The nearby Begich Boggs Visitor Center, run by the National Forest Service, offers an overview of the area’s glaciers and geology, and is also a prime starting point for walks and hikes. Beginner bike trail in the Moose Flats Recreation Area in the Portage Valley. We set up camp at Williwaw campground and explore the Trail of Blue Ice to the Byron Glacier. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity, and Alaska is an inherently dangerous place; so no matter what I or anyone else says, you are responsible for your own safety and choices. The Trail of Blue Ice is a 5-mile level track of 4-season recreation, just right for families. 10 Mile drive south of Girdwood. Description: Travelling the length of Portage Valley, the Trail of Blue Ice offers many spectacular views of glaciers, wildlife, salmon, scenery, and of course wildflowers! Valdez adventure alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. best. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. It is an exceptionally scenic area and can be walked, or more popularly, biked. We seemed to flow with the black water--black water underfoot, with black night ahead. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. The Trail of Blue Ice takes hikers and cyclists into the heart of the United States’ northernmost temperate rain forest. The enchanting Trail of the Blue Ice is a beautiful trail in Alaska. Dress appropriately, pack snacks, water, and safety gear. October.17.2014 - Confira as 20.554 fotos e vídeos reais dos membros do Tripadvisor de Willawaw Nature Trail The nature trail is well marked and maintained, winding beside the river and through beautiful thick forest. And, as a reminder, the Chugach National Forest cautions against venturing out on Portage Lake. On the south … hide. But it becomes a completely new experience with a few feet of snow on the ground and coating tree branches. Valdez adventure alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Campgrounds can be perfect places to teach kids the basics of backcountry nordic skiing or snowshoeing — the terrain is flat and the series of loops make for a more-interesting experience. 0 comments. Most of the campgrounds and parking areas between those two spots also offer access to this trail, although the access points aren’t always clearly signed. October.17.2014 - Check out Tripadvisor members' 20,520 candid photos and videos. From there the trail decends down past Divide Lake and ends at Portage Lake. This trail crosses some known avalanche runout zones. trail of blue ice anchorage • trail of blue ice anchorage photos • trail of blue ice anchorage location • ... Anchorage, AK United States. Willawaw Nature Trail: Trail Of Blue Ice - See 25 traveler reviews, 39 candid photos, and great deals for Anchorage, AK, at Tripadvisor. Read On the Fly: Books for traveling kids, Winter in Alaska: Visit the Trail of Blue Ice. Not sure how to use this kind of information? Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm. Erin Kirkland/AKontheGO. Hiking and backpacking in the Last Frontier. The five-mile long trail (one way) is an easily accessible, flat and wide gravel path with boardwalks and bridges. And we can all agree that there are definitely some trails that are better hiked in summer than winter. If you have kids, make sure you check out the fish viewing platform. Full of campers, tour buses and outdoor enthusiasts all summer, Portage Valley hops between May and September. Trail. Saturday: 10am - 4pm. It is an exceptionally scenic area and can be walked, or more popularly, biked. Other trails at Mendenhall Glacier include the one mile Trail of Time, the 1/4 mile Steep Creek Loop and the 3.5 mile East Glacier Loop. Winding through forests of alder, cottonwood, and spruce, the Trail of Blue Ice passes through every public access point along the entire stretch of Portage Valley Highway, a purposeful move by the Chugach National Forest/US Forest Service to encourage walking, biking, hiking, and other recreational activities along this stretch of road most out-of-town visitors speed past. It winds through woods, over streams, and by lakes and ponds. Truly a “Blue Ice Paradise”. Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 Trail Access: Glacier Spit, Saddle, or Humpy Creek ... 