Best Hikes Near Whittier, Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide

Located about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, Whittier is a charming coastal town surrounded by the stunning Chugach Mountains. The area offers a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day treks. In this article, we’ll explore the best hikes near Whittier, including the popular Portage Glacier Trail, the challenging Baird Peak Trail, and the scenic Blackstone Bay Trail.

Trail Overview

The hiking trails near Whittier are special because of their unique combination of glacier-carved valleys, towering mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The Portage Glacier Trail, for example, takes hikers through a lush forest and ends at the foot of a glacier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Baird Peak Trail, on the other hand, is a more challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Prince William Sound and the surrounding mountains. Hikers love these trails because of their accessibility, scenic beauty, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles.

Trail Stats at a Glance

• Distance: 2-10 miles, depending on the trail
• Elevation Gain: 500-3,000 feet, depending on the trail
• Difficulty: Easy to Hard, depending on the trail
• Estimated Time: 2-8 hours, depending on the trail and hiker’s pace
• Trail Type: Out-and-back, loop, or point-to-point, depending on the trail
• Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but check regulations for specific trails
• Kid-Friendly?: Yes, but check trail difficulty and length before bringing children

Getting There

To get to the hiking trails near Whittier, take the Seward Highway from Anchorage and turn onto the Portage Glacier Highway. The GPS coordinates for the Portage Glacier Trailhead are 60.7833° N, 148.8167° W. Parking is available at the trailhead, and a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle applies. The trailhead has basic facilities, including restrooms and a picnic area.

From Whittier, take the Whittier Tunnel, a one-lane tunnel that is open to traffic during certain hours of the day. Be sure to check the tunnel schedule before heading out. Once through the tunnel, follow the signs to the trailhead. The driving distance from Whittier to the Portage Glacier Trailhead is approximately 10 miles, and the drive takes about 20-30 minutes.

Detailed Trail Description

The Portage Glacier Trail is a 2-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a lush forest and ends at the foot of the Portage Glacier. The trail begins at the Portage Glacier Trailhead, where you’ll find a large parking area and basic facilities. From the trailhead, follow the signs to the trail, which begins as a wide, gravel path. The trail winds its way through the forest, passing by several small streams and crossing a few wooden bridges.

As you hike, the trees grow shorter and the trail becomes rockier. You’ll begin to see glimpses of the glacier through the trees, and the sound of rushing water grows louder. After about 1 mile of hiking, you’ll come to a clearing and see the glacier up close. The trail ends at a viewing area, where you can take in the stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.

The Baird Peak Trail is a more challenging 6-mile out-and-back hike that takes you to the summit of Baird Peak. The trail begins at the same trailhead as the Portage Glacier Trail, but follows a different path. The trail winds its way up the mountain, passing through several rocky switchbacks and crossing a few small streams. As you climb higher, the views of the surrounding mountains and Prince William Sound become more breathtaking.

After about 3 miles of hiking, you’ll come to a saddle, where you can take in the views of the surrounding mountains. From the saddle, follow the trail as it winds its way up to the summit of Baird Peak. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Prince William Sound, and is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a snack or lunch.

The Blackstone Bay Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a lush forest and ends at a scenic bay. The trail begins at a separate trailhead, located about 5 miles from the Portage Glacier Trailhead. The trail winds its way through the forest, passing by several small streams and crossing a few wooden bridges. As you hike, the trees grow shorter and the trail becomes rockier. You’ll begin to see glimpses of the bay through the trees, and the sound of seagulls grows louder.

After about 2 miles of hiking, you’ll come to a clearing and see the bay up close. The trail ends at a viewing area, where you can take in the stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. The bay is a great spot to see wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and birds.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike the trails near Whittier depends on your preferences and the weather conditions. The summer months (June to August) offer the best weather, with long days and warm temperatures. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and you can expect to see more hikers on the trails.

The spring months (April to May) offer a great time to see wildflowers, including bear grass, lupine, and fireweed. The fall months (September to October) offer a great time to see the changing colors of the leaves, and the winter months (November to March) offer a great time to see the snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes.

However, the winter months can also be hazardous, with icy trails and limited daylight. Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out, and consider hiring a guide or joining a guided tour if you’re not experienced with winter hiking.

What to Bring

When hiking the trails near Whittier, be sure to bring the following essentials:

• Navigation tools: Map, compass, and GPS device or app
• Headlamp or flashlight: In case you’re hiking late in the day or in low-light conditions
• First aid kit: Including supplies for blisters, cuts, and scrapes
• Emergency shelter and warmth: Including a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and warm hat
• Fire starter: Including a lighter, matches, or firesteel
• Extra food and water: Including energy-rich snacks and a water filter or purification tablets
• Bear spray: In case of a bear encounter
• Layers: Including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof jacket
• Trekking poles: For stability and support on rocky or uneven terrain
• Water treatment: Including a water filter or purification tablets

Wildlife & Safety

The trails near Whittier are home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. Be sure to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with these animals, including making noise while hiking, staying in groups, and carrying bear spray.

In addition to wildlife, the trails near Whittier can also be hazardous due to weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out, and consider hiring a guide or joining a guided tour if you’re not experienced with hiking in these conditions.

River crossings can also be hazardous, especially during periods of high water. Be sure to use caution when crossing rivers, and consider using a guide or joining a guided tour if you’re not experienced with river crossings.

Photography Tips

The trails near Whittier offer a wide range of photography opportunities, from scenic vistas to wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring a camera with a good lens and tripod, and consider using a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors.

Some of the best viewpoints for photography include the summit of Baird Peak, the viewing area at the end of the Portage Glacier Trail, and the scenic bay at the end of the Blackstone Bay Trail. Be sure to take your time and wait for the right light, and consider using a remote shutter release or timer to avoid camera shake.

The golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset, is a great time to take photos, as the light is soft and warm. Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out, and consider hiring a guide or joining a guided tour if you’re not experienced with hiking and photography.

History & Background

The trails near Whittier have a rich history, dating back to the gold rush era of the late 19th century. The Portage Glacier Trail, for example, was originally used by miners to access the gold fields of the Kenai Peninsula. The trail was later developed into a scenic hiking trail, and is now one of the most popular hikes in the area.

The Baird Peak Trail, on the other hand, was named after a local miner who discovered gold in the area. The trail was developed in the early 20th century, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Prince William Sound.

The Blackstone Bay Trail was developed in the 1980s, and offers a scenic hike through a lush forest and ends at a scenic bay. The trail is named after the Blackstone Bay, which was named after a local fisherman who settled in the area.

Nearby Trails & Campgrounds

There are several nearby trails and campgrounds that offer a range of hiking and camping opportunities. The Williwaw Campground, for example, is located about 10 miles from the Portage Glacier Trailhead, and offers scenic camping spots and access to several hiking trails.

The Granite Bay Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a scenic forest and ends at a stunning bay. The trail is located about 15 miles from the Portage Glacier Trailhead, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Prince William Sound.

The Crow Pass Trail is a 22-mile point-to-point hike that takes you through a scenic mountain pass and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The trail is located about 20 miles from the Portage Glacier Trailhead, and is a great option for experienced hikers looking for a multi-day adventure.

In conclusion, the hiking trails near Whittier offer a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day treks. Be sure to check the trail conditions and weather forecast before heading out, and consider hiring a guide or joining a guided tour if you’re not experienced with hiking in the area. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history, the Whittier area is a must-visit destination for any hiker or outdoor enthusiast.