Portage Glacier is one of the more well-known glaciers in Southcentral Alaska, located about an hour from Anchorage.

You can drive to Portage Lake, but unlike the past, the glacier itself has retreated out of direct view from the road. To really see it, you take a short boat tour across the lake.

Once you’re out on the water, the glacier comes into view—wide, blue, and backed by steep mountains. Ice chunks often float in the lake, especially later in the season.

The boat gets you close enough to see the texture of the ice and hear occasional movement from the glacier face.

It’s an easy trip to plan, and because of that, it’s a popular stop—but the experience still holds up.

Portage Glacier is one of the simplest ways to get out on the water and see a glacier up close.