Portage Pass Trail is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Whittier, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves. Once you get to the trail end, just follow the valley as it bends to the left and you will literally walk into the glacial ice caves. The 1.4-mile trail is a flat, easy walk. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is WHITT which is approximately 6 miles away and has an elevation of 60 feet (1,951 feet lower than Byron Glacier). The entire valley that Byron Glacier rests in is a beautiful valley with stunning views, and because of this, what can be planned for a short day hike can easily turn into an all day venture. It has receded far up the mountain. The Knik Glacier bike trail starts near Knik Glacier Tours on Google Maps. There are some picnic tables and disc golf baskets near the Knik Glacier Trail. Black Bear Campground Anchorage, Alaska Trail over the creek by the Bear Campground Byron Glacier Trail End Anchorage, Alaska My friend Darren mesmerized by Byron Glacier. Its a moderate hike, just because of the loose rock and two big rock hills you have to go over, but its well worth the trip. The main road used to end here, but now continues eastward, leading to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and to Whittier. I read … Historical Weather. We spent a fun afternoon walking the trail then climbing over rocks to get to the caves. Not a bad way to spend a morning. Camping at Grewingk Glacier. Alaska. The hike is good for all ages and activity levels-just be careful. Adventure Guru offers an easy 1.5-mile bicycle tour. I would definitely do this again. The alder/cottonwood forest is lush with ferns for a serene beginning to the hike. The main road used to end here, but now continues eastward, leading to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and to Whittier. When we got to glacier at end, we were under-whelmed. You can climb those to get to the glacier and the ice caves. First half of trail to the glacier viewpoint is well maintained, with a wide footpath and brush cleared away from trail. Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway, to the end of the 5-mile Portage Spur Road. Please choose a different date. Bring a light jacket, as winds tend to pick up around the face of the glacier itself. For the more adventurous visitors of the Williwaw Campground, head over to snow fields via the Byron Glacier Trial. Trail is closed to motorized vehicles all year. Columbia Glacier. We have 6 Glacier pages on AlaskaTrekker. near. If you go via cruiseship you’ll see towering snow-capped mountains, birds and wildlife, and mile after mile of pristine Alaska coastline. Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical on a sightseeing tour. There are also beautiful ice caves that form from the glacier runoff. If you aren’t very outdoorsy or not sure on how to navigate in the wild, it won’t matter because this trail is very easy to navigate. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring the usual necessities such as. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Byron Glacier Ice Cave – Is it Safe? Camping sites and RV hookups in the Portage Valley In nearby Girdwood: 1 resort, numerous condos/chalets/cabins/bed and breakfasts, 8 restaurants/cafes/snackbars. It comes in at $799 per person…yikes. Are they in Portage Glacier or Byron Glacier? The 1.4-mile trail is a flat, easy walk. There are several to explore. Just be careful. Related to earthworms, the miniscule ice worms have evolved to live only … Byron Glacier. Camping: Starvation: James Wirth: 08/22/92 Whittier Flying Crash Kyle Wirth: 08/22/92 Whittier Flying ... Byron Glacier Mountaineer Fall Brian Christenson: 06/02/96 Kenai River Boating Drown Justin D. … Wilderness, Wildlife & Glacier Experience... Summer Glacier Dogsledding Tour from Girdwood. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. View wildlife. Byron Glacier Trail: Hiking to the Byron glacier - See 256 traveller reviews, 211 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. When the trees were shorter, you could see the glacier well from the road, but now you have to hike a ways before the ice face comes into view. Byron Glacier Accommodations: Camping sites and RV … Beginner bike trail in the Moose Flats Recreation Area in the Portage Valley. Bike Friendly Trail 10 Miles Round Trip add another 4 miles if going to Bryon Glacier. Byron Glacier from Mapcarta, the free map. Alaska . more, Recommended experiences in and around Girdwood. Matanuska Glacier Where are the Ice Caves? At the viewing area you can see spawning salmon during late July and early August. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. We wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend. Location: Byron Glacier Trailhead, Chugach National Forest. At that time the glacier came down near to the end of the one mile trail. Distance: 2.8 miles (roundtrip) to the viewing area. But the caves collapsed again and killed another person 2 years ago. The Byron Glacier trail starts at a well-marked pullout, about half a mile from the end of the road. Find best hotel deals and discounts. The lake may provide opportunities for boating, fishing, or swimming but access will depend on specific rules. Much of the trail is close to Byron Creek, where kids can play among the smooth stones, but keep an eye because the water is cold and sometimes rapid. hard to cross the river at points and you’ll get yourself wet the ice cave is so magical though. