Embarking on a day trip from Anchorage to Portage Valley and Whittier grants you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty and rich history. Both Whittier and Portage Valley are excellent day-trip destinations on their own, but combined, they make the ultimate day adventure. The following itinerary is designed for a summer day trip; be sure to double check seasonal closures and weather conditions if you plan on embarking on this trip in the winter.
Morning – Drive to Portage Valley
Kick start your day bright and early, as you have a thrilling day ahead in the beautiful Portage Valley.
As you cruise down the scenic Seward Highway towards Portage Valley, keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot moose, eagles, dall sheep, and if you’re really lucky, bears. The road along Turnagain Arm offers some of the best scenery in the state, so be sure to stop often to enjoy the views.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, pull over at Beluga Point to look for beluga whales. These elusive creatures are best spotted during a high tide, and are only seen in the summer during the salmon run.
Stop #1: Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Before you turn into Portage Valley, make a quick stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, and education.
Here, you can witness a variety of Alaskan wildlife including bears, moose, bison, and wolves in their natural habitats. The center offers guided tours that provide deep insights into the conservation efforts and the animals they shelter. It is open year-round with entrance fees being $20 for adults and $16 for children (under 4 is free!). Plan to spend about 30-40 minutes exploring this amazing center.
Stop #2: Portage Visitor Center
Next, head up into Portage Valley to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, and keep an eye on the side of the road for moose and black bears. Situated on the shores of Portage Lake, this visitor center serves as a hub for travelers to learn about the region's glacial landscapes through interactive exhibits, visual presentations, and ranger-led programs.
The visitor center is typically only open in the summer, so check ahead of time for seasonal closures and hours.
Stop #3: Byron Glacier
Portage Valley is home to several glaciers, however the easiest to access is Byron Glacier. From the visitor center, head into the park to the Byron Glacier Trailhead. This relatively easy and family-friendly hike leads you to breathtaking views at the base of Byron Glacier nestled amidst rugged mountains.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore ice caverns and slide down the glacier at the end of the trail.
Stop #4: The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
To travel from Portage to Whittier, you will need to travel through the historic Whittier tunnel (formerly called the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel). This marvel of engineering is a dual-use tunnel, accommodating both train and vehicle traffic, switching directions at designated times. Initially, it served as a railway tunnel and was later upgraded to facilitate vehicular traffic, as is now the longest car tunnel in the United States.
The tunnel operates at a schedule with different timings for inbound and outbound traffic, open from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM during summer, and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in winter. The toll fee for a standard vehicle is $13, while RVs and larger vehicles have different pricing. Always check the schedule and pricing on the official website to plan your trip effectively, and to monitor any closures due to construction or weather.
Stop #5: Whittier
Once you emerge from the tunnel, you can head straight into the heart of Whittier. Tucked against the backdrop of towering mountains and Prince William Sound, Whittier's history dates back to World War II when it served as a military port.
Today, the majority of the town's residents live in a single building known as Begich Towers, making it a unique community with a school, police station, and even a church under one roof.
The town is a hub for numerous adventures and delicious restaurants. Pop into the Wild Catch Cafe for lunch before heading to your next stop.
Stop #6: Explore Prince William Sound
A trip to Whittier is not complete unless you get out onto the water. Luckily, the town offers a variety of options to explore the amazing scenery, wildlife, and glaciers that make Prince William Sound one of the most picturesque spots in the state. Check out one of the following tours to fill your afternoon:
Glacier Cruises: Discover the mesmerizing glaciers of Prince William Sound with day cruises that offer an up-close look at the majestic ice formations and wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of bird species – all from the comfort of a larger boat with heated cabin.
Glacier cruises depart daily from the harbor and are the perfect tour option for all kinds of weather.
They range in length, but a couple hour tour is perfect to get a sampling of the scenery and give you ample time to get back to Anchorage.
Fishing Tours: Whittier is a haven offering halibut and salmon fishing tours. Guided tours can take you to the best fishing spots, providing a rewarding experience coupled with stunning natural scenery. You can book an all-day tour if you plan on spending a few days here or book an afternoon charter.
Kayaking: My personal favorite way of seeing Prince William Sound is with a guided kayak tour. Paddle through the calm waters exploring coves and witnessing the breathtaking glaciers up close. This is also a great option to get the best photos of marine mammals and see the amazing ecosystem thriving just below the water’s surface.
Jet Ski Tours: A truly unique option for Whittier is the opportunity to explore glaciers from a jet ski. I definitely only recommend this tour during the summer, but jet ski tours offer an exhilarating way to explore the waters, with guided tours taking you to the stunning glaciers and wildlife habitats.
Stop #7: Take a Hike
If you still have some energy left after all the activities, consider setting aside an hour or two to explore the vast trail system that surrounds Whittier. Here you can walk through lush rainforests, along dramatic seashores, or even a historic walk through the downtown. Some great trails include:
- Portage Pass Trail: A moderately difficult trail with views of the Passage Canal and Portage Glacier. It’s a 4-mile round trip, making it a great choice for a short afternoon adventure.
- Horsetail Falls Trail: A relatively easy trail leading to the beautiful Horsetail falls. It’s a perfect spot for an evening picnic before heading back to Anchorage.
- Shotgun Cove Trail: If you have a bit more time or plan on spending the night, check out Shotgun Cove Trail. This trail is an adventurous journey leading to beautiful beaches with opportunities for camping and picnicking.
Evening – Head back to Anchorage
After a full day of exploring, it is time to head back to Anchorage. The drive back is just as spectacular as your day’s adventure, with ample opportunities to pull over and soak in the last views of the splendid landscapes.
Try to plan your trip back around sunset for the best views along Turnagain Arm and best chances to spot wildlife. Be sure to drive slowly if you are heading back at night, as moose and bears commonly cross the road in the evening.