Portage Pass – Shoreline of Portage Lake loop from Whittier Airport

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Alaska

Chugach Census Area

Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area

Whittier

Portage Pass – Shoreline of Portage Lake loop from Whittier Airport

Moderate

3.3

(2)

hikers

Portage Pass – Shoreline of Portage Lake loop from Whittier Airport

03:46

11.0km

300m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chugach National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

755 m

Portage Pass Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

The Portage Pass Trailhead is located at the end of a short, but sometimes very rough, dirt road. Passenger vehicles with decent ground clearance can usually make it with no …

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2.02 km

Learnard Glacier on Learnard & Lowell Peaks, from Whittier

Highlight • Natural Monument

Learnard Glacier forms and descends between Learnard and Lowell Peaks, perfectly displayed from the trail along Whittier bay.

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2.59 km

Whittier Small Boat Harbor

Highlight • Rest Area

One of the longest ice-free harbors near Anchorage, Whittier is a base for boat tours exploring glaciers.

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2.83 km

Deep Water Dock, Whittier

Highlight • Rest Area

6.14 km

Portage Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Although this pass is only 800 feet (244 m) in elevation, it is one of the most beautiful day hiking destinations in this part of Alaska. Even if you don't …

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6.14 km

Portage Pass — Whittier, Alaska

Highlight • Mountain Pass

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.

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6.79 km

Divide Lake

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

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, …

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8.45 km

Shoreline of Portage Lake

Highlight • Lake

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 …

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11.0 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.88 km

2.94 km

1.22 km

912 m

Surfaces

6.76 km

3.73 km