| Alaska is the last great wild wilderness of America. It | | | | conditions. They can fluctuate. To get to Portage |
| also happens to be a great place to have a go at | | | | River, take the Seward Highway south and look for |
| some ice climbs that will make your legs do the Elvis. | | | | the signs. |
| Alaska is one of the few places remaining that you | | | | The best climbing near Anchorage is really to the |
| can visit and realize you are pretty insignificant. The | | | | north of the city. The terrain is not really the issue. |
| state is huge and the human population centers are | | | | The difference between climbs to the north and |
| pretty small. Frankly, it can give you new perspective | | | | south of the city has to do with the weather. Climbs |
| on life and the planet. | | | | south of the city tend to be in area where warm air |
| While going to Alaska is a great idea for rock and ice | | | | can come off the ocean and degrade the ice. This |
| climbing, there are a couple of problems. Getting | | | | doesn't seem to be a problem in the north, but this |
| around the state can be...well, a bear. This is | | | | also makes it a much more popular area. Yes, you |
| particularly true in winter when Mother Nature does | | | | may actually have to wait for some climbs. |
| her thing. You and bush planes are no match for her, | | | | Top climbs north of Anchorage include areas such as |
| so you often have to compromise your plans. If ice | | | | Eagle River Valley, Eklutna Canyon and the Knik River |
| climbing is your thing, the good news is there are a | | | | Valley. Of these, Knik River Valley is by far the most |
| lot of interesting climbs around Anchorage. Here are a | | | | popular. There are lots of climbs and often lots of |
| few worth your time. | | | | people. To explore the Knik River Valley, just head |
| Portage River is located in a valley of the same name | | | | out from Anchorage to the town of Eklutna and ask |
| about an hour south of Anchorage. There are over | | | | for directions. |
| 10 solid ice climbs in the area. They range from fairly | | | | As you might imagine, Alaska offers some serious ice |
| simple to multi-pitch climbs, which means there is a | | | | climbing opportunities. While getting around can be |
| little something for everyone. Before heading off to | | | | difficult in winter, flying into Anchorage should give |
| the area, make sure you get the current ice | | | | you access to plenty of climbs nearby. |