Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bethel, Alaska

Bethel, originally named after a nearby fish smokehouse, began as a trading post in the 1800s with a population of around 40 individuals. Presently, the community has grown to over 5,000 residents, primarily dependent on the summer tourism influx. Access to Bethel is available through air travel or riverboat services, with frequent flights departing from Anchorage.

As a community that predominantly comprises native Alaskans, the traditional Yup’ik Eskimo culture, inclusive of their language and customs, remains vibrant. This is evident in practices such as traditional hunting, gathering, salmon fishing, and game bird hunting.

Although Bethel is a modest-sized town, it holds the title of the largest rural community in Alaska. Here are the top 15 activities to engage in while visiting Bethel.

1. Bird Watching

For avid bird watchers, Bethel offers exceptional locations to observe a variety of bird species, including shorebirds, seabirds, tundra swans, and several types of geese like the emperor and cackling geese, as well as black brant.

The local wildlife refuge serves as a critical breeding habitat for over one hundred million shorebirds that flock here each summer, along with native bird species observable throughout the year.

Guided tours with local specialists can enhance your experience by directing you to the prime birdwatching spots corresponding to the season of your visit.

2. Kuskokwin 300 Sled Dog Race

If your visit coincides with January, you might have the opportunity to witness the renowned Kuskokwin 300 Sled Dog Race.

This exciting event spans three hundred miles from Bethel to Aniak and back, typically completed in under 19 hours. The week leading up to the race is filled with activities, allowing you to interact with the mushers before the competition begins.

3. Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Centre and Museum

Located within the same premises as the Regional Cultural Centre and the University of Alaska, Kuskokwim Campus Library, this museum features a permanent gallery displaying artifacts including clothing, household implements, as well as hunting and gathering gear used by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta inhabitants from ancient eras to the present day.

Additionally, there are two temporary exhibit galleries showcasing local and native artworks, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

4. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge

The Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge stands as the second largest wildlife refuge in Alaska, encompassing nearly twenty million acres and adjacent to the Bering Sea.

This expanse is inhabited by diverse mammals including muskrat, brown bears, musk oxen, moose, black bears, coyotes, and porcupines. The proximity to the sea, combined with extensive wetlands, fosters a high concentration of waterfowl.

Although managed from Bethel, numerous native villages can be found within the refuge’s boundaries.

5. Cama-i Dance Festival

The Cama-i Dance Festival, a three-day cultural showcase, occurs every year on the final weekend of March in Bethel, emphasizing the significance of dance as a form of expression.

This event attracts participants including dancers from Alaska, other U.S. states, and international performers, all uniting to celebrate cultural traditions through dance, alongside local talents.

Experiencing the festival offers a bustling and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for immersing oneself in the local culture and heritage.

6. Pinkys Park

The highlight of Pinkys Park is its two-mile boardwalk, allowing visitors to traverse the tundra while enjoying picturesque views without venturing too far.

The park also features various amenities including a baseball field, basketball court, and playground, making it a favored spot for families on pleasant days. Notably, the park becomes particularly lively at sunset, when many individuals gather to socialize.

7. Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts can embark on excursions from Bethel to the Kisaralik River, renowned for its abundant rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. Additionally, during the summer, anglers can target popular species such as King and chum salmon, with Coho salmon available later in the season.

Traveling by float plane offers easy access to prime fishing locations. Depending on your comfort level with navigation, both guided and unguided tours are available for your experience.

8. Wildlife Viewing Trips

During the summer months, opportunities for wildlife tours are available from the small harbor in Bethel. Such excursions typically last a full day and take you along the Kisaralik River.

Guided trips often include a certified biologist who assists in identifying various species encountered during your journey. While there are numerous wildlife and bird species in the area, sightings can vary by trip, necessitating keen observation and readiness to capture moments.

9. Aurora Hunting

Occasionally, the aurora borealis can be seen from Bethel, providing a unique opportunity to witness this stunning natural light display right from town. Furthermore, local tours can enhance your experience by directing you to the most advantageous viewing locations.

The most favorable time for aurora viewing typically coincides with the darker winter months when temperatures drop, aligning with the off-peak tourist season.

10. Glacier Viewing

From Bethel and adjacent communities, tours are available to explore other areas of Alaska, including glacier viewing expeditions. This can be accomplished via small aircraft or by traveling to the coast for another organized journey.

The sight of glaciers in northern Alaska is truly spectacular, ranking as a bucket list experience to include in your travels.

11. Saturday Market

Once a month, the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Centre hosts a Saturday market, showcasing a variety of locally sourced goods, artisanal crafts, and creations from regional artists. This event serves as an excellent opportunity to not only purchase souvenirs but also engage with the artisans to learn about the stories behind their work.

Participating in the market allows visitors to gain insights into Bethel’s community while exploring native crafts and culinary offerings.

12. The Winter Breakup

As winter sets in, the Kisaralik River becomes frozen, and the town rejoices when the ice begins to thaw and break apart. This seasonal transition is marked by local festivities where the community partakes in a sweepstake to guess the exact breakup date, competing for prizes.

On the day of the ice breakup, celebrations typically feature live music, food, and dancing along the riverbanks.

13. Annual Smelting

In Alaska, “smelting” refers to the period following the river’s thaw, when small fish known as smelt migrate through the waterways. This event attracts both residents and visitors to the river, where they gather with nets to partake in the seasonal fishing.

This is an ideal time to be in Bethel for those who enjoy fishing; simply grab a net and join the enthusiastic crowd by the river.

14. Wood-Tikchik National Park

Situated not far from Bethel, Wood-Tikchik National Park lies to the opposite side of the Yukon Delta. This park features two vast clear-water lakes, making it a favored choice for canoeing and kayaking adventures.

Visitors can also engage in wildlife observation, hiking, and biking amidst the stunning natural landscape. While camping is permitted, there are no officially designated sites, although some areas are commonly utilized by campers.

To access the park, travelers will need to fly to Dillingham and subsequently journey via river or road to reach the park entrance.

15. Suurvik Cinema at Kipusvik

For those seeking leisure activities in Bethel, the Suurvik Cinema offers a selection of films for viewing. The cinema boasts two screening rooms; one accommodating 163 viewers and the other 49.

Regularly featuring relatively new film releases, showings occur each afternoon on weekends and in the evenings during the week. The cinema is operated by the Bethel Native Corporation.