logo
  • Activity preview

Portage Creek Scenic Float

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Girdwood

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
$125 Adult
(Ages 12+)
$100 Child
(Ages 2-11)

Description

Portage Creek Scenic Float Trip 

A peaceful Alaskan escape — float past hanging glaciers, spot wildlife, and soak in the beauty of Portage Valley.
Discover one of Alaska’s hidden gems on the Portage Scenic Float, a serene rafting experience perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers. Gently float down the crystal-clear waters of Portage Creek, surrounded by panoramic views of hanging glaciers, lush vegetation, and—if you're lucky—moose, spawning salmon, and soaring eagles.
This mellow Class I river float offers a tranquil way to explore the stunning Portage Valley from the water, a favorite summertime tradition among Alaskan locals. Whether you're looking for a relaxing start or end to your day, the Portage Scenic Float is the perfect way to unwind and connect with the natural world.

Duration

Approximately 1.5 hours on the water, 3 hours in total
Season: Portage Creek Float operates from mid-May to mid-September, dependent on winter break-up & water levels. 

Location / Where to Meet

Portage Depot: MP 80 Seward Highway

Ages & Requirements

This float is perfect for all ages & abilities! We have had guests as young as 2 and wise guests in their 90's on this trip. The minimum age is 2 years old.
A note on children under 5: When making a rafting, kayaking, or other adventure reservation with the Alaska Railroad, they do not allow children under the age of 5.  Chugach Adventures can make reservations upon pre-approval.  The minimum age is 2 years old.  Children must be able to wear a life vest and comfortably sit for at least 2.5 hours in a raft without jumping around or being out of control.

What's Included

  1. Experienced and knowledgeable guides
  2. We provide rubber boots, a PFD (life jacket), and a rain poncho if needed. If you have your own rain gear & rubber boots, please bring them.
  3. Transportation back to the meeting location

Not Included

  1. Lunch
  2. Gratuity
  3. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Add-on for Morning Departures:
    1. Wildlife is Guaranteed on the AWCC tour!  (We have seen Moose, Black Bears, Wolves, Coyote, & Porcupine on Portage River, but cannot guarantee a sighting in the wild.)
    2. Musk Oxen, Moose, Caribou, Wood Bison, Black Bear, Brown Bear, Porcupine & Many More at AWCC.
    3. One of the best Gift Shops in Alaska resides at AWCC.
    4. Catered Sack Lunch Provided.  If you are vegetarian or gluten-free or have any other dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time.  Lunch includes a Sandwich/Wrap, piece of Fruit, Chips, and Dessert.
    5. After booking, please respond to your confirmation email to let us know you're interested in this add-on, and we'll work with you to schedule it.

What to Bring / Wear

Bring warm clothes & layers, extra socks, a hat & gloves. These are more important in August & September, but nice to have in June & July with AK's unpredictable weather. We recommend having a few layers to wear.
  1. Thick socks (to wear with our rubber boots)
  2. Warm clothes (wear synthetic layers and bring a raincoat)
  3. Warm hat
  4. Gloves
  5. Binoculars
  6. Camera
Cameras are highly recommended. We can’t guarantee that they won’t get wet, although most guests do bring their cameras. We recommend putting them away during the rapid section if you are concerned about getting wet.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Chugach Adventures

FAQs

Is there a minimum number of guests?

This Portage Creek float has a 6-person minimum. You have the option of purchasing empty seats to make the tour happen with fewer than six people.

What class of rapids will we experience?

On the Portage Scenic Float, you’ll experience Class I rapids, which means the water is very mellow and calm—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

How many guests fit in a raft?

Families and booking parties are put on the same raft. If you have a request to be with a friend, please let us know on the train. The maximum capacity is 8 adults in each raft.

What if the weather is bad?

Water levels, wind, and other natural factors beyond our control may cause us to alter your trip for your safety & enjoyment.

For example on windy days, if you have booked a Kayak trip, we reserve the right to have you join us on a rafting trip. With our Spencer Glacier Float trip, the river portion is based on water levels in the river. We reserve the right to modify your rafting trip to a Spencer Glacier Float lake tour going closer to the glacier if the water levels are not sufficient for a safe/enjoyable trip down the Placer River.

Landing zone locations and the extent of our glacier hiking & moraine treks are dictated mostly by the weather of the day and the group’s activity level & speed.

Chugach Adventures does not cancel trips due to inclement weather, nor provide refunds when adventures are adjusted based on weather.

Should I tip my guide?

Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable.
Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
Read more
Read more

Availability

July 2025
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

1553 Alyeska Hwy

Girdwood, AK, 99587

US

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Reserve

✔️Easy, secure, instant booking

✔️No extra fees

✔️Book directly with top-rated outfitters

Improve this listing
adventure

Adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.