Header photo credit Rocky Grimes

Don’t expect to see a town in Portage: the settlement that used to exist on the edge of Turnagain Arm was destroyed in the 1964 earthquake, when the area abruptly dropped six feet. All that remains are a few decaying cabins and a “ghost forest” of trees, petrified by the sudden rush of salt water.

But while the town is gone, Portage remains an important stop for the Alaska Railroad. After departing from Anchorage and stopping in Girdwood, the Glacier Discovery Train makes four stops in Portage daily:        

Portage Outbound: Wildlife Center guests return to re-board the train. Also, many passengers choose to board the train now for a direct ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview.

Portage 1st Stop Inbound: On the ride back from Grandview and Spencer Glacier, many guests will choose to disembark at Portage for a complimentary motorcoach transfer to Girdwood or Anchorage. (The motorcoach transfer saves roughly 2 ½ hours of transportation time, as the train will make the journey to Whittier before continuing to Girdwood and Anchorage.)

Portage 2nd Stop Inbound: The last chance to board or disembark the Glacier Discovery at Portage.  

Served by: Glacier Discovery Train