Moose find river valleys and wetlands irresistible, drawn by the lush greenery during summer and the woody browse during winter. The Twentymile and Placer river valleys reach for miles into open country visible from the Seward Highway at the head of Turnagain Arm. The five-mile-long valley along Portage Glacier Road—with its many trails, ponds and pullouts—also coaxes moose into the open for reliable viewing.
Where Will You Find The Most Moose?
Scan the Twentymile and Placer river wetlands from highway pullouts. It’s not uncommon to catch sight of moose grazing in the distance, especially early in the morning. Portage Valley—extending from the Seward Highway to the shore of Portage Glacier Lake—is more wooded and intimate, with a patchwork of habitats that range from dense forest to gravel bars along the river to ponds nestled in brushy, wet terrain. When summer vegetation makes it difficult to see moose, check out the ponds along the road. Moose will often feed on aquatic plants, especially early and late in the day. Alder Pond Road and Moose Flats Day Use Area feature trails with direct access to waterways. At least three other ponds are adjacent to the Portage Glacier Highway.
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Getting There
Girdwood, AK 99587
Twentymile River is about 46 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway, with pullouts on both sides of the bridge that offer views of the vast wetland stretching east toward the mountains. Portage Glacier Highway is about 48 miles south of Anchorage and it runs about 5 miles to Portage Lake and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Access to Moose Flats and Alder Pond areas are about 1.5 miles in. Two channels of the Placer River cross beneath the highway about 49 miles south of Anchorage. You’ll find the best view of Placer’s immense wetland between the Portage River Overflow bridge and near Ingram Creek.