Hiking the Byron Glacier Trail
Our First Alaskan Hike
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About Byron Glacier:
Located 1.5 hours south of Anchorage in the heart of the Alaska Portage Valley section of the sprawling Chugach National Forest , the Byron Glacier Trail is an amazing family friendly hike. The trail, located walking distance from Portage Lake and the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, is a 2.8 mile road trip rated as easy due to limited elevation gain (100 feet) and the relatively stable walking path during the hike.
Access to the trail is gained via the parking area right off Portage Lake Loop, and leads right to the trail head. The trail runs parallel to the Byron Creek, a glacier creek of mountain runoff. Byron Creek offers great spots to stop and take in the scenery and play in some shallow water areas. One thing to be aware of during the hie is the water levels of the creek. Due to the glacier runoff the creek is susceptible to heavy rapids and deep pockets.
“Beware of Wildlife”
During your trek on the Byron Glacier Trail you’ll be exposed to a lot of wildlife including moose, potentially brown bears, and birds. Dense brush and narrow turns can be found throughout the hike, so be sure to have conversations, and make noise (not yell) to alert wildlife of your presence as to not surprise them (especially grizzly bears).
On the first day of our trip to Alaska we chose to drive down and check out the Byron Glacier Trail. Pulling into the parking area we were excited for our first Alaskan hike. As we geared up with our packs and camera, we discussed what we would do if we encountered some wildlife on the trail. Safe to say, I failed! Not even a quarter of the mile into he hike, we turned a corner around thick brush and came face to face, not even 5 feet away, from a giant moose and we completely startled each other (the moose and I).
My first reaction was to say holy s**t in a not so soft or relaxed voice, which as discussed before is not how you want to respond in the event you come into contact with wildlife. Thankfully instead of charging, the moose ran off into the brush and disappeared in seconds. I was not prepared to see wildlife this close, or this soon on the hike, and looking back I was lucky to be okay after that encounter. Lesson learned.
Take a quick look at this National Park Service bear safety guide to make sure you are completely prepared when entering the Alaskan wilderness.
Dress Appropriately For Weather
During our hike we experienced what locals call the true Alaskan weather, aka, unpredictable. The hike started off warm with sunshine lighting up the path and the glacier beyond. Soon the weather turned and the rain started. Thankfully we always pack our North Face Venture Rain Coats (click to check them out) for the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Eventually the rain passed and we were left with a nice cool breeze and great views.
Views upon Views
The Byron Glacier shares the same ice that fuels the Portage Glacier and Blackstone Glacier in the Prince William Sound. The mountains above the trail are jagged and baron, with ice covering portions of the mountain sides. The hike gives you a great feel for what it is like in Alaska’s backcountry and offers glimpses into what remains from the last ice age.
Trekking the Byron Glacier Trail fill your eyes with absolute beauty. Jagged rock edges, green trees leave you feeling fulfilled, whatever fulfillment is to you. Jagged cliff edges and green trees make Byron Glacier one of the prettiest trails in the Portage area. Typically on the mountain sides of the trail you will see Ice caverns and caves in which those brave enough to venture in, will catch an amazing glimpse at this work of nature.
Unfortunately for us, the lack of rain and mild winter left the trail with less caverns accessible to us. During our visit we did not see any other hikers heading to the cave entrances. During the summers especially following a mild winter, ice caves are susceptible to collapse, and I think we can all agree that being crushed or becoming stuck in an ice cave in the Alaskan wilderness is not an ideal situation.
How to get to the Byron Glacier Trail:
1500 Byron Glacier Road, Girdwood, AK 995887
From Anchorage, you will head south on the Seward Highway towards the Turnagain Arm. You turn left (east) on Portage Glacier Road and head about 5 miles down the road before turning right on Portage Lake Loop which turns into Portage Glacier Road. The trail head is located in the parking area about a half mile down the road.
Nearby Byron Glacier Trail Attractions:
Visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Center:
Open May through September the Visitor Center is a great spot to learn about local wildlife, the Portage Valley ecosystems and history, and relax on the banks of the Portage Lake.
Visit Whittier, Alaska:
Whittier is located about a 20 minute drive from the trailhead. Access to Whittier is gained via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a sprawling 2.5 mile one lane tunnel (largest in North America). Whittier is known for fishing and as for being the gateway to the Prince William Sound.
Visit Girdwood, Alaska:
One of the cooler towns we encountered, Girdwood is a great destination for snow sport enthusiasts, beer lovers, wildlife viewers, and hikers. They have my favorite Alaskan Brewery as well, the Girdwood Brewery.
Portage; Alaska’s Ghost Town:
The town of Portage, a short drive from the trail, was a town that was destroyed during the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake which saw the ground sink 6 feet putting it below the tide level. Today the town is abandoned but remnants of its history can still be seen.
Check out our Top 5 Breweries in Alaska here:
