Portage is a ghost town located in the Anchorage Municipality of Alaska. Once a small settlement near the head of Turnagain Arm, it was devastated by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, leading to its abandonment. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Anchorage Municipality
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 60°50′13″N, 148°59′06″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: Early 20th century
Disestablished: 1964
Comments: Portage was destroyed in the 1964 Alaska earthquake when the ground in the area sank about six feet, putting most of the town below high tide level. All that remains today are the ruins of a few buildings and a “ghost forest” of trees that died after salt water inundated their root systems. Portage is a town and former settlement on Turnagain Arm in Alaska, about 47 miles (76 km) south of Anchorage. Popular recreational activities in the Portage area include visiting the wildlife center, floating Portage, Twentymile, Placer rivers, Fishing for hooligan in the Twentymile river, and iceskating the numerous marshy areas, creeks, and Portage Lake.
Remains: Ruins of a few buildings and a “ghost forest” of dead trees.
Current Status: Abandoned
Remarks: The area is now home to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which has brought new life to the region.
