Moose Viewing |
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Ken Smith/Turnagain Times Moose meander in marshes along Turnagain Arm across the street from the Tesoro Mall in Girdwood. Moose can be commonly seen from the roadside between Girdwood and Portage valleys. |
By Mary Bloom & Stephanie Israel
Special to the Turnagain Times
They get off planes, or travel long highways (both land and marine) to reach Alaska and ultimately, Portage Valley (50 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway). These bright and shiny seasonal interpretive guides descend on the Chugach National Forest and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, which once again survived a harsh winter’s grip. Throughout the summer, these friendly Forest Service naturalists welcome guests to Southcentral Alaska and the Chugach National Forest from Memorial Day through the end of September.
The visitor center, located at Mile 5 of the Portage Glacier Highway, is merely the starting point for a summer filled with exploration. Visit the information desk inside the center for maps, brochures, and adventure ideas regardless of the weather.
The recently constructed Trail of Blue Ice is continuing to evolve with several miles already accessible by foot, bicycle and even wheel chair. The trail connects many of the valley’s other features such as Moose Flats Day Use area, Explorer Glacier and Black Bear and Williwaw campgrounds and fish viewing platform. The opportunity to witness the return of two to three species of wild Alaskan salmon to their spawning grounds mid-summer is one of Portage Valley’s many highlight activities.
Glaciers, mountains, forests and wetlands, wildflowers, birds and autumn berries create an unforgettable backdrop to every adventure. Clearly educational/recreational activities abound!
Rangers remain vigilant, posting signs and talking to the public. However in spite of the accessibility to these seemingly wild areas, we encourage visitors to always recognize the fact that this is Alaska. The natural environment requires a high level of awareness and consciousness of one’s surroundings and a liberal use of common sense at all times.
The biggest change for 2009 in Portage Valley is the new fee being collected at the visitor’s center. By charging a fee to view the movie and tour our exhibits, we will be able to improve upon our public services in the future. Some of these improvements involve a larger summer staff, enhanced programs and activities such as summer camps for kids, re-opening during weekends during the winter months and the creation of a new movie and exhibits. Season passes are available for purchase at the center and are a great way for locals to save a buck!
The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is open seven days a week for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 30.
Feel free to contact the center with any questions at 907-783-2326.
Mary Bloom and Stephanie Israel work for the US Forest Service.