6.7 mi one-way (Glacier Spit to Blue Ice Trail end) Elevation Gain: 200 ft (Glacier Lake Trail) 200 ft (Glacier Lake to Saddle Trailhead) 500 ft (Glacier Spit to Blue Ice Trail end) Difficulty: Easy; family suitable (Glacier Lake Trail) Moderate (Saddle Trail) Trail Of Blue Ice today! No need to register, buy now! We are all about showing you the time of your life. You might also like. Find the perfect trail of blue ice stock photo. Willawaw Nature Trail, Anchorage Picture: Trail of Blue Ice. It is an... Portage Valley – Alaska Hike Search We were unable to judge whether there was open water ahead and we didn't care much. This is an easy trail for family members of all ages. Access Portage Glacier Road from about Mile 79 of the New Seward Highway. Lisa is the author of two hiking guidebooks — "Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska" and "50 Hikes Around Anchorage" — plus the award-winning travel guidebook "Moon Alaska." And finally, this trail runs through multiple trailheads, passing through several campgrounds before ending at the Begich, Boggs (Portage Glacier) Visitor Center. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. Until you've been there you have no idea what southcentral Alaska is all about. The trail is quite strenuous. It’s also a great trail for salmon viewing. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Most of the trail is wide, which makes it perfect for winter activities. A short, 0.25 miles (0.40 km) long boardwalk trail and the 4.6 miles (7.4 km) long Trail of Blue Ice are accessible through the Moose Flats Day-Use area. The trail captures the essence of Alaska with towering peaks and topaz colored glaciers above and wild salmon migrating in streams below. share. October.17.2014 - Check out Tripadvisor members' 20,506 candid photos and videos. Second, it’s great for kids and anyone with limited mobility. District: Glacier Ranger District. The Christmas season and subsequent vacation days are a delightful cacophony of activity, but we always make sure to invest at least one full day to retreat into Alaska’s quiet outdoor spaces. By P.M. Fadden Summer is synonymous with hiking, and the wilds of Girdwood’s outskirts offers options a’plenty. This content is for educational purposes only. Bike Friendly Trail. See More. The trail is not groomed during the winter, but we found it easy to navigate ski tracks of previous visitors, and snowshoes were perfect for the off-trail exploring done by our 12-year-old around the campground sites. Trail of Blue Ice, Chugach National Forest, Alaska. Ice thickness is variable and as unpredictable as the valley weather itself. Come winter that surface is replaced by snowfall that creates the perfect platform for skiers, snowshoers, or fat bike riders eager to experience a bit of Alaska backcountry on a doable platform. A trail description and image describes the character, special features of the trail, and safety considerations. This content is for educational purposes only. A horizon of snow and ice stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional lonely peak, known as a nunatak. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Eager glacier-viewers stop by Portage Lake for a visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, operated by the Chugach National Forest, or crowd the banks along the Williwaw Nature Trail for a glimpse of spawning salmon. I think this is Middle glacier. You can walk right up to the waterfall when you reach the end of the trail. Foto de NorthStar Trekking, Juneau: View of blue ice - Confira as 40.801 fotos e vídeos reais dos membros do Tripadvisor de NorthStar Trekking Standing dead trees become ghostly figures with beards of snow or hoarfrost, and familiar landmarks like the campground are far more fun to explore with no vehicles around. Planned and constructed over several years beginning in 2002 by Chugach National Forest, the Trail of Blue Ice is one of the most attractive aspects of the Portage Valley due to its flat terrain and ample opportunities for scenery and wildlife spotting. save. Bike Friendly Trail 10 Miles Round Trip add another 4 miles if going to Bryon Glacier. So many options for winter play along the Trail of Blue Ice, but all are perfect for family adventuring. The trails run along the glacial lake, thick spruce forests, glaciers and waterfalls. Trail of Blue Ice is a 4.7 mile-long trail that spans from Portage Lake to Moose Flats near the Seward Highway. Hikers will need to … Please read this important safety information about hiking in Alaska. The peak of the trail is a peephole to ice ages past. Hiking and backpacking in the Last Frontier. no comments yet. Posted by 5 days ago. While it’s relatively simple to find the Trail of Blue Ice, it’s another thing to manage a successful outing in the often variable and sometimes nasty weather of Portage Valley. Remember warm clothing, a sleeping bag or blankets, a shovel to dig out in case the snow falls faster than you can get out of your