Portage Lake

The feel

Portage Lake is a milky-teal lake that calves mini-icebergs beneath sheer peaks. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center sits in the heart of Portage Valley on the lake's northwestern end.

Portage Glacier is no longer visible from the visitor center, but the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains remain. To get closer, the one-hour M/V Ptarmigan cruise crosses the iceberg-dotted water in a heated cabin or on an open-air deck.

What to expect

What it is

A milky-teal lake in Portage Valley, reached by Portage Glacier Road off the Seward Highway.

Time

The cruise takes one hour.

Parking

Take Portage Glacier Road from the Seward Highway at milepost 78.9, about 48 miles from Anchorage. From Whittier, cross the bridge after Anderson Tunnel and look for the sign on the left.

Fees and passes

Visitor center day use is $5 per adult, and Interagency Passes are honored. The cruise is $59 adult, $49 child and $53.10 senior or military.

Dogs

Service animals are allowed on the cruise, but pets are not.

Kids

Children 15 and younger are free at the visitor center.

Hazards

The visitor center is roughly 2 miles from a potential Portage Lake landslide, and there is no sign one is imminent.

Season and access

The visitor center is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cruise runs daily from mid-May through mid-September.

Mingo says

Take extra care during and right after heavy rain, especially in summer and fall. Aim for the visitor center Thursday through Sunday, when it is open.

Before you go

• Catch a cruise at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm or 4:30 pm.
• Call the visitor center at (907) 783-2326.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.