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Bethel is a city of 6,500 people (2018) in Alaska. It is the main hub for many of the surrounding native villages and the main port of the Kuskokwim River in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta. Bethel is one of the largest cities in Alaska. It's also home to the K-300 dogsled race and Cama-I, the largest Native arts festival in Alaska.
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One of the largest rivers in Alaska it offers some great views and activities.
This local attraction is a great showcase of local art. It's near the local Moravian Church.
A popular local attraction is a group of abandoned buildings. While it is illegal to go into them they are still an interesting sight to see.
Cold War-era radio towers that were put up all around Alaska, the Air Force and National Guard have been systematically taking them down all across the state. Bethel used to have one of the few remaining White Alices in the state, but alas it was doomed to be taken down. It is being disassembled.
A unique community activity a number of years ago the city decided to spice up the streets a bit by painting dumpsters in each neighborhood. They are definitely an interesting sight to see.
See the farthest west skate parks in the United States.
In the winter, you can go dog sledding and compete in Bethel's annual Kuskokwim 300 where you race to the village of Aniak and back to the city of Bethel with a dog team and a race sled. Also you can go to the town's basketball games during the high school basketball season.
It used to be a small park for kids, you can still go to the place where it used to be, some remains are still there, it is unknown when it was taken down. It used to be a hangout spot for a lot of teenagers and then it became the city's most hazardous spot due to muffed up teenagers going there to do some bad stuff.
There are really good bikers at the skate park. Some aren't so good and some are great.
Korean food.
Large food variety.
The closest thing to a "normal" hotel that a visitor unfamiliar to the bush will find in Bethel. A big plus is the fact that there is a restaurant in the building (Red Basket, formally Alba's Pizza). Can get a little loud on the weekends, especially around PFD time.
The only practical way into Bethel from outside the immediate area is by air. Alaska Airlines has morning, afternoon, and evening flights to Bethel Airport (BET) from Anchorage.
Read in the guideBy plane
The state-owned Bethel Airport (BET) is the regional transportation center, and is served by seven passenger carriers, including Alaska Airlines, Frontier Flying Service, Grant Aviation, Hageland…
By taxi
Bethel has more cabs per capita than any other city in the United States.
By public transit
The Bethel city bus costs $3 a ride for adults (14-64) and $2 for children (3-13). Free for seniors (65+) and those under 3. Routes include most of the town and operates Monday to Friday.
By car
Those visiting for an extended period of time or moving to Bethel may be considering renting or buying a car.
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Bethel · Regional · BET
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