Five species of Pacific salmon and Dolly Varden trout spawn in Portage Valley streams. Salmon viewing at a platform next to Williwaw campground begins in August. There's fishing at Alder and Tangle Ponds or at Moose Flats. Forest Service interpreters lead ice worm hunts on Byron Glacier and nature walks.

Visitors can hike on several short trails, including the Moraine trail, Byron Glacier trail, Williwaw nature trail and at Moose Flats day use area. Brown and black bears and moose live here, along with smaller mammals. Mountain goats may sometimes be spotted on bare, rocky cliffs above timber line. Bald eagles are common; shorebirds, seabirds, waterfowl and songbirds abound.

Williwaw campground, operated by the Forest Service, can accommodate large RVs. Black Bear campground provides rustic accommodations for tenters.