- Portage Pass
Portage Pass is a 4.5 mile out and back trail that brings you to a view of Portage Glacier and its lake. I found this trail to be very strenuous with almost no relief. The first mile is a steep incline up loose rock and gravel, making it difficult to find sure footing. The second mile to the lake is a steep downhill descent that left my knees sore by the time I got to the lake. Along the trail, you will find views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls cascading down these mountains. The views on this trail are spectacular, although they were obscured for us since we hiked this trail in the pouring rain. On the way back, you are once again faced with the challenge of one mile of incline followed by a steep descent down loose rock and gravel. On a rainy September day, it was actually quite dangerous descending down the last mile to the car. It is truly a miracle that I didn’t slip or roll an ankle on one of the rocks. Added to the difficulty was having a leash in my hand. If I did this trail again I think I would let my dog off leash on the last mile down the mountain to have better balance and use of my hands if I fell. Of note, to get to this trail you must pass through a mountain tunnel and is there a $13 car fee to pass through the tunnel. The trailhead is on your right almost immediately after exiting the tunnel. Parking at the trailhead is ample and free. I did not enjoy the trail itself, but I did enjoy the views. Max seemed to enjoy both, proving that four legs are better than two.
2. Byron Glacier Trail
Byron Glacier trail is a flat, easy 2.2 mile out and back trail that leads to Byron Glacier and its river. This trail is very popular because of its easiness. I did not have trouble getting a parking spot, but the trail and the glacier were crowded, especially with tourists who don’t hike but want to sight see. There were many other dogs here. The best part about this glacier is, even though its not recommended, there is easy access to walk on the snow. Max had the best time getting the zoomies and digging in the snow. In fact, he definitely had the most fun out of everyone there.
3. Portage Lake
Right around the corner from Byron Glacier trail is a beautiful lake. There is a large parking lot and a visitor center at the lake. There are also stairs leading down into the lake if you wanted to swim. Though this is not a trail, there is easy access to the Trail of Blue Ice right next to the lake parking lot. It is a beautiful stop whether you decide to hike or not.
4. Conservation Loop
This loop is not so much a hike as a walk. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has a 1.5 mile loop that you can walk and stop are all the animal exhibits. The catch is that your dog has to stay in the car, but this leaves you several options. You can leave your dog in the car (with air conditioning running if its summertime) and walk the loop, you can drive to each animal enclosure and then get out and walk around, or you can drive the entire loop without ever getting out of the car and view the animals from your windows. Since we went on a rainy day, I opted to stay in the car and observe the animals from the car. I got plenty of great picture and Max had a blast hanging his head out the window and seeing/smelling all the animals. He was most impressed with the moose- they had him literally shaking in his seat. The Conservation charges $27 per person for this experience, but it was one of my favorite parts of our trip to Anchorage and Max had so much fun, even from the car window.
5. Moose Pass to Upper Trail Lake
This flat, easy, paved trail is more of a nature walk than a hike. It was a great opportunity for Max and I to stretch our legs on a drive between Seward and Kenai. The trail starts in the town of Moose Pass, where you will walk up one of the main roads in the tiny town. Next, you will turn onto a paved sidewalk that sits between the highway and the lake. Max was a little nervous about the loud noise from the highway on this part. The trail ends at a campground at Upper Trail Lake. There is plenty of access to the lake here and Max even went in for a swim. We did this trail in September and it was a beautiful walk amongst fall foliage. The trail is 2.6 miles out and back.
