South of Girdwood

As you leave Girdwood and head south on the Seward Highway you will see several dilapidated cabins and buildings as well as ghost trees. These are the direct result of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake that measured 9.2. This was the second largest earthquake ever recorded in the world and the largest to hit the Northern Hemisphere. The land along the head of Turnagain Arm sank about 8 feet and the resulting tsunami killed a total of 139 people including 16 people in Oregon and California. The only road that leads to Seward, Hope and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula was destroyed at that time.

Highlights South of Girdwood:

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a good way to view local wildlife in a more natural setting. Just about everything you’d expect to find in Alaska can be found here including wolves, caribou, bears, wolverine, lynx, porcupines, etc. They have recently raised and reintroduced wood bison in western Alaska where they once thrived. Adults $16 https://www.alaskawildlife.org/

Portage Glacier– The road to the Portage Glacier Visitor’s Center is quite beautiful but this area can get some of the worst weather. Pick your days! There are multiple campgrounds along the road as well as salmon viewing areas. The road divides as you get closer to Portage Lake and the visitor’s center. The road that veers to the right will take you to Byron Glacier and the boat to Portage Glacier. Byron Glacier Trail is the easiest way to get close to a glacier and enjoy those beautiful blue colors. The trail is only a few hundred yards from the parking lot. While you can no longer see the glacier from the Portage Glacier Visitors Center, you can get a $39 ticket to take a boat ride to the face of the glacier. Details on the Portage Area at: http://www.alaska.org/guide/portage-valley

Whittier Tunnel- Gateway to Prince William Sound- Glaciers and Fishing! If you want to get transported to an unusual place to live with buildings that look like they are from the Russian Gulag era, this is your time machine. Whittier was developed as an ice free port to transport military equipment during WW11. The 2.5 mile narrow tunnel is shared with the train so you want to check the schedule before you go! This is North America’s longest highway tunnel and was built to withstand -40 degree temperatures and 150 mph winds! Round trip for a passenger vehicle is $13. Schedule and webcam in Whittier: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/schedule.shtml After passing through the tunnel you will be amazed at the hanging glaciers and waterfalls in this narrow valley. As you exit the tunnel you will notice a public outhouse and trail on the right side. This is the start of Portage Pass Trail which terminates along Portage Lake, about 2 miles in. Near the half way point there should be an outstanding view of Portage Glacier. This is rated moderate with a 1,600 ft elevation gain. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/portage-pass Whittier is home to the large cruise ships as well as the famous “26 Glacier Tour“. Prices range from $109 to $159 which includes a meal and guaranteed NO SEASICKNESS! https://www.phillipscruises.com/cruises/26-glacier-cruise.php Both of these trips will burn up a full day. Whittier would also be a good place to book a saltwater fishing trip.

Train Ride to Spencer Glacier

This is a great way to spend the afternoon. You can hop on the train in Girdwood for a round trip $129 (1.5 hr) ride or drive south toward Portage to the train depot for a $89 round trip ride (20 min). https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ The Girdwood train leaves around 11 am and returns at 7:30. Once you arrive at Spencer Glacier you will find a level gravel trail that leads you to the iceberg filled lake in front of the glacier. The trail continues on toward the side of the glacier. There are extended excursions that can be added on such as a raft trip with some whitewater which connects up with the train again or you can kayak in the lake. Check out more information at: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/spencer-glacier-whistle-stop