When Mike first arrived in Anchorage in the late 1980s, Portage Glacier was the crown jewels of glaciers! Located some 50 miles southeast of Anchorage in the Chugach National Forest, it was the place to visit and an 18,000 square foot visitor centre was built to accommodate the sheer number of folks visiting. 

The glacier used to be some ten stories high and reached all the way down to the water’s edge. As you can see from the picture below it has dramatically receded from its glory days. 

From left: Kevin, Uncle Mike and Mike with Lake Portage behind them.

The Chugach National Forest is as beautiful as all the other national forests we have visited. Mile after mile of forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife. It is simply breathtaking at every turn.