Trail of Blue Ice - INHT

The Trail of Blue Ice is a segment of the longer Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT).

The Trail of Blue Ice stays on the valley floor and links all the developed recreation sites in Portage Valley. Most of the 4.5 mile (one way) trail is a wide gravel path with boardwalks and bridges. You will experience very little elevation gain with the exception of a 700' section at the lake end, where it climbs about 30 feet via a small section of stairs. An alternate, fully accessible route follows along the shoulder of the road to avoid this grade. This trail is great for hiking or biking. You can pick up the Trail of Blue Ice at Moose Flats Day Use Area, Explorer Glacier Pullout, Five Fingers Hike-in Camping Area, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, or the lakefront parking lot at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.

Current Conditions

Very little elevation gain with the exception of a 700' section at the lake end.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

152

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

Accessibility

The Trail of Blue Ice is a network fully accessible routes linking the developed recreation sites in Portage Valley. It is suitable for people of all skill levels. There are great opportunities to see the receding glaciers on ridges above the valley floor.

The lake-end of the trail, a 700 foot long section, is slightly steeper than accessibility guidelines allow. An accessible alternate route, at the intersection of Portage Lake Loop Road and Byron Glacier Road, can be used. From this point, the trail has a paved surface to Willawaw Campground.

General Information

Link to Trail of Blue Ice - INHT Brochure & Map

Link to Trail of Blue Ice - Map

USGS Map: Seward D5 &D6

Trip Time (one way): 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Public Use: Heavy

Recommended Season: all year

Length (one way): 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 30 feet

The trail stays on the valley floor, creating a route linking all the developed recreation sites in Portage Valley. At the lake end of the trail, a 700’ long section climbs slightly steeper than accessibility guidelines allow. An alternate route along the road shoulder can be used to avoid this grade. The alternate route joins where the trail crosses at the intersection of Portage Lake Loop Road and Byron Glacier Road. From this point, trail has a paved surface to Williwaw Campground. Most of the trail is a wide gravel footpath with boardwalks and bridges. Brush is cleared away from trail, reducing the chance for surprise wildlife encounters

Getting There

Directions

At Mile 79, Seward Highway (49 miles south of Anchorage), turn onto Portage Glacier Road / Portage Highway. This trail is accessible from several locations: Moose Flats Day Use Site and pullouts at 1.5, 2.5, 3, 4 & 5 miles along the Portage Highway. See maps on Trail Info page.

Visit the nearest office for more information.
Office Page Here