Goodnews Bay AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Goodnews Bay, Alaska.
1. Goodnews River Float Trip
PREMIER WILDERNESS RIVER ADVENTURE
The Goodnews River Float Trip offers a 60-mile, 5-day adventure through the pristine Togiak Refuge. Visitors can experience unspoiled wilderness while floating through scenic tundra landscapes rich in wildlife. The trip provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature in one of Alaska's most remote regions.
2. Goodnews River Lodge
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Goodnews River Lodge is considered by many anglers to be the 'Best of the Best' fishing destination in Alaska. The lodge offers access to three forks and over 400 miles of river, with the unique advantage of being the only lodge on the river. Visitors can expect exceptional fishing opportunities with reports of catching 50 fish per day during the silver salmon runs of August and September.
3. Goodnews Bay
PRISTINE COASTAL WILDERNESS
Goodnews Bay extends from the mouth of Goodnews River southwest to Kuskokwim Bay at North and South Spits. The bay stretches approximately 10 miles long and is located 30 miles northeast of Cape Newenham in the Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains. This sheltered coastal area provides a pristine wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
4. Goodnews Lake
REMOTE FISHING PARADISE
Goodnews Lake sits between the Goodnews River and its source, offering a pristine fishing destination. The lake is surrounded by untouched wilderness and provides excellent opportunities for catching various fish species native to the region. Visitors can experience true Alaskan solitude while enjoying the natural beauty of this remote water body.
5. King Salmon Fishing
TROPHY FISH ADVENTURE
King Salmon fishing on the Goodnews River offers anglers the chance to battle monster kings known for busting tackle. The season runs from the start of summer through July, providing world-class fishing opportunities. These powerful fish make the Goodnews River a bucket-list destination for serious sport fishermen seeking trophy catches.
6. Silver Salmon Run
ACROBATIC FISHING ACTION
The Silver Salmon Run at Goodnews Bay begins in mid-July and continues through September, offering exceptional fishing opportunities. These acrobatic salmon are known for striking hard, fighting vigorously, and performing spectacular leaps from the water. Anglers can expect remarkable catch rates with reports of 50-fish days being common during peak season.
7. Sea Run Dolly Varden Fishing
TROPHY CHAR FISHING
Sea Run Dolly Varden fishing at Goodnews Bay offers anglers the chance to catch trophy fish in the impressive 30-inch range. These fish, cousins to rainbow trout but more closely related to brook trout, begin their run in mid-July. The challenging pursuit of these prized fish attracts serious sport fishermen to this remote Alaskan destination.
8. Five Salmon Species Experience
COMPLETE SALMON GRAND SLAM
The Five Salmon Species Experience at Goodnews River provides the rare opportunity to target all five Pacific salmon species in a single location. This unique fishing adventure reaches its peak during the last week of July when pink salmon arrive by the millions. Anglers consider this complete salmon grand slam one of the most coveted achievements in sport fishing.
9. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
VAST WILDERNESS SANCTUARY
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the area around Goodnews Bay and provides a protected habitat for numerous wildlife species. The refuge covers 4.7 million acres of pristine wilderness including mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Visitors can experience one of Alaska's most diverse ecosystems while enjoying activities like wildlife viewing, photography, and fishing.
10. Cape Newenham State Game Refuge
COASTAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Cape Newenham State Game Refuge lies southwest of Goodnews Bay and protects critical habitat for numerous bird and marine mammal species. The refuge features dramatic coastal cliffs that serve as important nesting sites for seabirds including puffins, murres, and kittiwakes. Visitors can observe massive bird colonies, stunning coastal vistas, and possibly spot walrus, seals, and sea lions.
11. Platinum Mining District
HISTORIC MINING AREA
The Platinum Mining District near Goodnews Bay represents an important chapter in Alaska's mining history. This area was once the only significant source of platinum in the United States, with mining operations starting in the 1920s. Visitors interested in industrial heritage can learn about the methods used to extract this precious metal from the remote Alaskan landscape.
12. Arolik River
PRISTINE FISHING WATERS
The Arolik River flows near Goodnews Bay and offers excellent fishing opportunities in a tranquil wilderness setting. Known for its clear waters and abundant fish populations, the river attracts anglers seeking Arctic char, grayling, and salmon. The surrounding landscape provides stunning scenery and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife including bears, moose, and eagles.
13. Kuskokwim Bay
VAST COASTAL WILDERNESS
Kuskokwim Bay extends from Goodnews Bay northward along the western Alaska coast, offering expansive wilderness vistas. The bay serves as an important habitat for marine mammals, seabirds, and migrating waterfowl. Visitors can experience maritime Alaska at its most pristine while exploring this remote coastal region.
14. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
MASSIVE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
The Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge north of Goodnews Bay encompasses one of the largest river deltas in the world. This vast protected area serves as critical habitat for millions of migratory birds and numerous fish and mammal species. The refuge offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and experiencing one of North America's most productive ecosystems.
15. Wood-Tikchik State Park
AMERICA'S LARGEST STATE PARK
Wood-Tikchik State Park is located northeast of Goodnews Bay and holds the distinction of being America's largest state park. The park encompasses 1.6 million acres of pristine wilderness featuring rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can experience world-class fishing, kayaking, and hiking in this remote natural wonderland.