Highlight
Portage Lake & Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
Iceberg-dotted glacier lake just through the tunnel, with Forest Service exhibits and a film
Typical duration
120 min
Price
$5 visitor center (15 and under free) (≈ €4.6–14)
From port
10 km / 6.2 mi
Transfer time
35 min
Indoor / Outdoor
mixed
Queue risk
low
🕐 Best time to visit
Memorial Day to Labor Day; visitor center open Thu–Sun 9am–5pm
Just through the tunnel, Portage Lake fills a basin carved by Portage Glacier, and icebergs often drift close to shore. The glacier has retreated out of sight from the visitor center, but the lake views and surrounding peaks are still spectacular. The Forest Service's Begich, Boggs Visitor Center on the lakeshore has exhibits on glaciers, wildlife and the 1964 earthquake, plus a film. In summer, an hour-long boat cruise leaves from a dock about a mile further on and goes right up to the glacier face.
Getting there from the port
Drive through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, then about 2 miles along Portage Glacier Road