One night before Southbound cruise

Question

This is such a helpful forum and thank you for the great help you have provided in the past. I have been to Alaska a few times, but the others in my group have not. My group, party of 8 all active adults, will be arriving Anchorage June 7 at 2:30 pm. We have a room booked in Anchorage and then transport to Whittier the next day, our ship leaves at 7:30 pm. However, this can be changed and we would like to do something adventurous. It is possible for us to do a one way van rental (already checked on this) and drive somewhere for one night then possibly a hike the next morning before boarding. We are considering Bird Creek motel and then portage hike at portage in the morning but not sure how this works with the tunnel and luggage, or do you have another suggestion. We only have the one night pre cruise due to time constraints. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

For a one-night pre-cruise adventure near Anchorage with a group of eight active adults, you have some excellent options, but logistics with luggage and the timing of the cruise departure need careful consideration.

Option 1: Bird Creek / Turnagain Arm area

Bird Creek is about 45–60 minutes southeast of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. It offers easy access to coastal trails, small hikes, and wildlife viewing (moose, beluga whales, eagles). Staying at a local motel or lodge is straightforward for a group, and it’s scenic without being too far from Anchorage for van drop-off and cruise logistics.

Pros: Scenic drive, short hikes available, manageable distance for a one-night stay, less stressful than farther destinations.
Cons: Limited adventurous hiking; mostly coastal trails and viewpoints. Early morning drive to Whittier still required.

Option 2: Portage Glacier area / Keystone Canyon

Driving to Portage Glacier or the surrounding area gives a more adventurous vibe. You can hike the Portage Pass Trail or take a short trail to the glacier overlook. Luggage can be a concern, since you’ll need to store it safely in your van or with a shuttle service, as the cruise transport typically leaves from Anchorage or Whittier early morning. One-way van rental can help with flexibility.

Pros: Glacier views, short hikes, dramatic scenery, more “adventure” feel than Bird Creek.
Cons: Need to plan luggage storage carefully, morning drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier (~1 hour) requires timing; early ferry-style passage may be needed.

Option 3: Girdwood / Alyeska area

About 45 minutes southeast of Anchorage, Girdwood and the Alyeska area offer mountain hikes, waterfalls, and aerial tram rides. You can hike near Crow Creek Falls or take the tram up Mount Alyeska for panoramic views. Many lodges and hotels can accommodate a group of 8. Morning drive to Whittier is manageable and scenic.

Pros: Adventurous hiking options, lodge accommodations, scenic mountain views, still within easy reach of Whittier.
Cons: Slightly more commercialized; some hikes may be limited in difficulty for a quick morning excursion before cruise departure.

Logistics tips:

Consider storing luggage in your van overnight or using a secure luggage storage service in Anchorage or Whittier if available.
Depart early for Whittier to allow time for the Anton Anderson Tunnel (one-way traffic scheduling) and to meet cruise check-in times.
Focus on shorter, scenic hikes to ensure time to enjoy the adventure without rushing.
If your group is comfortable, a combination of Bird Creek or Girdwood for the overnight stay, with an early morning hike near Portage Glacier before heading to Whittier, is feasible.

Recommendation: For a mix of adventure and practicality, staying in Girdwood or Bird Creek is ideal. You can enjoy a scenic hike in the morning (Portage Glacier or Crow Creek Falls) and then drive the hour or so to Whittier in time for your cruise, keeping the logistics simple while still giving your group a memorable pre-cruise adventure.