2025 Pricing
Kisaralik River
More Info
- PBA coordinates boat 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
For experienced outdoors adventurers, the Kisaralik River float trip is truly an adventure that any outdoors enthusiast will remember forever. The scenic float begins from Kisaralik Lake, which sits in the picturesque landscape of the Kilbuck Mountains. It takes a day of floating through spectacular scenery to reach the upper falls, which then drop about 20 feet in two steps.
The entire falls can be portaged around, but some floaters elect to run the first drop then line or portage the second drop. Shortly below the falls, the fishing starts to pick up as the river becomes more and more braided, offering unlimited fish habitat. The Kisaralik River has it all and will not disappoint.
Drop Off:
By Float Plane from Bethel to Kisaralik Lake
Length:
Approximately 100 river miles
Float Duration: Minimum 7 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 Kisaralik river float: Bethel B-2, B-3, B-4, C-4, D-4, D-5, D-6 and D-7.
Pick Up:
Clients are picked up by boat roughly 25 miles upriver from the city of Bethel, then transported back to Papa Bear’s facility.
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.
The fishing on the Kisaralik River begins each year in early July 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. In addition to Rainbow and Salmon fishing, the Kisaralik River Adventure also offers great Dolly Varden and Grayling fishing.
We want to reiterate, the Kisaralik River is not for the novice rafter. However, this is what truly makes the Kisaralik River such a great float and awesome adventure.
Kisaralik River History:
The name Kisaralik River comes from an Eskimo name reported in 1914 as “Kiselalik” by P.S. Smith of the U.S. Geological Survey. Variant names include the Kilakalik, Kiolemik, Kioleralik, Kiolerulik, Kiselalik, Kiseralik, and Kiserolik.
