Where Are the Alaskan Bush People Now? 2025 Family Updates and Career Paths
The Alaskan Bush People reality series on the Discovery Channel has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Brown family's rugged life in the Alaskan wilderness. Led by patriarch Billy Brown and matriarch Ami Brown, the family gained fame for their self-sufficient existence, building homes from scratch and surviving through their ingenuity in one of America’s harshest environments. The show has aired for multiple seasons, with fans eagerly anticipating updates on its potential return for a new season.
Over time, the family faced significant changes, including Ami’s cancer diagnosis which prompted their relocation to Washington State. The Browns have since adapted to new surroundings while maintaining aspects of their wilderness heritage. Some family members have pursued careers ranging from construction and homesteading to entertainment and photography, while continuing to share their unique perspectives on life outside conventional society.
Key Takeaways
The Brown family gained popularity by showcasing their self-sufficient lifestyle in Alaska before relocating to Washington State due to health concerns.
Family members have adapted differently to their new lives, with some maintaining off-grid traditions while others pursue careers in entertainment and construction. They have decided on paths that align with their personal goals and circumstances.
Despite the passing of patriarch Billy Brown in 2021, the family continues to demonstrate the resilience and resourcefulness that defined their television journey. They have made decisions in their best interests to navigate life after his passing.
Introduction to the Brown Family
The Brown family, led by the late patriarch Billy Brown and matriarch Ami Brown, gained fame through their reality TV series “Alaskan Bush People.” The show, which aired from 2014 to 2022, followed the family’s self-sufficient lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. The family, including Bear Brown, Gabe Brown, Noah Brown, and their siblings, showcased their unique approach to living off the grid, hunting, and surviving in the harsh environment. As a wonderful and loving dad, Billy Brown played a significant role in shaping the family’s values and traditions. After his passing in 2021, the family has continued to navigate their lives and relationships, both on and off the show.
Billy Brown was not just a father but a guiding force who instilled in his children the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and unity. His vision of a self-sufficient life in the Alaskan bush became the foundation upon which the family built their unique lifestyle. Matriarch Ami Brown, despite her health challenges, has remained a pillar of strength, guiding her children through life’s ups and downs with unwavering support and love.
Bear Brown, known for his adventurous spirit, has embraced family life with his wife Raven Adams and their two sons, River and Cove. Gabe Brown has transitioned his wilderness skills into a successful construction career, while Noah Brown continues to uphold the family’s off-grid traditions with his wife Rain and their two sons, Elijah Connor and Adam. Each family member has carved out their own path, yet they remain deeply connected to the values and traditions instilled by their parents.
A Closer Look at Alaskan Bush People
The reality show 'Alaskan Bush People' has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Brown family's rugged lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. Recently, Bear addressed the show's hiatus and hinted at upcoming projects, explaining that the lack of recent filming is due to network changes and not a cancellation. The family has faced numerous challenges, including the passing of patriarch Billy Brown. Billy's son, Bear Brown, announced that his father passed away last night, which has deeply impacted the family and contributed to the show's hiatus.
The Brown Family's Wilderness Lifestyle
The Brown family rose to fame through their reality television series that documented their off-grid existence in Alaska’s remote wilderness. Led by patriarch Billy and matriarch Ami Brown, the family created a compelling narrative of self-sufficiency and survival. Billy lived his vision for off-grid living, teaching his family to embrace a similar lifestyle. They constructed their own shelters, hunted for food, and developed unique methods to thrive in one of North America’s most challenging environments.
Their daily routines consisted of activities essential for survival—gathering resources, maintaining their homestead, and adapting to seasonal changes. The family demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, often creating tools and solutions from limited materials available in their natural surroundings. Billy Brown's dream of a self-sufficient life continues to inspire the family, especially during challenging times.
Billy and Ami raised their seven children—Matt, Bam Bam (Joshua), Bear, Gabe, Noah, Snowbird, and Rain—to value independence and practical skills. Each family member developed specialized roles within their wilderness community, contributing to their collective success in maintaining their unconventional lifestyle away from modern conveniences.
Transition from Alaska to Washington State
In a significant life change, the Brown family relocated from Alaska to Washington State’s more temperate climate. This move was primarily motivated by Ami Brown’s cancer diagnosis, which necessitated consistent access to medical treatment unavailable in their remote Alaskan location.
The transition presented numerous challenges as the family adapted their wilderness skills to a new environment. They established a new homestead in Washington’s woodlands, nicknamed “North Star Ranch,” where they began rebuilding their lives while maintaining many aspects of their self-sufficient philosophy. Significant events in December, such as posts shared by Rain Brown regarding her social media presence, marked important moments in their transition.
Following their relocation, family dynamics evolved considerably:
Family Member Current Status Ami Brown Cancer survivor continuing to lead the family after Billy’s passing Billy Brown Passed away in February 2021 following a seizure at age 68 Bear Married to Raven Adams with two sons named River and Cove Gabe Working in construction; married to Raquel with daughter Sophia Noah Living off-grid with wife Rain and their two sons Elijah and Adam Bam Bam Living with partner Allison Kagan pursuing photography Matt Estranged from the show and family, living in Lumis Snowbird Continues family traditions with focus on animal care Rain Develops creative pursuits including music and writing
The family’s television presence continues despite these significant changes, with their adaptation to Washington State becoming a central theme in more recent seasons of their show. Updates about the show and family, including reports from March 2025 about the cancellation status and potential return, keep fans engaged.
