When conditions allow, this six mile (rt) hike, bike, skijour, ski, etc rewards you with a beautiful view of Portage Glacier!
This hike must be done in the deep of winter! Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier.
This trail is appropriate for children. For younger children, they can be easily pulled in a sled if you so desire.
Starting at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center (Near Byron Glacier Trailhead), there will probably be a trail on the lake already. When conditions are right, this becomes a very popular hike. Hundreds of people per day will make the trek to the glacier. Portage Glacier is at the far end of the lake, just around a slight bend.
If you bring your dog, make sure he or she has a good recall or is leashed. My dog found all the people and other dogs a little over-stimulating and I had to leash him.
Depending on your method of transportation, this is a 1-4 hour round trip excursion.