, all boat cruise departures operating, and maximum wildlife activity at the conservation center. September is quieter with fall colors along the Seward Highway but reduced glacier cruise frequency.
Accessibility
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has paved and compacted gravel paths throughout; the main wildlife loop is largely flat and accessible to most mobility levels. The Portage Lake boat cruise requires boarding a vessel at a floating dock, which can be challenging for passengers with significant mobility impairments. The Begich Boggs Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible and the Byron Glacier Trail is mostly flat gravel suitable for those with good mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to pre-book the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
No reservation is required for general admission. Tickets ($21.95 adults) can be purchased at the gate. During peak summer weekends arriving early avoids longer entry queues and ensures the best wildlife activity windows.
Is the Portage Glacier boat cruise guaranteed to operate?
The cruise operates weather-permitting from late May through mid-September. Pre-booking through Gray Line Alaska is strongly recommended as popular departure slots sell out weeks in advance, particularly on summer weekends.
Can this day trip be done without a rental car?
Alaska Tour & Travel offers a combined Anchorage day trip to Portage Glacier and the AWCC for approximately $75 per person. Otherwise a rental car is essential as no public bus serves the Portage corridor.
Are there trails near Portage Glacier?
The Byron Glacier Trail (1.5 miles round trip, easy) departs from the Portage parking area and leads to an icefall with accessible iceberg fragments. No crampons are needed. The trail is mostly flat gravel and suitable for families.
What is the entry fee for Portage Glacier?
The Begich Boggs Visitor Center and Byron Glacier Trail are free to access. The Portage Lake boat cruise to the glacier face costs approximately $39 for adults and is operated separately by Gray Line Alaska.