Planning Your Pilgrimage

On June 19–20, 2025, Matushka Olga’s liturgical glorification took place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Kwethluk, Alaska. Pilgrims are welcome to visit throughout the year. Kwethluk is a small, remote village, so please contact the parish before you travel so we can help you plan your visit and let you know about services.

How to Get to Kwethluk

Step 1: Fly to Bethel (BET)

  • Alaska Airlines operates daily flights from Anchorage (ANC) to Bethel (BET).

Step 2: Travel from Bethel to Kwethluk

By small plane

Several local airlines fly between Bethel and Kwethluk. Flights fill up, so book ahead.

  1. Fox Air: foxairalaska.com, (907) 545-5771
  2. Yute Air: yutebethel.com, (907) 543-2684 (prone to delays)
  3. Grant Air: flygrant.com, (888) 359-4726

Charters typically cost around $500 each way and carry up to six passengers. Contact the airline directly to reserve a charter flight.

By boat (summer)

In ice-free months it may be possible to arrange boat travel up the river from Bethel. Please contact the parish ahead of time. Fuel in Kwethluk is expensive, so plan to help cover the cost of gas for your boat captain.

What to Expect in Kwethluk

Lodging: Kwethluk has very limited lodging. Please contact the parish before you travel to arrange a place to stay. If you stay in a shared space, bring a sleeping bag and a mat.

Food: Kwethluk has a small general store with limited supplies. Bring your preferred snacks and any food you need, especially if you are not used to fish.

Weather and insects: Conditions are rustic, so prepare for the outdoors. Summer brings many insects, so bring insect repellent and protective clothing. Winters are long and very cold.

What to Pack
  • Sleeping bag and mat
  • Insect repellent and protective clothing (summer)
  • Warm layers and rain gear
  • Snacks and any food you rely on
  • Cash for fuel contributions and the local store