Top Things to do in Girdwood
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What to do and see in Girdwood, Alaska (AK): The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Girdwood, United States including Portage Glacier, Alyeska Ski Area, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Chugach State Park, McHugh Creek Recreation Area, Byron Glacier Trail, Virgin Creek Falls Trail, Big Game Alaska, Girdwood Park and Skate.
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1. Portage Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,025 reviews
A popular tourist attraction.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
Named by Thomas Mendenhall in 1898, Portage Glacier sits on the edge of Portage Lake and is technically part of the Chugach National Forest. Often considered a “crown jewel” by tourists because of its relatively close proximity to Anchorage, Portage Glacier is perhaps the most visited glacier in Alaska. Accessible by boat or a brisk hike, the glacier provides us with a number of things: 1) Beautiful views and a peek into geologic history; and, 2) Clear and irrefutable evidence of global warming. I was able to view Portage Glacier via a cruise on the stylish MV Ptarmigan (hey, I like the name!). Knowing that we would get up to 300 yards away from this natural beauty was both exhilarating and exciting. After all, up until this point, I’d never had the pleasure of viewing a glacier . . . let alone up close. In this respect, the MV Ptarmigan did not disappoint. After cruising Portage Lake, we got up close and personal with the glacier. Seeing this alpine wonder at such a close distance was nothing short of breathtaking – the sunlight shone just enough for us to see the various shades of brilliant blue that make up the glacier. It was almost as if the Earth was alive and talking to us . . . just a completely surreal and unforgettable experience. On the other hand, seeing Portage Glacier was also a sobering experience. During our tour aboard the MV Ptarmigan, the knowledgeable guides noted that the glacier has been in steady retreat for well over a 50-year period. Complementing their information is a helpful resource book readily available on the tour vessel that shows – through pictures – how Portage Glacier has changed over the years. Indeed, at just under 10 kilometers in length, the glacier sounds most impressive; however, when you realize that it was once recorded at 23 kilometers in length (filling the entire Portage Valley), you are hit with an undeniable truth. What can we do to save this, and other of Earth’s natural wonders? If you’re visiting the Anchorage area, a stop at Portage Glacier is a definite “must do.” It’s beautiful, it’s educational and it highlights a contemporary conundrum. Be sure to visit this “crown jewel” before it disappears.
2. Alyeska Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails.
Reviewed By coric727 - Midland, United States
We had a great day on the mountain. Even though it was towards the end of the season the weather was beautiful and the snow held on. The resort staff was consistent with asking guests to wear masks in the buildings and in lift lines. There was a nice variety of runs with varying difficulty and terrain. We’d love to come back, the view was phenomenal and it was much easier for us, flat landers, to breathe at Alyeska’s lower altitude.
3. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,506 reviews
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. We have been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors like you have made critical contributions in the form of admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop. Please visit our website for more information on how you can help us make a difference.
Reviewed By 162gregoryw - Seattle, United States
First off the park is a rescue and the animals are there to rehabilitate them and if possible reintroduce them into the wild (though a very informative guide, Duane I think, told us most of the animals are there for life). The animals are all healthy ( discounting the permanent injury’s they sustained to be sent there) and the staff really care for them. There is a wide variety of animals including moose, deer, black bear, brown bear, porcupine, wolves, coyote, buffalo, eagle and owl. The park can be driven around however walking it is the best way as you can literally be inches from some of the animals and still be safe. It is absolutely worth the $16 per ticket. If you are in the area make the stop.
4. Chugach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
This 495,000-acre state park includes Flattop Mountain, the most climbed mountain in Alaska.
Reviewed By nelsa2015 - Gaithersburg, United States
There are so many different and great hikes, trails, day-use areas, rivers, lakes, and such in Chugach State Park. There is something for everyone. Flattop Mountain is a fantastic hike. Thunderbird Falls is an easy hike in a different part of the park. There are nearly unlimited possibilities.
5. McHugh Creek Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By DudefrmAK - Anchorage, United States
The trail back toward portage will provide you with the most amazing views of the inlet and surrounding area. You can do an out and back, or as we like to do when we have visitors, leave a car at McHugh and start at Portage. The hike is not overly difficult, but it can be very muddy in some sections after a lot of rain. You can head the other direction, or to Rabbit Lake, but those trails are a bit more difficult. Note well that you will very likely come across moose (know the warning signs of an angry moose), and there was a LOT of bear sign on the trail the last time we went - it's been warm and they are not bedded down yet. Bear spray at hand is a good idea. And PLEASE - pick up after your dog!
6. Byron Glacier Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By elik1265 - Brooklyn, United States
The hike to the end of the path is easy. Once you get to the end there’s a bunch of rocks and boulders. You can climb those to get to the glacier and the ice caves. Be careful it’s easy to fall and hurt yourself. Try to stay to the right of the river when climbing up- it’s very hard to cross the river at points and you’ll get yourself wet the ice cave is so magical though.
7. Virgin Creek Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By I_Like_Cats_12 - San Antonio, United States
Great hike and nice falls. There is not much parking (you are parking at the end of a dead end road). The trails are very muddy and get slick.
8. Big Game Alaska
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
9. Girdwood Park and Skate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
