2025 Pricing
Kwethluk 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
The Kwethluk River float trip begins with a short portage (approximately 150 yards) from Boundary Lake over to the Kwethluk River. From there, the Kwethluk River flows west and splits the Great Ridge and Green Stone Ridge.
The upper portion of the river provides spectacular scenery and is the habitat for Dolly Varden and Grayling.
Drop Off:
By Float Plane from Bethel to Boundary 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 Kwethluk river float: Bethel A-3, A-4, B-4, B-5, B-6, C-6 and C-7.
Pick Up:
Clients are picked up by boat roughly 20 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 best fishing on the Kwethluk River starts about 25 miles into the float trip at the confluence of the Kwethluk River and Crooked Creek, and remains excellent all the way to the pick-up point. The river is small and very fly-fishing friendly, offering extensive camping and fishing opportunities.
The fishing begins each year in late June with the King Salmon run, and culminates each year in mid-September with the Rainbow fishing reaching its peak and the end of the Silver Salmon run. In addition to Rainbow Trout and Salmon, the Kwethluk Adventure also offers great Dolly Varden and Grayling fishing.
Kwethluk River History:
The name Kwethluk River comes from an Eskimo name shown as “Kwiklimut,” meaning “Kwikli (river) people,” and “Kwikluk” on an 1898 field sheet by W.S. Post, of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), based on information obtained from J.H. Kilbuck, a Moravian missionary. The present spelling was used in 1915 by A.G. Maddren of the USGS.
