Location: Near Portage Lake
Distance: 1.2 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
I haven't done this hike in a few years, but I know from driving by that many of the nearby glaciers have receded a good amount. It may be a longer hike to actually get to the glacier now, but it's a nice walk regardless. This is a great hike for families, but there are many other better glacier hikes that I would recommend, such as Portage Pass or Matanuska. One thumb up.
This pic is from June 2011.
Emerald Cove
Location: East of Whittier
Distance: almost 2 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on conditions - if it's muddy, can be very slick
This is a beautiful scenic hike along the water! That being said, try to do this one after several dry days. My friends and I only made it about a half mile in before we decided it was too muddy and we didn't want to ruin the trail further. Lots of waterfalls and calm beaches along the way though, so even if you don't make it all the way, it's still worth checking out.
Update (from July 31, 2021): Made it all the way to the cove and it was well worth trekking through the mud. However, be warned! I wore trail shoes and at one point, one leg was in the mud halfway up my calf (oops). At another point, the mud sucked my shoe off and I fell into the mud with my sock on LOL.
This photo is from June 2020.
This photo is from July 2021.
Location: Whittier
Distance: 1.0 mile one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy; slight incline but short
This is a perfect hike if you don't have a lot of time but want to get out for a bit. The trailhead is already a bit elevated, so you just have to go the rest of the way. Be prepared with bug spray and water, maybe a snack to enjoy at the top with the view of Whittier.
This photo is from June 2020.
Portage Valley
Location: Along Portage Road
Distance: 5 miles one way (plus some loops for exploring)
Difficulty: Easy
The west side of this hike has much more rewarding views than the east, so if you aren't planning on doing the entire hike, start in the middle and work your way west. There are some really pretty lakes along the way. This is a great trail for children, as it is flat and part of it is paved. The very west end requires you to cross the road to get to the Moose Flats, but I would skip that part and enjoy extra time near the lakes.
This trail is also good for biking and running, as long as you carry proper protection. Although it is busy, bear sightings are not uncommon in the area.
The only downfall to this hike is that part of it is near the road so you can hear the traffic. Other than that, two thumbs up!
The picture below is from May 2016.
Portage Pass
Location: Whittier (right past tunnel)
Distance: 1 miles uphill one way to pass/viewpoint; two miles one way to lake
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Why haven't we done this hike before?! It's 1 mile up a slight hill but totally worth it on a nice day. You are rewarded by a view of Portage Glacier, as well as Whittier and the Prince William Sound. Two thumbs up!
I would recommend continuing down to Portage Lake if you have the time (adds another hour down and back up). Plan ahead and pack a picnic like we did!
This pic is from April 2016. We also went at the end of May and there was much less snow.
This pic is from July 2021.
Spencer Glacier
Location: One hour south of Anchorage along highway; then south on train
Distance: 1.1-3.1 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
What's unique about this hike is that it is only accessible by train. We took the train from Portage Stop #2 (after it comes back from Whittier) 9 miles south. It does not follow the road and takes you to Spencer Whistle Stop. The train ride takes about 20 minutes and costs $77 round trip. However, you can use the Northern Lights coupon to get BOGO free if you book seven days in advance. Once off the train, you have roughly 2.5 hours to hike out & back and catch the train back in the evening. We started our brisk walk right away, followed the trail along Spencer Lake, and made it back with plenty of time to board the train. Most of the visitors only went 1-2 miles, so it was nice and quiet where we were.
There are camping spot along the way for those who decide to stay a night out away from the usual camping crowds. For independent adventure seekers, you can bring your bike or paddle board on the train (keep in mind you need to lug your board one mile to the lake). You can also book a rafting or kayaking tour or bring your own. The rafting tours include the train ride, drive you to the lake (1 mile) and then guide you down the river back to the train pick up. This is next on my list of things to do in this area! Two thumbs up!
Below is the map of the area, as well as a pic of the glacier from July 2016. It is family friendly and pet friendly if you arrange to take your dog on the train. I do not know how much it costs.
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