Seward Highway
Portage Glacier, AK

Many of the world's glaciers are receding. This phenomenon is strikingly evident at Portage Glacier. At Portage, the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center used to squarely face the massive blue Portage Glacier directly in front of it. But, only a few years after the Forest Service built the visitor facility, Portage Glacier receded - around a corner of Portage Lake and out of view. Now, tourists must view the glacier's face from a tour boat.

Built on the remnants of a terminal moraine left by Portage Glacier, the Visitor Center is staffed with Forest Service interpreters available to answer questions, assist with trip planning, and provide programs on the historical and natural wonders of the valley.

A stop at the visitor center takes about one and a half hours.