Portage Pass Hike Recap: TrailMates Conquer Whittier’s Scenic Pass

Megan Militello
Jun 10
2 min read

Group of people and two dogs on rocky terrain with snowy mountains in the background, wearing outdoor gear, looking cheerful.

A Beautiful Day at Portage Glacier

Car exiting a dimly lit tunnel, light streaming in from the entrance, revealing green hills outside. Industrial walls with pipes and cables. Whittier Tunnel — Going through the Whittier Tunnel

On Sunday, June 8th, our TrailMates community gathered for an unforgettable hike at Portage Pass in Whittier, Alaska. Led by Adolph Garcia, our group of 28 hikers—including a few first-timers!—embarked on this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that boasts a steady 1,463 feet of elevation gain.

The adventure began with a trip through the Whittier tunnel—a unique experience that always adds an extra layer of excitement to any Whittier hike! Once at the trailhead, we were ready to tackle the climb.

A person in a hat and backpack leans on a stick by a rocky shore, barefoot. Overcast sky, calm water, and distant cliffs in the background. River crossing — Leo crossing the river 🥶

We’re so grateful for Adolph’s steady leadership and encouragement throughout the day. His calm energy and love for adventure kept everyone motivated and safe. Leo, one of our dedicated TrailMates hike leaders, was also a huge help—he even took his shoes off and braved the icy river crossing to get an up-close view of Portage Glacier! It was inspiring to see the adventurous spirit and determination it takes to fight the cold temperatures of Alaska waters.

Along the way, we were treated to a magical sight: a pair of elegant trumpet swans gliding gracefully in the water, adding an extra touch of beauty and wildness to an already breathtaking day.

The weather held out for us, turning what could have been a rainy day into a chance to soak up breathtaking glacier and mountain views. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as we took on the moderate climbs together, sharing laughs and taking in the stunning scenery.

Glacier Vibes and Celebration

One of our TrailMates community members, Shye, summed it up perfectly:

Group hiking with a dog on rocky terrain, snowy mountains in the background. Overcast sky, bright clothing, and joyful expressions. Portage Glacier, Alaska

"We enjoyed this hike. A bit of a challenging hike, but it's worth it because of the beautiful scenery. I'm so glad we got to join the group on this hike. We discovered a part of Whittier we didn't know before."

Reaching the viewpoint of Portage Glacier, we were greeted with cascading waterfalls and the iconic blue ice—nature’s reward for our leg-burning climb! It was a picture-perfect moment, and we made sure to soak in every second before heading back.

A Big Group, A Small-Group Feel

Despite being a larger group, the vibe felt intimate—like old friends reconnecting or new friendships forming around shared adventure. Whether you were one of our first-timers or a familiar face, there was a sense of community and excitement that carried us along the trail.

Join Us for More Alaska Group Hikes

We love these TrailMates moments, and we’d love for you to join us next time! Check out our upcoming adventures on our TrailMates events page and RSVP to keep the community vibe alive.

Our hikes are always free and open to everyone! If you’d like to support our mission of making the outdoors accessible and inclusive, consider making a small donation to TrailMates.

Here's more pics from our Portage Pass Hike 👇