Moose Flats Wetland Trail

The feel

Moose Flats is a short boardwalk along several ponds in Portage Valley. It is a good place to watch waterfowl that nest and raise their young in the ponds and river channels, and moose are frequent visitors, so the boardwalk makes a fine observation post.

A singletrack spur leads on to the banks of Portage Creek. The day use area also has picnic sites and a fishing platform, so it works as a picnic stop as well as a walk.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 0.5 miles total, with 13 ft of gain. An interpretive boardwalk along the ponds, with a singletrack spur to Portage Creek. The travel surfaces are firm and smooth, under 5% grade.

Time

About 0.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Best viewing is in spring, summer and fall.

Parking

Park at the Moose Flats Day Use Area, off the Portage Highway.

Dogs

Keep pets on leashes when hiking.

Kids

Rated easy, with a short, flat walk.

Hazards

Black bears have been met nearby on the Trail of Blue Ice, so carry bear spray. Portage Valley has wild weather.

Season and access

Best viewing seasons are spring, summer and fall. The site is at the west end of the Trail of Blue Ice.

Mingo says

Go between spring and fall, when waterfowl are nesting and the moose are around. Clouds over the Chugach and Kenai mountains drop lots of rain and snow here.

Before you go

• Carry bear spray and make noise, as black bears have been met near the Trail of Blue Ice.
• Bring a leash if you bring a dog.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 with questions.

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