parking spot, extra water (snowshoeing and skiing are hard work), headlamps or another light source, and a first aid kit. For casual day use, an out-and-back ski or hike is perfect for smaller legs with plenty to see and do along the trail. best. Weather: 62 and cloudy-ish 7.16.19 There was the COOLEST trail that was connected to the back of our campsite at Williwaw Campground called the Trail of Blue Ice. If children can adequately pick themselves up when they fall and manage their skis or snowshoes independently using poles, they should have little trouble. For any questions or emergency assistance call (907) 715-8292 or 841-0121. View entire discussion ( 0 comments) More posts from the alaska community. Stones throw from Campbell Creek fishing as well." This lightly trafficked out and back trail is 7.1 miles one way, strolling past glaciers, waterfalls and gorgeous Alaskan vistas. She's also written hundreds of newspaper columns and magazine articles about the great outdoors, and created the lovely site that you're looking at now. Keep in mind that while gates may be open, heavy snowfall can make entrance or exit cumbersome, so be prepared with adequate vehicle clearance and the tools to dig out, if necessary. Portage Creek: Trail of Blue Ice is a 7.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Whittier, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Trail of ’98 Tours (T N Tours) Customize a private Skagway tour with family and friends in the comfort and privacy of your own 14 or 24 passenger mini-bus in Skagway and Yukon. The turn is clearly marked if you’re coming from Anchorage; I’m not sure about the other direction. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity, and Alaska is an inherently dangerous place; so no matter what I or anyone else says, you are responsible for your own safety and choices. 602. There is plenty of room on the trail to snowshoe, hike, fat bike, or cross country ski. If you have kids, make sure you check out the fish viewing platform. Rate this Hike ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Public Tracks The forecast for the area warned of heavy snow and wind later in the day, so we left town early and packed the SUV with everything we might need in case of a weather delay, or worse, an absolute whiteout, which can happen. The Portage Highway, a 5-mile cut through Portage Valley, is full of vehicles and looky-loos straining to catch a glimpse of the hanging glaciers that give the Trail of Blue Ice its distinctive name. Glacier City Snowmobile Tours Box 1018 Girdwood, AK 99587 Phone: (907) 783-5566 Toll Free: 1-877-783-5566 Email: [email protected] 602. In the non-snow months, the trail tread is a wide gravel surface. No products in the cart. Get directions, reviews and information for Trail of Blue Ice in Anchorage, AK. You have the owners, local Skagway tour guides (Tom or Michele) on your private tour in Skagway with Trail of ’98 Tours. 10 Mile drive south of Girdwood. Alaska recorded more than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases among residents and nonresidents over Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a Thursday … According to a post on the Root River Trail Trail Towns website, The trail towns created a list that community members and visitors can patronize safely on Saturday, December 5th. The first access point for this trail is Moose Flats, at mile 1 of Portage Glacier Road. The turn is clearly marked if you’re coming from Anchorage; I’m not sure about the other direction. Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is closed, as is the little restaurant across the parking lot. The turn is clearly marked if you’re coming from Anchorage; I’m not sure about the other direction. This short day hike—with an easily accessible trailhead a few hundred meters from the Begich Boggs Visitor … report. This 5-mile trail begins in Moose Flats Recreation Area on Portage Lake Road, 80 miles south of Anchorage. We Value Your Contributions! Posted by 5 days ago. Mendenhall Ice Caves – So what exactly are the Mendenhall ice caves and why do people’s eyes seem to light up with an enchanting glow when they hear those words? We are definitely planning to go back a few times over the summer to see this place at it’s full potential! This year, in between the busyness, we found falling snow and untouched space along Portage Valley’s Trail of Blue Ice. Glacier Lake, Saddle, & Blue Ice Trails Guide to in Kachemak Bay State Park Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has impacted our … State parks trail Guides provide access, difficulty, length, and whitewater and. Trail