At the Heart of Portage Valley... The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center will be open May 25, 2019 to September 2, 2019 Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is built upon the terminal moraine left behind by Portage Glacier in 1914. The Visitor Center offers an unique opportunity to learn about the Chugach National Forest, America's second largest national forest. Award-winning exhibits, educational presentations, the film Retreat and Renewal: Stories from Alaska's Chugach National Forest , and information services are available to the public. View the trailer for the film Campfire Program Free campfire programs presented by Forest Service Interpreter will be offered on Friday and Saturday evenings this summer at the Williwaw Campground. The programs focus on salmon, bears, and cultural heritage. Campfire programs are free and suitable for all ages. The last night for Campfire programs is Saturday evening on August 18th. Guided Hikes Forest Service Interpreters will offer guided hikes on Byron Glacier Trail when safe conditions allow for hiking. While the Byron Glacier hike is an easy walk along a well-maintained trail in the summer, during the spring, a lot of snow in the upper elevations that haven’t avalanched yet. Avalanche activity may occur in the Byron Valley well into the spring due to sun, above freezing temperatures, and any rain. Unless you have avalanche rescue gear, advanced training, and knowledge to evaluate an avalanche hazard we recommend avoiding Byron trail until summer. Check with the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for information about scheduled hikes to Byron Glacier during the summer.