Anchorage and Portage

June 1998 

Anchorage is the Alaska's biggest city and, from here, many tours leave to the natural wonders all around, like glaciers, forests and fjords where whales and orcas can be found.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ANCHORAGE

Anchorage, with its 230000 inhabitants, is the Alaska's biggest city. Founded in year 1914-1915 as an important refueling stop for the railway to Fairbanks, it developed quite fast during the Second World War also because of the presence of an important defense base. Destroyed in year 1964 by a disastrous earthquake of magnitude 9.2 Richter, followed by a series of enormous sea waves, it was quickly rebuilt and today is the most important center for the economy of Alaska. For tourists, Anchorage is an excellent "strategic base" and departure points for day or multi-day tours in the entire state of Alaska or just around the city itself. To enjoy the nature and the wilderness it isn't necessary to drive far away from Anchorage, in addition there are a lot of operators offering glacier cruises, sightseeing by sea or air, longer tours to distant or arctic towns, and much more. From late May to early July, the daylight is almost continuous, making possible to stay outside around the clock. The weather is featured by cold winters and cool summers. Long periods of rain and overcast days are relatively frequent, especially on sumertime.Portage is located at about one hour drive from Anchorage and it is very interesting because of a big glacier ending in a lake, and for the scenic road to get there. This is surely one of the best half or full daytrip from Anchorage that souldn't be missed.

South east Alaska glaciers South east Alaska glaciers
South east Alaska glaciers Flying from Juneau to Anchorage by Alaska Airlines' B737-400. Beautiful views on the glaciers flowing into the ocean.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska



Anchorage is a clean and charming city, with nice shopping streets.
Anchorage earthquake, Alaska 1964
The earthquake of magitude 9.2 happened in year 1964 and followed by several enorous sea waves, has caused 151 victims and has changed the geography of part of the coastal Alaska's gulf. Picture taken from Microsoft Encarta 97 Multimedia Encyclopedia.
Musk ox Bald eagle
Polar fox


The Anchorage Zoo. On the pictures: a muskox, a bald eagle and a polar fox.
Driving from Anchorage to Portage Driving from Anchorage to Portage
Driving from Anchorage to Portage
Driving from Anchorage to Portage
Driving from Anchorage to Portage.
Driving from Anchorage to Portage Driving from Anchorage to Portage
Driving from Anchorage to Portage
Driving from Anchorage to Portage
To find typical "postcard" landscapes, it isn't necessary to drive far away from the cities' center. Sea, beaches, mountains, forests and glaciers all togheter, can easly be included in a single picture.
Driving from Anchorage to Portage

The road is very scenic and pleasant.
Portage glacier, Alaska


The icebergs released from the glacier, are transported several miles away by the currents.
Portage glacier, Alaska
The Portage glacier can be reached by about 20 minutes of boat from the park's entrance.
Portage glacier, Alaska
Portage glacier, Alaska


The average height of the ice front is about 30 meters. Its surface is modelled by rain and wind.
Portage glacier, Alaska
Portage glacier, Alaska



Other views on the glacier.
Portage glacier, Alaska
Portage glacier, Alaska

The boat turns several times around the glacier.
Portage glacier, Alaska

Smaller icebergs floating into the lake.
Portage glacier, Alaska
Sometime, a small block of ice falls in the lake.



Other bigger icebergs released from the glacier.

Waterfalls ending into the lake.
Going back to the dock.

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