Portage Valley Glacier and Wildlife Discovery
Tours

Get up close with Alaska’s iconic wildlife and Glaciers in this stunning natural beauty on a guided full-day tour from Anchorage. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

All Year

Group size: 2 -4 people

Easy to Moderate

Kincaid Park Visitors Center

Nestled within the lush, glacier-sculpted heart of the Chugach National Forest, the Portage Valley offers one of Alaska’s most accessible and visually stunning landscapes. Located just a one-hour scenic drive south of Anchorage, this valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking the grandeur of Alaska’s glaciers without venturing deep into the wilderness.

Portage Valley Glaciers & Waterfalls Tour – Alaska’s Ice-Carved Wonderland

The tour follows the Portage Glacier Highway, a winding route that cuts through a dramatic U-shaped valley flanked by towering cliffs and snow-draped peaks. As you travel deeper into the valley, you're surrounded by a cascade of natural marvels: massive hanging glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and vibrant blue meltwater streams — all remnants of a landscape shaped by ancient ice.

Explorer and Middle Glaciers, suspended high on the valley walls, with waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet down rugged cliffs.
The serene waters of Portage Lake, where icebergs drift quietly in the shadow of Portage Glacier.
The short but rewarding Portage Pass Trail, offering panoramic views of the glacier, lake, and distant peaks.
The Trail of Blue Ice, an easy, family-friendly path that follows the valley floor through forests, wetlands, and streams — ideal for spotting wildlife and wildflowers in summer.

Key highlights include:

Throughout the tour, roadside pullouts, trailheads, and viewing platforms provide stunning photographic opportunities. The waterfalls, fed by glacial melt, are especially dramatic in late spring and early summer, while autumn brings golden tundra and reflective pools perfect for capturing Alaska’s quieter moods.
This tour is designed for all activity levels — whether you're enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk, embarking on a moderate hike, or simply photographing from the roadside, Portage Valley delivers awe-inspiring views with minimal effort.

Whether you are a visitor hoping to see your first wild moose or a local seeking a deeper connection to the land, this hike offers a unique Alaskan experience that blends adventure, education, and a chance to witness the wild beauty of Kincaid Park.

We offer private, personalized hikes led by guides who combine expert knowledge with a genuine passion for Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness.

What Sets Us Apart?

Lunch/Dinner
Note: food & beverages available for purchase at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Gratuity

Trip Does Not Include

Guided interpretive wildlife Glacier hike

Wildlife safety briefing

Transportation to and from Anchorage

Light snacks and water

What’s Included

Book Now

Cost: $210 per person
(2 - 4 people)

4 hour tour

Portage Valley is more than just a stop on the way to Whittier — it's a living gallery of Alaska's dynamic geological history. With its proximity to Anchorage, ease of access, and unforgettable scenery, it’s one of the best places in Southcentral Alaska to experience the full power and beauty of glacial landscapes in a single day.

For group size 2-4 people - If you have 5+ please call 734-564-3773 to schedule

Want the 7 hour tour?

Throughout the tour, roadside pullouts, trailheads, and viewing platforms provide stunning photographic opportunities. The waterfalls, fed by glacial melt, are especially dramatic in late spring and early summer, while autumn brings golden tundra and reflective pools perfect for capturing Alaska’s quieter moods.
This tour is designed for all activity levels — whether you're enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk, embarking on a moderate hike, or simply photographing from the roadside, Portage Valley delivers awe-inspiring views with minimal effort.

Additional Adventures for the 7 hour tour

Hit the road for a breath-taking coastal drive along the Seward Highway, one of America’s most scenic byways. Keep your eyes peeled for Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats along the cliffs, bald eagles soaring overhead and Beluga whales in the Cook Inlet. Begin your day with a peaceful adventure through one of Anchorage’s premier urban wilderness parks, where moose roam freely among forested trails and open meadows. Guided by a local expert, you will learn fascinating facts about moose behavior, discover the park’s hidden wonders, and enjoy the thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat—all while exploring the wild beauty of Kincaid Park.

Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm

Experience two of Alaska’s most breathtaking roadside stops, where dramatic cliffs meet the sparkling waters of Turnagain Arm. Snap unforgettable photos of panoramic Chugach Mountain and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge views. Keep an eye out for beluga whales surfacing in the waves below. These iconic viewpoints blend wild beauty, ocean wildlife, and sweeping scenery you will not want to miss.

Beluga Point & Windy Point

Step into Alaska’s wild heart at this celebrated sanctuary, home to rescued brown bears, bison, elk, wolves, musk ox, and more. Wander through spacious, natural habitats and get up close to these incredible animals while learning about the vital conservation work that protects Alaska’s wildlife for generations to come.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Relax and enjoy the ride back with scenic views and local stories to wrap up your unforgettable day.

Return to Anchorage

Book Now

Cost: $340 per person
(2 - 4 people)

7 hour tour

For group size 2-4 people - If you have 5+ please call 734-564-3773 to schedule

Learn More →

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Moose Hike and Aurora Live Chase Tours

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Get up close with Alaska’s iconic wildlife and stunning natural beauty on this guided full-day tour from Anchorage. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers,