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Quick Answer: Best Hikes in Whittier, Alaska
The best hikes in Whittier, Alaska are Portage Pass Trail for Portage Glacier views, Whittier Creek Trail for a quick in-town waterfall walk, Horsetail Falls Trail for an easy waterfall outing, Emerald Cove Trail for a longer coastal family hike, and Blackstone Bay Vista Trail for a steep, difficult viewpoint over Blackstone Bay.
If you are driving through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, you can also add nearby Portage Valley hikes before or after Whittier. Byron Glacier Trail is the easiest glacier-view walk, while the Trail of Blue Ice works well for a longer, low-elevation walk or bike ride.
Whittier Hiking Trail Comparison
| Trail | Best For | Distance | Difficulty | Know Before You Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portage Pass Trail | Portage Glacier views | About 2 miles one way, 4 miles round trip | Moderate | Starts on the Whittier side of the tunnel and climbs to a pass above Portage Lake. |
| Blackstone Bay Vista Trail | Hard viewpoint hike | About 6.4 miles round trip | Difficult | Steep, mostly unmarked, and best for confident hikers comfortable with rough terrain. |
| Horsetail Falls Trail | Waterfall views | Short route; local listings vary by turnaround point | Easy to moderate | Expect wet footing and bring layers, even on a short outing. |
| Whittier Creek Trail | Quick in-town walk | About 1 mile | Easy | A good choice when you have limited time before or after the tunnel. |
| Emerald Cove Trail | Longer coastal family hike | About 6 to 6.6 miles round trip | Moderate | Low elevation gain, coastal views, and a lagoon destination. |
| Byron Glacier Trail | Easy nearby glacier walk | About 1 mile | Easy | Located in Portage Valley, not in Whittier town. Stay away from ice caves and unstable snow. |
| Trail of Blue Ice | Low-elevation Portage Valley walk | About 4.6 miles | Easy to moderate | A good add-on before entering the Whittier Tunnel. |
Portage Pass Trail
Best for: the classic Whittier glacier-view hike.
Portage Pass Trail is the top choice if you want one hike that feels unmistakably Whittier. The trail starts after you pass through the tunnel into town, then climbs toward a pass with views back toward Passage Canal and forward toward Portage Lake.
Many hikers turn around at the pass, which gives you a shorter outing with big views. If you have more time and the trail is in good shape, continue down toward the lake for the full round trip.
Know before you go: expect a steady climb, exposed weather, and muddy sections after rain. Bring a wind shell, water, and shoes with real traction. This is the best pick if you only have time for one moderate Whittier hike.
Blackstone Bay Vista Trail
Best for: experienced hikers who want the most dramatic viewpoint near Whittier.
Blackstone Bay Vista Trail is the hard option on this list. The route is steep, rough, and mostly unmarked, so it is not the right choice for casual visitors, young kids, or anyone uncomfortable with route-finding.
The reward is a high view toward Shotgun Cove, Blackstone Bay, and the glacier-carved terrain around Prince William Sound. On a clear day, this trail gives you a much wilder feel than the short in-town walks.
Know before you go: bring offline maps, rain gear, extra food, and enough daylight for a slow return. Skip this trail in poor visibility unless you know the route well.
Horsetail Falls Trail
Best for: a short waterfall hike close to town.
Horsetail Falls Trail is a strong choice when you want a shorter hike with a clear payoff. The trail leads toward waterfall views on the slopes above Whittier, and it works well when you do not have enough time for Portage Pass.
Although the route is relatively short, Whittier weather can make it feel more rugged. Rain, slick roots, and muddy patches are common, so avoid treating it like a sidewalk stroll.
Know before you go: bring waterproof footwear and a light rain layer. If clouds sit low over the mountains, this hike can still be worthwhile because the waterfall is the main view.
Whittier Creek Trail
Best for: an easy walk before or after your tunnel time.
Whittier Creek Trail is the easiest in-town option. It follows Whittier Creek through thick green vegetation toward a waterfall, giving you a quick taste of the area without committing to a longer hike.
This is a good pick for families, cruise visitors with limited time, or travelers who want to stretch their legs after driving. It also works well as a backup when higher trails are fogged in.
Know before you go: keep an eye on kids near water, stay on the trail, and expect wet ground. Even short Whittier walks can be slippery after rain.
Emerald Cove Trail
Best for: a longer coastal walk with low elevation gain.
Emerald Cove Trail gives you a different Whittier experience from Portage Pass. Instead of climbing quickly for a glacier view, it follows a longer coastal route with views of Prince William Sound and a lagoon-style destination.
The distance makes it a more committed outing, but the gentler profile can suit hikers who prefer time on trail over steep climbing. It is also one of the better choices when you want a scenic family hike and have several hours available.
Know before you go: check tide, weather, and trail conditions before committing. Carry snacks, water, and layers because the return can feel longer when rain or wind picks up.
Byron Glacier Trail
Best for: an easy glacier-view add-on in Portage Valley.
Byron Glacier Trail is not in Whittier town, but it is one of the most useful nearby hikes if you are already driving the Portage Glacier Highway. The trail is short, mostly gentle, and leads into a glacier-carved valley below Byron Peak.
This is a good choice for families and first-time visitors who want glacier scenery without a steep climb. The setting feels dramatic for the effort required, which is why it pairs well with a Whittier day trip.
Warning: do not enter ice caves, walk under snow bridges, or climb onto unstable ice. Conditions near glaciers change quickly, and debris-covered ice can be dangerous even when it looks solid.
Trail of Blue Ice
Best for: a low-elevation walk or bike ride before the tunnel.
The Trail of Blue Ice runs through Portage Valley and gives you an easier way to enjoy the forest, wetlands, mountain views, and glacier-fed scenery before you continue to Whittier. It is a better fit than a steep hike if you want something mellow or have mixed ability levels in your group.
Because this route sits before the tunnel, it works well as a flexible add-on. You can walk a shorter section, bike more of the route, or combine it with Byron Glacier Trail if you have a full day.
Know before you go: watch for changing weather, carry bug protection in summer, and use posted trailhead information for current access.
What About Winner Creek Trail?
Winner Creek Trail is worth knowing about, but it should not be treated as a Whittier hike. It is in Girdwood, not Whittier, and it belongs in a separate Turnagain Arm or Girdwood hiking plan.
The hand tram that many older guides mention is closed in 2026, so do not plan your day around riding it. If you want a Girdwood forest hike, Winner Creek can still be useful, but keep it separate from your Whittier trail shortlist.
How to Choose the Right Whittier Hike
- If you have 30 to 60 minutes: choose Whittier Creek Trail or a short Horsetail Falls outing.
- If you have 2 to 4 hours: choose Portage Pass Trail.
- If you want the hardest viewpoint: choose Blackstone Bay Vista Trail in clear weather.
- If you want a longer but gentler route: choose Emerald Cove Trail.
- If you are still outside the tunnel: choose Byron Glacier Trail or the Trail of Blue Ice in Portage Valley.
Whittier Hiking Safety Tips
Whittier is wet, windy, and surrounded by steep coastal mountains. A short trail can still feel serious when fog drops, rain starts, or the ground turns slick.
- Dress in layers: bring a rain shell even when the forecast looks mild.
- Wear real trail shoes: boardwalks, roots, rocks, and mud can be slippery.
- Check tunnel timing: the Whittier Tunnel runs on a schedule, so plan your return with extra buffer.
- Carry offline maps: cell service can be limited outside town.
- Respect wildlife: make noise in brushy areas and give animals plenty of space.
- Stay off unstable ice: glacier areas can hide weak snow, falling rock, and collapsing ice.
Sources Checked
Trail details were checked against current public trail-planning pages and official land-management resources where available. For live conditions, closures, and route changes, verify again before hiking.
- Alaska.org Whittier Parks & Trails
- Alaska.org Portage Pass Trail
- Alaska.org Byron Glacier Trail
- Chugach National Forest
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Whittier, Alaska?
The best all-around hike in Whittier is Portage Pass Trail. It gives you the strongest mix of mountain views, Portage Glacier scenery, and a moderate challenge without needing a full backcountry day.
What is the easiest hike in Whittier?
Whittier Creek Trail is the easiest in-town hike. It is short, accessible for many visitors, and works well when you have limited time before or after the Whittier Tunnel.
Can you see Portage Glacier from Whittier on foot?
Yes. Portage Pass Trail is the main foot route from the Whittier side that gives hikers a view toward Portage Glacier and Portage Lake.
Is Winner Creek Trail in Whittier?
No. Winner Creek Trail is in Girdwood, not Whittier. It can be a good separate hike, but do not count it as part of a Whittier hiking day unless you plan extra driving time.
When is the best time to hike in Whittier?
The most practical hiking season is late spring through early fall, when daylight is longer and most lower trails are easier to access. Always check weather, trail conditions, and tunnel timing before you go.
Conclusion
For most visitors, Portage Pass Trail is the Whittier hike to prioritize. Add Whittier Creek Trail or Horsetail Falls Trail if you only have a short window, choose Emerald Cove Trail for a longer coastal walk, and save Blackstone Bay Vista Trail for clear weather and strong legs.
If you are still on the Portage Valley side of the tunnel, use Byron Glacier Trail or the Trail of Blue Ice as nearby add-ons. That plan gives you the best mix of glacier views, waterfalls, coastal scenery, and realistic timing for a Whittier hiking day.
