2025 Pricing
Goodnews River
More Info
- PBA coordinates boat, wheeled charter, and village transportation
- Rates are based on 2-Person Minimum
- Lodging available in Bethel for a fee
- Rates may be subject to change due to unforeseen third-party adjustments
- PBA highly recommends trip insurance. Please click the "Book Now" link for more information
WEIGHT LIMITS: 1. Group weight = Weight of all people, gear, supplies and food
2. Maximum allowable weight:
• 2-3 People = 1200 lbs
• 4-6 People = 2400 lbs
• 7-9 People = 3600 lbs
3. Special Rates Available for Children under 16 depending on Group Size
The name of this river is no lie, as the scenery, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities throughout the float are fantastic.
This is a fantastic float for the first timer, less experienced, families, or anyone looking for a more relaxed float with very little technical issues on the river. Great fishing, hiking, scenery, camping and all around great river.
The Goodnews River flows southwest from Goodnews Lake down the Goodnews Valley. The upper portion of the Goodnews River has a slow current, increasing in the middle section with no real obstructions along the route. Camping spots are in abundance all along the river during normal water conditions.
Drop Off:
Float Plane from Bethel to Goodnews Lake
Length:
Approximately 60 river miles
Float Duration: Minimum 6 days. Average duration = 7-10 days
Topo Maps:
We do not provide maps. Maps can be purchased through the U.S. Geological Survey office nearest you or in Anchorage by calling, 1-888-275-8747 (outside Alaska) or 1-907-786-7011 (in Alaska). The following are the map sheets required for the Goodnews River float: Goodnews Bay A-6, A-7, A-8, B-5, B-6, B-7 and C-5.
Pick Up:
Due to the strong tidal influence the last 5 miles of the river, clients are picked up by boat and taken to the airstrip in the village of Goodnews. Our clients are then picked up by wheeled aircraft and flown back to Bethel.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the commitment of safety to our clients, each group will be required to carry a satellite communication device (ie. Sat Phone, DeLorme, inReach, etc). If you are unable to bring your own device, Papa Bear will provide you with one for a fee.
Most of the shoreline is open tundra with some stands of willows and cottonwoods along the route. The lower 5 to 10 miles has a strong tidal influence which is why a boat pickup is recommended to get through this section back to the Village of Goodnews.
The Goodnews River offers excellent seasonal opportunities for Salmon, Dolly Varden, Grayling and Rainbow fishing. The fishing begins each year in mid-June with the King Salmon run, and culminates each year in mid-September with Rainbow fishing reaching its peak and the end of the Silver Salmon run.
Goodnews River History:
The name Goodnews River was first published by Phillip S. Smith and Alfred G. Maddren of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 1915. The river derives its name from Goodnews Bay, which the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey translated in 1868 from the Russian name “Port Dobryskh Vestey” or Port Good News. George L. Harrington of the USGS reported in 1919 that the Eskimo name for the Goodnews River was “Kwihcherak,” meaning “little river.”