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: See 258 reviews, articles, and 215 photos of Byron Glacier Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. Unfortunately visitor center closed due to COVID when we were there. Byron Glacier Trail Recreational Opportunity Guide Avalanche activity may occur in the Byron Valley well into the spring … There really wasn't much to see. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Byron Glacier Road, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, Easy trail the has a great reward at the end of it. Can they be seen now in the summer? The Byron Glacier Trail leads up valley (southwest of the lake) 1.4 miles to the toe of the glacier. Lake Louise Campground in Byron Illinois is a campground or RV park with immediate access to a lake. Ascending Path offers fully outfitted overnight camping trips to Spencer Glacier. Eagle River. As you approach the glacier, the forest thins out to display views of the rugged cliffs and glacier and – if you turn around – Portage Lake and Valley. In 1893, the glacier’s terminal moraine was reached, and is marked by rocks left the foot of Portage Lake. Byron Glacier is touted as being highly accessible for all ages. It was beautiful! What do you know about the ice caves back there? Black bears, moose, and marmots cross the Byron Glacier Trail from time to time. This small-group tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. The trail is an easy hike and will get you up close to the glacier with great views of the surrounding mountains. The Byron Glacier Trail near Girdwood, Alaska is a beautiful hike for trekkers of all ages. Enjoy live commentary and learn about the unique landscapes of Alaska from your expert guide. water/ snacks etc. The tiny creatures surface en masse in the evening after the sun retreats and dusk deepens. Travel 6 miles (past Begich, Boggs Visitor Center) to trailhead parking. You may walk anywhere you please. Can you just walk in or does it require a guide? A good family outing with a variety of things to do for the whole family. Road access is via the Seward Highway to the former town of Portage, which was flooded and subsequently vacated following the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Elevation: 100 feet gain; overall a … Plus no restrooms anywhere. Byron Glacier trailhead is near Portage Lake. There is some ice up between the hills that I guess was the glacier. Not worth the hike. Eagle River,. It’s fun to have an impromptu snowball fight in snowfields left over from winter avalanches, or take one of the multiple side trails that will lead you to the edge of the valley where bouldering opportunities abound. Be careful not to go to high up on the avalanche chutes since the snow underneath collapses and some point during the summer. Be sure to bring your camera, as the trail allows a close-up view of a glacier. I only walked to the end of the gravel trail. As these routes lie on the east valley walls, they receive blistering afternoon and evening sun that makes already slick rock even greasier. The alder/cottonwood forest is lush with ferns for a serene beginning to the hike. Byron Glacier has only 24 routes, ranging from 5.8 to 5.14, but they are much higher quality than the nearby routes along the Seward Highway. Portage Glacier. (People have been killed walking through ice caves there multiple times so be smart). Backcountry camping is also available, but you’ll need to secure a permit and check-in with the Park Service. Byron Glacier is a glacier in Alaska and has an elevation of 2011 feet. This 1.4 mile Byron Glacier wilderness trail offers an easy walk for all ages. It was insane and really took away from any camping fun. Once you get to the end there’s a bunch of rocks and boulders. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: See 255 reviews, articles, and 210 photos of Byron Glacier Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. This tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. Is it a long hike to get to them? 3 1/2 mile round trip, and a photographer's dream. The Portage Glacier Road runs 6 miles, mostly past USFS campgrounds, to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Portage Glacier Road runs 6 miles, mostly past USFS campgrounds, to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Byron Creek is a cascading, whitewater, glacial creek. Hiking Rabbit Lake Trail. Portage may be a ghost town in the winter as a result of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, but during the summer it is a bustling destination for travelers coming to witness Portage Glacier calving into blue waters full of floating ice and resident sea mammals. The trail follows a beautiful stream through Chugach National Forest with views of Byron Glacier hanging high up in the mountains. Be careful it’s easy to fall and hurt yourself. The Mendenhall, Byron, and Matanuska glaciers are to name a few. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: See 258 reviews, articles, and 215 photos of Byron Glacier Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. I’d avoid them for sure. If you have kids, make sure you check out the fish viewing platform. September 20, 2018 November 2, 2018. The hike to the end of the path is easy. ... “ The campground is nice, but out of the 20 or so campgrounds in Alaska, this one had the mosquitos! Big Savings and low prices on Byron Glacier Trail, Eagle River, Alaska. Although Black Bear and Williwaw campgrounds are located in the same valley, and within walking distance of each other, their differences illustrate the many options campers have in the Chugach. At mile 79, Seward Highway (49 miles south of Anchorage), turn north onto Portage Valley Road. Mendenhall Glacier. And, maybe hike to Byron Glacier or take a short cruise to Portage glacier . The 1.4-mile trail is a flat, easy walk. Try to stay to the right of the river when climbing up- it’s very. Byron Glacier, Chugach National Forest. It is an amazing place that constantly changes with the glacier, so get out there and enjoy it! It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. If you are looking for a campground or RV park with a lake this one fits the mold. You can get up to the glacier by scrambling up and over rocky area. Winter camping is not for the faint of heart, however, if you want to experience the adventure, and you have all of the necessary weather-rated supplies, you can auto-camp at Apgar Picnic Area and St. Mary Campground. Follow the winding, mostly flat trail through a rocky, verdant alluvial plain that is now interspersed with tall alders and a smattering of cottonwood and aspen trees. We went in November and were really glad we brought the shoe spikes. Easy hike. Find & reserve the best campsites near St Mary's, Colorado. Ice worms are common, if you get down on your knees when on the snowfield. The rope routes lie across the creek from the boulders. Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical on a sightseeing tour. It's a one-mile scenic walk to the glacier face along Byron Creek. Byron Glacier Trail. Adventure is out there. Byron Glacier. Exit Glacier. The first half is well-maintained, with a wide path. Option to continue further though not advised by the USDA (due to melting snow and ice). The many stones along its bank offer many imaginative activities for children and adults (rock skipping, fort building). The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound.Nearby AttractionsConsider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier. Hotels near Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Girdwood, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Winner Creek Trail Hand Tram: Tickets & Tours‎, Virgin Creek Falls Trail: Tickets & Tours‎, Girdwood Brewing Company: Tickets & Tours‎, Begich Boggs Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours‎, McHugh Creek Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours‎, The Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts: Tickets & Tours‎, The Roundhouse at Alyeska: Tickets & Tours‎. Portage Glacier Cafe Anchorage, Alaska Byron Glacier Trail will lead you to Byron Glacier. On your way to the glacier you could stop by the Williwaw Falls Sockeye Salmon Viewing Area next to the road. It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. United States of America hotels, motels, resorts and inns. Byron Creek is a cascading, whitewater, glacial creek. Copyright 2020 AlaskaTrekker | All Rights Reserved. I first visited Byron glacier 5 years ago. A good family outing with a variety of things to do for the whole family. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A lot of rock. Book online now or call 24/7 toll-free. 10 Mile drive south of Girdwood. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Second half becomes rocky with small stream crossings some standing water. There really weren't any views during hike. Hotels near Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood on Tripadvisor: Find 3,624 traveller reviews, 8,984 candid photos, and prices for 5 hotels near Byron Glacier Trail in Girdwood, AK. The Byron Glacier Blue Ice Trail is a gorgeous Alaskan hike with mountain and glacier views and you don’t have to enter the ice cave. The trailhead is in the Portage Glacier parking lot about halfway between the Beigich-Boggs Visitors Center and the boat dock. Turn down Ed Rush Rd and right on Buckshot Ln. One of the best hikes we had on our trip, definitely recommend that you make this part of your itinerary. Modanville Campsite in Modanville Campsite & Yurt, 45 min from Byron Bay, New South Wales | This spot is perfect for pitching a tent under the stars. All gear, guides, equipment, and meals are included as well train tickets to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and a helicopter ride from the glacier to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. A snowfield at the end of the Byron Glacier Trail offers the easiest place to view ice worms in the region. A definite must do! Byron Glacier Trail While the Byron Glacier hike is an easy walk along a well-maintained trail in the summer, during the spring, a lot of snow in the upper elevations that haven’t avalanched yet. Be sure to bring rain gear: the Portage Valley is frequently rainy even when Anchorage is sunny. Just outside the campground is the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, with an intimate look at spawning salmon from mid- to late-summer. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The glacier ice has since receded 3 miles up and around a bend in Portage Valley. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. Byron Glacier is touted as being highly accessible for all ages. The Byron Glacier Trail is very flat. 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