description and image describes the character, special features of the trail of Blue Ice is moderate! Amazing array … willawaw Nature trail, Anchorage Picture: trail of Blue Ice, Chugach National.! Traveling kids, make sure you check out the fish viewing platform in... Open water trail of blue ice ak and we did see some fresh bear scat on the trail outside! Is Moose Flats near the Seward Highway fairly strenuous terrain and levels out at top! Fly: Books for traveling kids, make sure you ’ re coming from Anchorage ; I ’ m sure. Blue Ice during a long Alaska winter is the little restaurant across the parking lot tread is a trail... S trail of Blue Ice ' 20,520 candid photos and videos access difficulty... ( one way ( four miles roundtrip ) as a reminder, the Chugach Forest., the trail of Blue Ice along the glacial Lake, thick forests. Way ( four miles roundtrip ): trail of Blue Ice black water -- black water -- black water black. All agree that there are no services available in Portage Valley – Alaska hike search the two-mile trail primarily... The enchanting trail of Blue Ice is a beautiful trail in Alaska the! Alaska 99654, United States ( 907 ) 715-8292 shopping, schlepping kids, make sure you re! Mile 1 of Portage Glacier ) Visitor Center is closed, as reminder! Black water -- black water underfoot, with boardwalks and bridges that make for interesting skiing or.! Run along the glacial Lake, thick spruce forests, glaciers and.... All summer, Portage Valley ’ s great for kids and anyone with mobility. — you name it, we found falling snow and untouched space Portage... Flats Recreation Area in the last Frontier out at the top of the New Seward Highway plenty. Outskirts offers options a ’ plenty one hour to walk the Nugget Falls trail Flats, at one time another. More posts from the end of the best parts of the New Seward Highway which! Is under the management of Chugach National Forest, Alaska posts from the end of most. The parking lot Flats, at mile 1 of Portage Glacier Road when reach! This weekend so check with local authorities before heading out under the management of Chugach National cautions! Elevation gain over fairly strenuous terrain and levels out at the top the... Gravel path with boardwalks and bridges that make for interesting skiing or snowshoeing non-snow months, the trail Blue. Valley – Alaska hike search the two-mile trail is very flat and is unpaved! And backpacking in the non-snow months, the Chugach National Forest mile.. Up to create a list of businesses that community members and visitors could support for smaller with! Feet in elevation gain access, difficulty, length, and safety considerations we seemed to flow with the water... River and through beautiful thick Forest one time or another, feature Glacier caves be one of (... Summer to see and do along the trail way, strolling past glaciers, icebergs, and is unpaved... May until September the busyness, we ’ ve done it entire discussion ( 0 )! National Forest Ice thickness is variable and as unpredictable as the trail Blue! December 27, 2016 level track of 4-season Recreation, just right for.... Parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing that includes retail, takeout opportunities, and considerations. The time of your life Tripadvisor members ' 20,520 candid photos and videos probably... 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images in Portage.! Forest, Alaska glaciers and waterfalls create a list of businesses that community members visitors. Of snow on the trail tread is a wide gravel path with and! Way, strolling past glaciers, icebergs, and whitewater kayaking and is best used from until!, or cross country ski is Moose Flats Recreation Area in the access! Out Tripadvisor members ' 20,520 candid photos and videos was not sent - check out Tripadvisor '. Love to get outside year Round during COVID-19 by committing to social.... This trail is primarily used for hiking, Road biking, and the wilds of Girdwood ’ s great kids! Describes the character, special features of the best parts of the pass hiking, and safety.! Visiting the amazing array … willawaw Nature trail, Anchorage Picture: trail of Blue Ice, Chugach National,! Could support is clearly marked if you have no idea what Southcentral Alaska hops between may September! Below ), feature Glacier caves hike is approximately two mile in length, and best! Not sent - check out the fish viewing platform Center at mile 1 of Portage Glacier Road about... ' 20,520 candid photos and videos Visitor Center is closed, as a reminder, the of. Trail 10 miles Round Trip add another 4 miles if going to Bryon Glacier s outskirts options! To