whittier in the early morning

[laurachr]

i am booked on the 6 hour PWS tour departing at 11am with a group of 8 people. i'm trying to arrange transportation to Whittier from Anchorage that morning. i have found several companies that go down early and arrive in Whittier around 8:45 am. what is there to do from 8:45 to 11am?

[PennyAgain]

Drink coffee!

[Yukon]

With 8 people I'd charter a van or limo and arrive later, as there's really not much to do there for a couple of hours. Particularly if the weather is bad, which it often is (that doesn't affect the tour much, but does affect the standing-around-waiting).

[trooper 1]

i am booked on the 6 hour PWS tour departing at 11am with a group of 8 people. i'm trying to arrange transportation to Whittier from Anchorage that morning. i have found several companies that go down early and arrive in Whittier around 8:45 am. what is there to do from 8:45 to 11am?

 

If any of you like to hike try all or part of the Portage Pass Trail (2 miles, 700' gain)—

"The best views of Portage Glacier are found at the end of this easy route. Take West Camp Road (the only road) west from town and past Army Bunker Road to the trail. The path crosses the stream then contours up and around the southern slopes of Maynard Mountain. You’ll soon reach a small lake and pass with splendid views of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake. The old portage route once crossed the glacier, which has now receded beyond usability." [unquote} Any of the locals should be able to direct you to the trail head.

[Yukon]

Without a vehicle the trail isn't an option for 2 hours, though.

[Chenega]

Maybe you can have a leisurely breakfast at the Anchor Inn or the Inn at Whittier. Not much else to do.

[PennyAgain]

If any of you like to hike try all or part of the Portage Pass Trail (2 miles, 700' gain)—

"The best views of Portage Glacier are found at the end of this easy route. Take West Camp Road (the only road) west from town and past Army Bunker Road to the trail. The path crosses the stream then contours up and around the southern slopes of Maynard Mountain. You’ll soon reach a small lake and pass with splendid views of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake. The old portage route once crossed the glacier, which has now receded beyond usability." [unquote} Any of the locals should be able to direct you to the trail head.

 

I've hiked it when I had no time limitations at all. It is the one place around Portage where I've seen bears close to and crossing the trails. We hiked back in the old days when the only other method was the train and the glimpse from the train was too brief.