Page 183 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD,
SOLDOTNA, KENAI & HOMER
(See Kenai Peninsula Map)

SEWARD HWY 1
ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD

Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm is the narrow area of Cook Inlet
forming the north coast of the Kenai Peninsula, south
of Anchorage. Chugach State Park protects many
sites along Turnagain Arm that are easily accessed
during a day trip. Opportunities abound to hike, bike,
watch wildlife or enjoy the view from many scenic
areas along the Arm. Beluga Point is an outstanding
viewing area for the pale Beluga Whale.
Indian
Indian Valley Meats
Location: Mile 104 on Seward Highway 1,
between Anchorage and Girdwood, 1/2 hour
south of Anchorage.

Since l976, family-owned Indian Valley Meats has
been treating locals and visitors to specialty meats,
sausages and smoked fish. They are now one of the
largest processors of wild game meat in North America,
using only the finest ingredients, natural spices and Portage Glacier on Turnagain Arm
inspected meat to make high quality products.
Try their delectable, exotic creations in the Jerky
Bar, and gift boxes are available to allow you to send spectacular views of rugged mountain peaks and Visitor Center invites sightseers to experience the
a tasty bit of Alaska home for friends and family to alpine glaciers. Moose and other wildlife are thrill of living glaciers as they continue to carve
enjoy. protected in this part of the Chugach National Forest. the landscape and shape the life of the Chugach
Bird Creek Great migrations of geese, swans and cranes occur in National Forest. Built on the remnants of a terminal
the spring and fall. Bald eagles feast on salmon that
moraine left by Portage Glacier, the Center is staffed
Location: 20 miles south of Anchorage on spawn in the valley’s clear streams. with Forest Service interpreters available to answer
Seward Highway 1; Campground at Mile 101.2; Prior to the 1964 earthquake, the town of Portage questions, assist with trip planning and provide
bridge and fishing at 101.5; 160-car parking lot was primarily a railroad and highway construction programs on the historical and natural wonders of the
and trail head at 102.2. town, home to 50 to 100 residents. The earthquake valley. Boat tours to the face of Portage Glacier are
resulted in a subduction of the land, causing it to drop available. There are hiking trails, naturalist programs
Bird Creek is an extremely popular salmon-fishing between 6 and 12 feet along Turnagain Arm. The and fishing in designated ponds. Camping is available
and hiking/biking destination, which has recently also area flooded and now remnants of buildings and trees at Forest Service campgrounds.
seen a serious influx of black and grizzly bears in destroyed by infiltrating saltwater are all that remain Travelers may choose to stay at Portage Valley
search of an easy meal. A sign at the creek’s entrance of the original townsite. Cabins and RV Camping at Mile 1.7 on Portage
puts it this way: “If the bear shows interest in you Located about 12 miles east of the old townsite Glacier Road. Known as the “Gateway to Prince
and/or approaches, it wants your stuff. If the bear is on its namesake road, Portage Glacier is Alaska’s William Sound” it is the place to find the only cabin
slobbering, huffing, jaw-popping, hop-charging, you most visited natural attraction. Enormous deep blue rentals in the whole valley and the only RV camps
are in serious danger.” icebergs float close to shore, where the Begich Boggs with electrical hookups.
Girdwood - Alyeska Resort
Location: The village of Girdwood is located
on the beautiful shoreline of Turnagain Arm,
on Seward Highway 1; 39 miles southeast of
Anchorage.

Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet is home to pods of
beluga and orca whales that travel the sheltered
waters to feed on migrating salmon. Even more
wildlife can be seen from the nearby towns of Seward
and Whittier, which offer guided tours of Resurrection
Bay and Prince William Sound.
Transportation from the world-famous Alyeska Ski
Resort and Nordic Spa to Seward, Whittier and other
destinations is available from local providers.

Portage
Location: On Seward Highway 1; 48 miles
south of Anchorage, 79 miles north of Seward.
Population: 20. Visitor Information: Begich
Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Glacier. graylinealaska.com 1.800.544.2206
Portage is situated in a location that offers

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