FAQ

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the breathtaking Chugach Mountain Range and Turnagain Arm Inlet. Located at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway, AWCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in orphaned and injured animals year-round and provides them a forever home. The sanctuary maintains over 200 acres of spacious habitats for resident animals to feel at home displaying their natural wild behavior as education ambassadors for their species. It is common for visitors to see brown bears swimming, moose strutting, wood bison roaming, muskox playing, wolves posing, porcupines climbing, and more!

AWCC has been able to provide care for hundreds of displaced animals because visitors to AWCC have made critical contributions in the form of tours, admission fees, donations, memberships, and gift shop purchases.

Experience Alaska’s wildlife via AWCC’s scenic 1.5-mile loop, accessible by foot, by bike, or by car, while learning about our resident wildlife via interpretive signs at each animal habitat. AWCC encourages you to visit the center with your walking shoes and camera in hand for an educational Alaskan experience to remember. Be sure to book a tour or Animal Encounter! AWCC offers up-close and personal experiences. Book early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear Encounters, and Walk on the Wild Side Tours.

General Admission tickets to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center do not sell out. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival the day of your visit. General Admission is perfect for those who like a self-guided experience via our scenic 1.5-mile loop.

AWCC offers a peaceful and scenic setting for the ultimate Alaska experience where guests will be surrounded by stunning mountains, Alpine Glaciers, the Turnagain Arm Inlet, and Alaska’s beautiful wildlife.

Year-round free educational program schedule here: https://alaskawildlife.org/education/free-education-programs/

Audio Guides featuring information about each species on property, voiced by Sarah (Howie) Howard are located here: https://alaskawildlife.org/visit/audio-guide/

We look forward to welcoming you to the sanctuary!

We do not provide transportation to/from the AWCC. However, several tour companies include the AWCC on their tours. If you arrive via Uber, Lyft, or Taxi, please be sure to have the diver wait for you on property. Drivers are dispatched from Anchorage, and scheduling a pick-up in Portage is usually not available.

Here is a list of local tour operators that visit AWCC:

PicTours Alaska https://www.pictoursalaska.com/
Entrée Destinations https://entreedestinations.com/alaska-trips
Salmonberry Travel & Tours https://www.salmonberrytours.com/
Alaska Private Touring https://alaskaprivatetouring.com/
RL AK Tours https://rlakoutdoors.com/
Adventurous Winos (21+ only) https://adventurouswinos.com/southern-adventure
Caribou Tours https://www.cariboutours.com/
Into The Woods Alaska https://intothewoodsalaska.com/
Chugach Adventures https://alaskanrafting.com/product/alaska-wildlife-bears-trains-icebergs-top-tour/
Alaska Exquisite Tours: https://alaskaexquisitetravel.com/anchorage-day-trip-glacier-and-wildlife-viewing/
Escaping Anchorage
Summer: https://www.escapinganchorage.com/tours/ultimate-anchorage-summer-wildlife-tour
Winter: https://www.escapinganchorage.com/tours/ultimate-anchorage-winter-wildlife-%26-sunset-tour
Greatland Adventures https://www.greatlandadventures.com/
Red Eye Rides https://www.redeyeridesllc.com/
907 Tours – (907) 947-9425
Anchorage Tours & Transfers – (907) 360-5501
The First Class Driver https://thefirstclassdriver.com/private-tours
Alaska Gold Standard Tours http://www.alaskagoldstandardtours.com/
Savage Tours https://savage-tours.com/
Alaskan Sites & Bites https://alaskansightsandbites.com/tour/half-day-anchorage-wildlife-tour/
Frontier Tours www.akfrontiertours.com
GreatDayAK GreatDayAk@gmail.com
Go Hike Alaska https://www.gohikealaska.com/
Blueberry Tours https://www.alaskablueberrytours.com/
Alaska Supply https://alaska.supply
Epic Alaska epicalaskatours@gmail.com 
Pacific Alaska Tours
Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/anchorage-to-seward-wildlife-adventure/
Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/anchorage-to-whittier-wildlife-adventure/
Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/seward-to-anchorage-wildlife-adventure/

Other great planning resources are:
https://www.anchorage.net/
https://girdwood.com/
https://www.visitgirdwood.com/
https://www.travelalaska.com/

Here is a list of local tour operators that visit AWCC:

