Kayak Portage Creek, Portage

What: Portage creek is one of the most accesible streams to kayak/paddle within an hour of Anchorage.

When to go: Worth going in the summer months when the river levels are just right and the water temperature is not too cold, typically between July and September.

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/qH9MfnLDSDBcHrhW6

The best place to start is from the parking lot on your right, directly after crossing the Portage lake visitor center and the tunnel that comes right after it. From there you can easily walk your kayak down to the lake. Start paddling back towards the visitor center and go under the main bridge that separates portage creek from portage lake.

Tips:

• There are a few forks in the river, and we generally stayed to the left. You can go right as well. You’ll need to drop a car off at the end to shuttle back to the beginning. Most people float to the bridge/parking lot right before the river enters Turnagain arm.
• At certain times of the year the river levels can be low enough where you may have to get out of your kayak and walk around rocks. At other times of year, the river level can be really high/fast, and you’ll have to be careful when navigating rapids. In general, this is a class 1 easy float and should be doable by most people. It’s still worth wearing all the right safety gear so that even if you fall out you can stay warm and quickly get to shore.
• There are a few great pull out spots along the way to get out and enjoy a snack/drink.
• The total float took us about 1.5 hours with time to stop and relax. The views in this valley on a clear day are incredible.