Portage Pass Trail, Alaska, United States
5.0 (18 reviews) Spent Ranking #4 in Whittier Hiking Trails
Beautiful hike
What a beautiful hike! The views from the top of Portage Pass are stunning, both looking forward towards Portage Glacier and looking back towards Whittier. We didn't go all the way to Portage Lake, but we did go about 15-20 minutes past the "Portage Pass Elevation 800'" sign to the overlook where you can see Portage Glacier spilling into Portage Lake. It's definitely worth going to that overlook. The entire hike took us 2 hours and 20 minutes (roundtrip), including plenty of stops for pictures. Bring some water as the first part of the hike up the mountain is pretty strenuous (but well worth it). We did this hike in the morning before catching the "26 Glacier Cruise" from Whittier in the afternoon-- it was a fantastic day.
Address
, Whittier, Alaska, United States.
Website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=stelprdb5251250
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 3:00
User Ratings
5.0 based on (18 reviews)
Reviews
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5Craig A 5:00 PM Jul 5, 2022
Amazing hike with even better views!
If you are not physically able to walk a couple of miles at what times is pretty unsteady footing and a rather strenuous climb at times don't bother. If you are able, you should do this hike. You will want water with you and plan on a couple of hours to enjoy the beauty that awaits you at the top. The access road to the trailhead parking area is POOR at best. Still, there were campers and small cars that made it. We had an SUV with high ground clearance so I wasn't concerned. You may need to park 1/2 mile away or so to avoid damaging the underside or your vehicle it is more of a lower profile. Depending on how "fit" you are the hike can take a bit, but I'd give yourself at least two hours from the time you leave your vehicle to the time you plan to hit the tunnel for the return out from Whittier.
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4WanderGeek 5:00 PM Aug 3, 2022
Nice views
This is a 4 mile round trip hike to a lake with a glacier with good views on both sides. The first mile or so is uphill 800 ft but not too steep with good views of the bay Whittier is next to. The next mile is downhill to a lake (near sea level) with good views of the lake glacier and waterfalls on the mountainsides. The glacier flows right to the lake but it is on the far side and not easy to get to. The parking area for this is close to the Whittier end of the tunnel. Worth doing if you have time in Whittier.