PicTours Alaska https://www.pictoursalaska.com/
Entrée Destinations https://entreedestinations.com/alaska-trips
Salmonberry Travel & Tours https://www.salmonberrytours.com/
Alaska Private Touring https://alaskaprivatetouring.com/
RL AK Tours https://rlakoutdoors.com/
Adventurous Winos (21+ only) https://adventurouswinos.com/southern-adventure
Caribou Tours https://www.cariboutours.com/
Into The Woods Alaska https://intothewoodsalaska.com/
Chugach Adventures https://alaskanrafting.com/product/alaska-wildlife-bears-trains-icebergs-top-tour/
Alaska Exquisite Tours: https://alaskaexquisitetravel.com/anchorage-day-trip-glacier-and-wildlife-viewing/
Escaping Anchorage
Summer: https://www.escapinganchorage.com/tours/ultimate-anchorage-summer-wildlife-tour
Winter: https://www.escapinganchorage.com/tours/ultimate-anchorage-winter-wildlife-%26-sunset-tour
Greatland Adventures https://www.greatlandadventures.com/
Red Eye Rides https://www.redeyeridesllc.com/
907 Tours – (907) 947-9425
Anchorage Tours & Transfers – (907) 360-5501
The First Class Driver https://thefirstclassdriver.com/private-tours
Alaska Gold Standard Tours http://www.alaskagoldstandardtours.com/
Savage Tours https://savage-tours.com/
Alaskan Sites & Bites https://alaskansightsandbites.com/tour/half-day-anchorage-wildlife-tour/
Frontier Tours www.akfrontiertours.com
GreatDayAK GreatDayAk@gmail.com
Go Hike Alaska https://www.gohikealaska.com/
Blueberry Tours https://www.alaskablueberrytours.com/
Alaska Supply https://alaska.supply
Epic Alaska epicalaskatours@gmail.com
Pacific Alaska Tours
Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/anchorage-to-seward-wildlife-adventure/
Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/anchorage-to-whittier-wildlife-adventure/
Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer with a stop at AWCC: https://www.pacificalaskatours.com/tours/seward-to-anchorage-wildlife-adventure/

Other great planning resources are:
https://www.anchorage.net/
https://girdwood.com/
https://www.visitgirdwood.com/
https://www.travelalaska.com/

Visitors are prohibited from petting any animals at AWCC.

AWCC offers up-close and personal experiences guided by AWCC staff. Book early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear Encounters, and Walk on the Wild Side Tours. Animal Encounter Tours offer guests the ability to feed a bear, moose, porcupine, and reindeer!

AWCC offers up-close and personal experiences guided by AWCC staff. Book early and enjoy Moose Encounters, Bear Encounters, and Walk on the Wild Side Tours. Animal Encounter Tours offer guests the ability to feed the brown bears, feed the moose, feed a porcupine, and make enrichment items for Kobuk the black bear!

Mount Spurr is the closet active volcano to Anchorage, and as of April 2025, the alert is at code YELLOW/ ADVISORY, meaning the volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background levels. On April 17, 2025 The Alaska Volcano Observatory issued the following interpretations: modest changes in monitoring data over the past month suggest that the likelihood of an eruption has decreased, and the inability to measure gas has made it more difficult to assess the current state of the volcano. However, the current level of unrest remains above background, monitoring data show the presence of magma under the volcano, and an eruption is still possible. https://avo.alaska.edu/news/hans/DOI-USGS-AVO-2025-04-17T14:25:55+00:00

Mount Spurr is a prominent member of the Cook Inlet volcanoes and is clearly visible from Anchorage on sunny days. Mount Spurr is in a very remote region 80 miles west of Anchorage, so the main concern is ashfall and its impacts to aviation and public health. Mount Spurr most recently erupted three times in 1992, the second of which blew ash into Southcentral Alaska.

If the volcano does erupt, then AWCC plans to close for the day.

• We will assess operations based on the ashfall trajectory.
• AWCC will fully refund all bookings affected by the closure of the sanctuary.
• If ashfall is not an issue in Portage, we will reopen and conduct operations as normal.
  • If AWCC is open, our normal Cancellation Policy will apply: All reservations* are fully refundable up to 72 hours in advance, after 72 hours all reservations are non-refundable. *Reservations include the following: Admission Tickets, Moose Encounters, Walk on the Wild Side Tours, Walking Tours, Bear Encounters, Step on Guides, School Field Trips, Pre-Scheduled Education programs, and Wildlife Presentations. Please note there are no refunds made due to weather or arriving early.
  • It is highly recommended that guests consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip investment. It can help cover the costs such as flight cancellations and medical expenses.

Mount Spurr Eruption Resources for Guests

• Alaska Volcano Observatory https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/spurr/activity
• USGS Mount Spurr Volcano Fact Sheet https://ready.alaska.gov/Documents/PIO/PressReleases/2025.03.10_ic098_SpurrFactsheet.pdf
• Ash Alert – How to protect your family, home, and business https://ready.alaska.gov/Documents/PIO/PressReleases/2025.03.07_Ash%20Alert%20How%20to%20protect%20your%20family,%20home,%20and%20business%20v3.pdf
• PRESS RELEASE: State of Alaska Prepared for Potential Mount Spurr Eruption https://gov.alaska.gov/state-of-alaska-prepared-for-potential-mount-spurr-eruption/
• For real-time updates and emergency alerts, visit ready.alaska.gov/volcano 

AWCC takes monetary donations as well as donations of specific items we’re currently in need of. Visit our wish list and our Amazon Charity List for donation items.

AWCC is about one hour from Anchorage (47 miles), 1.5 hours from Seward (78 miles), 12 minutes from Girdwood (11 miles), and 20 minutes from Whittier (12 miles).

