Williwaw Nature Trail

The feel

The trail starts at the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. It is a well-maintained path with a thirty-foot bridge, and the platform overlooks several deep pools. From mid-August, coho, sockeye and chum salmon converge on the creek, and some late fish are still there after first frost.

Past the ponds the trail crosses Portage Glacier Road and runs south another 1/2 mile to the Trail of Blue Ice. Bears, usually black bears, often forage along this stream, and a fresh fish carcass on the bank or the trail is not uncommon. It is a good trail to view or photograph wildlife, and there are lots of berries along the way, so it suits kids and works well for families.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 1 to 1.25 miles, with about 30 ft of gain. The path runs from the platform under the highway bridge and along the creek to the ponds, then crosses Portage Glacier Road. To return to the platform, walk through Williwaw Campground.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Crowds and best time

Salmon viewing runs early August to mid September.

Parking

A paved lot on the south side of the road at Mile 4 of the Portage Highway. Look for the Salmon Viewing sign.

Kids

Rated easy and kid-friendly, on a wheelchair accessible path.

Hazards

Use extreme caution when crossing the road. Bears forage along the stream, so make plenty of noise when fish are thick.

Season and access

Salmon are in the creek from early August to mid September. Williwaw Campground is at mile 4.1 of Portage Glacier Road, off Seward Highway milepost 78.9.

Mingo says

Aim for mid to late August, when the spawning run is at its best. Pack a polarized filter for your camera to cut the glare on the water. Walk loudly on the creek path, because the bears are after the same fish.

Before you go

• Park in the paved lot on the south side of the road and look for the Salmon Viewing sign.
• Pick up the trail guide at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center; its numbers match the trail posts.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 with questions about the area.

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