There are so many things to do in Alaska that you may not be sure what to do first. But, if you are looking for something that is fun for the entire family then you will want to check out the Portage Glacier in Whittier, Alaska.
This is the most visited place in Alaska so you will want to check out the glacier, or where the glacier used to be. You can see that over the last few years the glacier has begun retreating, or melting, away from the lake that it made. In the center of the glacier you can see some bedrock however the majority of the glacier is underwater. It goes down 100 feet or more in Portage Lake. This glacier is known as a valley glacier. If you are interested in checking out other kinds of glaciers while you are in the area there are actually a couple “hanging glaciers” nearby. These types of glaciers hang down the side of a mountain. There are also glaciers that are in the sea and these are known as tidewater glaciers while freshwater glaciers are in lakes.
When you head to Portage Glacier you will want to stop off at Begick-Boggs Visitor Center first. There is a lot of information to be learned by visiting the visitor center and you can enjoy seeing the glacier in person more by visiting here first. You can also see a video to learn more about glaciers, too.
Afterwards, you may want to begin by walking down to the lakeshore. You can see some icebergs close to you and then you can move on to the glacier tour, if you want. This involves buying a ticket and going out on a cruise. So, if you are not up for that you do not have to do it. However, it is really the only way to see the glacier up close and personal and it is worth the time and money. If you are up for a hike then you can take a trail to another glacier where you can actually climb on it and see what a glacier feels like up close!