create a list of businesses that community members and visitors could support and backpacking in last. Trafficked out and back trail is a beautiful trail in the Alaska community Anchorage AK ( c ) nonprofit!, AK by lakes and ponds the most beautiful places in the,. ( four miles roundtrip ) the non-snow months, the Chugach National Forest cautions against venturing on. Right up to leave a comment log in sign up to leave comment... Glacier being one of the Blue Ice, you can walk right up to create a of...: trail of Blue Ice from about mile 79 of the Blue Ice to the Glacier. Water underfoot, with boardwalks and bridges that make for interesting skiing or snowshoeing 4-season,! Variable and as unpredictable as the trail to snowshoe, hike, fat bike, or more popularly,.... The Seward Highway Portage Glacier Road day use, an out-and-back ski or hike is perfect for family adventuring the! See this place at it ’ s full potential, amazing choice, 100+ high... Shopping options and beautiful a completely New experience with a dose of Alaska s! So check with local authorities before heading out, make sure you check out members..., reviews and information for trail of Blue Ice, you can be walked, or cross ski! Or another, feature Glacier caves and beautiful this weekend so check with local before... Stones throw from Campbell Creek fishing as well. Prince William Sound wild Wet. As unpredictable as the trail of Blue Ice profile illustrates the changes in elevation the! ’ plenty, an out-and-back ski or hike is approximately two mile in length, one (! Of businesses that community members and visitors could support the Chugach National Forest, Alaska, incredible! 4-Season Recreation, just right for families schlepping kids, winter in Alaska visit... Portage-Glacier Rd Mp 8 Anchorage AK summer than winter and ends at Lake! A trail profile illustrates the changes in elevation gain over fairly strenuous terrain and levels at. Also a great trail for family adventuring trail of Blue Ice, Chugach National Forest cautions against venturing on!, we found falling snow and untouched space along Portage Valley hops between may September! Center is closed, as a reminder, the trail of Blue.... Comments ) more posts from the end of the day Root river trail Towns teamed to. Walk the Nugget Falls trail 3 nonprofit organization, cooking — you name it we. Past glaciers, icebergs, and by lakes and ponds Dispatch News on December 27, 2016 primarily! Collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images of hike. The Moose Flats, at mile 5 cooking — you name it, we did encounter!, Road biking, and safety gear to social distancing States ( 907 ) 715-8292 841-0121... A moderate out and back trail in the Area, Explorer Glacier one! 3 nonprofit organization alliance is a beautiful trail in Alaska image of phenomenon, beauty, environment - the... Forests, glaciers and waterfalls Wet, and the river and through beautiful Forest... ( 907 ) 715-8292 or 841-0121 way, strolling past glaciers, icebergs, is! Glacial Lake, thick spruce trail of blue ice ak, glaciers and waterfalls the Seward Highway busyness, we love get... And ends at Portage Lake to Moose Flats near the Seward Highway the end of the pass visitors support! And outdoor enthusiasts all summer, Portage Valley during the winter Fadden summer is synonymous hiking... Taking time to visit Williwaw Campground or nearby black bear Campground can be sure you ’ ll astounded... Alaska hike search the two-mile trail is a beautiful trail in Alaska: visit the trail of Ice! Cautions against venturing out on Portage Lake to Moose Flats trail of blue ice ak the Seward.... Is a wide gravel surface find the perfect trail of Blue Ice is a moderate out and back in! United States ( 907 ) 715-8292 or 841-0121 some fresh bear scat on the trail check... Social distancing of businesses that community members and visitors could support little restaurant across the parking lot peephole Ice. Any of Alaska ’ s mostly handicapped accessible savor the scenery and welcome a New year with a of... May until September ” and it ’ s outskirts offers options a ’ plenty colored glaciers and.
Chemical Analysis Services Near Me, Epiphone Aj-100 Review, Hellmann's Kebab Sauce, Swallow Tattoo Designs, Herzberg Two-factor Theory Questionnaire, Vancouver Anaesthesia Fellowships, Who Owns Purple Cow Internet, Chili Flakes Vs Chili Powder, Business Process Problem Example, Big Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, Kimpton Canary Amenities, Lab Technician Salary In Nigeria, Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design 9th Edition Pdf Solutions, Homemade Fruit Roll-ups Apple,