Directions: https://alaskawildlife.org/visit/#directions

Mile 79 Seward Highway
43520 Seward Highway
Portage, AK 99587

Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xWZziprfjwR5pVLV6
GPS: 60.821359136434815, -148.97859183491985

If you arrive via Uber, Lyft, or Taxi, please be sure to have the diver wait for you on property. Drivers are dispatched from Anchorage, and scheduling a pick-up in Portage is usually not available.

Yes, the Be Wild Gift Shop offers hot beverages and grab-n-go snacks year-round. In the summer months, Forget-Me-Not Foods food truck is on site and serving hot/cold beverages, grab-n-go snacks, and lunch items. See our Dining Options page for more information.

Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, and Whittier offer a variety of lodging options, including RV and camping. 

Planning Resources:
https://www.anchorage.net/
https://girdwood.com/
https://www.visitgirdwood.com/
https://www.travelalaska.com/
https://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/

Places to stay in Girdwood:
Ski Inn – https://akskiinn.com/
Alyeska Resort – https://www.alyeskaresort.com/specials-packages/
Alyeska Hideaway Log Cabins – https://alyeskahideaway.com/
Carriage House – https://www.carriagehouseaccommodations.com/
Bud & Carol’s Bed & Breakfast – Phone: (907) 250-5738 Email: budcarolbb@gmail.com
Another great planning resource is https://girdwood.com/explore/places-to-stay/

RV Parking/Camping Nearby

We do not offer camping in our parking lot, but there are a variety of camping options nearby. We are located at mile 79 on the Seward Highway. Here’s a link for more info on nearby campgrounds: http://www.campgroundsalaska.com/portageglacier.php

The nearest campground is the Williwaw Campground, located just 5 miles from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and about 1 mile from the popular Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=6604&actid=29

Also, Girdwood is 10 miles north of us, you can park an RV at Crow Creek Mine, and Alyeska Resort may offer spots in their parking lot, you will need to confirm that with them. Whittier is nearby as well, but keep in mind there is a one-way tunnel schedule to get in and out of Whittier: https://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/

Photography is permitted only for personal use. All film, video and still photography produced on the grounds of the AWCC for commercial purposes requires a written agreement with AWCC and a fee paid based on service desired. All film, video and photography taken within AWCC and used for commercial purposes without authorization is subject to legal action. AWCC prohibits the flight and usage of drones above our property. If you are interested in commercial filming or photography, please email events@alaskawildlife.org.

Virtual Tours and Field Trips are conducted by AWCC staff only. Whether fee-based or done free of charge, Virtual Tours & Field Trips must be booked and approved by the education department. Please call 907-783-0058 or email education@alaskawildlife.org to schedule a Virtual Tour or Virtual Field Trip.

2025 General Admission Prices

General Admission: $27.00 per person (ages 13 and up)
Youth: $22.00 per person (ages 4 to 12)
Child: Free (3 and under)
Military: $24.00 per person (active US military with ID)
Alaska: $24.00 per person (Valid Alaska ID required. Year-Round.)
Alaska Youth: $20.00 per person (ages 4 to 12. Valid Alaska ID required. Year-Round.)

A Skulk is a group of foxes
A Chain is a group of lynx
A Prickle is a group of porcupine
A Yoke is a group of muskoxen
A Gang is a group of elk
A Parliament is a group of owls

During the winter months, please be sure to wear a warm outdoor jacket with warm outdoor pants, sturdy footwear, warm hat, gloves, and plan to be outdoors for the entire tour. Ice grippers for your boots are also recommended.

FOLLOW AWCC @AKWIldlife:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akwildlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akwildlife/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhz_fJFXf38jtZDUknpm4g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18106358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/akwildlifeconservation/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ak.wildlife
X: https://twitter.com/akwildlife
Threads: @akwildlife

Popular YouTube Videos:
All About AWCC – 90 Second Video: https://youtu.be/TQW9oQ4qeWc?si=NuLFdr31vmj7yJAB
Parton Prepares Her Den: https://youtu.be/SPA23XV-Pw8
KitKat Loves Apples: https://youtu.be/TiqVRU1NKTc
Muskox Zoomies: https://youtu.be/STYz_ikMqzc
JB & Blueberries: https://youtu.be/RmW8rwQF65Y
Reindeer & Christmas Trees: https://youtu.be/JgpPs_vaTVg
AWCC Moose Encounter: https://youtu.be/4Gqo30nVNug
Big Bears Big Veggies: https://youtu.be/mHC6bNmkGTc
Be Wild Gift shop Tour: https://youtu.be/RojC4YX4w08?si=YRwMevhLt9an8gDT
AWCC Brown Bears Dumpster Testing: https://youtu.be/8DSPV2xfcMI?si=bUptC8haeWhsrSkZ
Rufous Banding Demonstration and Release: https://youtu.be/HtZH2g4uxpU?si=AszG6iRdhzCNJimI
JB the Brown Bear Enjoying Lunch at AWCC: https://youtu.be/oIcTNTJFCuk?si=Y6jr7hWWHqcg-Hhl
AWCC From Above – Aerial Tour: https://youtu.be/rEjyB-dZFr8?si=2-FhEUvhDXFbdcvk