For most people, the broad, sandy shoreline of Portage Lake marks the turnaround point of this hike — or the perfect picnic spot. The glacier is not terrible active but …
Portage Pass has been historically used by Alaska Natives, Russian fur traders, and early settlers. Currently it is used as a migratory route for birds and as a recreational opportunity …
Before construction of the tunnel, people would take a boat or sled across Portage glacier lake and carry (hence: portage) their loads across this easy pass to reach Whittier.
About halfway between Portage Pass and Portage lake is Divide Lake, receiving its water from the hills to the north, and shaping the path following it down to Portage Lake, …
Whitter is one of the important mostly ice-free ports around Anchorage and is the starting point for day trips to the nearby glaciers that can be observed calving into the sea.