Giant glacier is short, easy drive from Anchorage

One of the greatest mysteries of Alaska, Portage Glacier, is an easy drive from Anchorage, and only 50 miles south of downtown Anchorage.

Visitors can stroll along the lake shore, marvel at the huge icebergs, learn of the area's geological and glacial history, or hop aboard the a tour boat for an even closer look at this astounding natural wonder.

At the modern visitor center, walk through a simulated ice cave to reach the Glacier Exhibit room with its displays demonstrating the formation of crevasses, as well as glacial motion and the range of glaciers today. Elsewhere you can touch an iceberg (brought in fresh daily) take a close look at ice worms or take in the excellent movie 'Voices From the Ice,' shown every hour in a 200-seat theater. The center offers a great deal more including beautiful vistas from the surrounding observation decks. Visitors can also join an "iceworm safari" or sign up for a guided hike offered throughout the region.

The drive to Portage along the scenic, Seward Highway is a wonderful experience in itself. In addition to incredible fjord-like vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities, you'll see other glaciers hanging from the mountainsides. Head farther south to glaciers near Seward, or travel north from Anchorage to see even more. Tidewater glaciers are also visible from aboard a charter boat and some flight-seeing tours will land on a glacier for passengers to take a short walk.

DID YOU KNOW?
*Glaciers store about 75% of the world's freshwater.
*Glacial ice often appears blue because ice absorbs all other colors except blue; which is reflected.

Photo: Visitors peer across water at the magnificent Portage Glacier. Photo courtesy of Alaska Tourism.