Show Status and Hiatus
As of 2025, the “Alaskan Bush People” show has experienced several changes, including a hiatus following the passing of patriarch Billy Brown in 2021. The show, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Brown family’s rugged lifestyle and survival skills, has had to adapt to the evolving circumstances of the family members.
The hiatus allowed the family to grieve and adjust to life without their beloved patriarch. During this period, the family focused on personal growth and new ventures, with some members exploring careers outside of the show. Bear Brown, for instance, has delved into entertainment and filmmaking, while Gabe Brown has established himself in the construction industry.
Despite the hiatus, the Brown family remains committed to sharing their journey with their fans. New episodes are expected to explore their continued adaptation to life in Washington State, their personal achievements, and the challenges they face. The show’s return is highly anticipated, as fans are eager to see how the family continues to uphold their values and traditions in the face of change.
Members of the Brown Family
Billy Brown, the patriarch of the Brown family, was not only a father but also considered Bear's best friend. He was a loving husband to Ami Brown and a dedicated father to their children. The family has faced numerous challenges, including legal issues following Billy's passing.
Amy Brown's Resilience Through Health Challenges
Amy Brown stands as the cornerstone of the Brown family, providing guidance and strength throughout their wilderness adventures. Her remarkable resilience became especially evident during her stage 3 lung cancer diagnosis, which ultimately influenced the family’s decision to relocate from Alaska to Washington State. Additionally, the discovery of two large tumors in her ovaries further highlighted the significant health issues she faced. Despite facing significant health obstacles, Amy has remained a pillar of support for her children, demonstrating extraordinary determination and courage during difficult times.
Rain and Snowbird's Unique Contributions
The Brown daughters have each brought distinctive elements to the family dynamic. Rain, known for her vibrant personality, has developed her creative talents in music and writing. She frequently shares her creative pursuits on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her artistic world. Her expressive nature and artistic pursuits have added depth to the family’s story. Snowbird, affectionately called “Bird,” has maintained her deep connection with nature and animals. Her adventurous spirit and wilderness expertise continue to reflect the family’s original values and lifestyle. Both Rain and Snowbird often update fans with video posts, showcasing their latest adventures and personal reflections.
Bear Brown's Entertainment Career Evolution
, the second oldest son, has transformed his wilderness experience into entertainment opportunities. Known for his adventurous personality in the show, Bear has expanded his horizons by pursuing acting and filmmaking projects. He has appeared in several independent films, showcasing talents beyond his reality TV persona. Bear maintains an active social media presence, sharing his ongoing adventures with fans. He often interacts with guys on social media, appreciating their support and encouragement. He has established a family life with his wife Raiven Adams and their two sons, River and Cove.
Gabe Brown's Transition to Construction
Gabe Brown has successfully transferred his wilderness building skills to professional construction work. Drawing on experience gained from constructing structures in the Alaskan wilderness, he now works as a contractor in Washington State. His portfolio includes:
Residential home projects
Commercial developments
Custom craftsmanship work
Land development projects
When not working, Gabe enjoys creating portrait artwork. He values family time with his wife Raquel and their daughter Sophia, balancing his professional growth with maintaining family connections. Despite the family's challenges and suffering, particularly following the death of their patriarch Billy Brown and Ami's health issues, Gabe remains resilient and dedicated to his work and family.
Noah Brown's Dedication to Self-Sufficient Living
Noah, the youngest Brown son, has remained most faithful to the family’s original off-grid lifestyle. With his wife Rhain Alisha, he has established a homestead in Washington’s mountains where they:
Raise livestock
Grow their own food
Practice sustainable living techniques
The couple shares their homesteading journey through social media and YouTube, offering insights into off-grid living challenges and rewards. Noah and Rhain Alisha are raising their two sons, Elijah Connor and Adam Bishop, with the self-sufficient values central to the Brown family philosophy.
Joshua "Bam Bam" Brown's Post-Show Life
Joshua Brown, known as “Bam Bam,” was instrumental to the family’s success with his exceptional building skills and quiet work ethic. Though maintaining a lower profile in recent years, his contributions to the family’s wilderness adaptations were significant throughout the series. Joshua's role in the 'wolf pack' has always been crucial, providing support and stability to his family. Currently, Bam Bam lives with his partner Allison Kagan and has pursued photography as a career. Despite stepping back from the spotlight, he remains a supportive presence within the Brown family circle, having been with Allison for six years.
Matthew Brown's Separation and Legal Issues
Matthew Brown has maintained distance from the show and family for several years, living a solitary life in Lumis, a small town of approximately 100 residents. He reportedly enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping while focusing on maintaining his sobriety. His departure from the series followed serious allegations in 2018 when two women accused him of assault. Though the district attorney declined to prosecute the case, these allegations led to Matthew’s removal from the family show, creating a permanent separation from the public-facing Brown family narrative. The late reality of Billy Brown's passing has also significantly impacted Matthew. This has been a particularly painful time for him as he navigates his struggles and the family's ongoing challenges.
Patriarch Billy Brown's Legacy
Billy Brown served as the cornerstone of the Brown family until his unexpected passing on February 7, 2021, at age 68 due to complications from a seizure. As the family’s guiding force, Billy’s influence shaped not only the direction of their lives but also the essence of their television presence on “Alaskan Bush People.” He is dearly missed by his family and fans alike.
The death of Billy Brown had a profound impact on the family, affecting their dynamics and contributing to the show's hiatus. His leadership was marked by unwavering determination in harsh environments, first in Alaska’s wilderness and later in Washington state. Billy’s vision of self-sufficiency and living off the grid became the foundation upon which the family built their unique lifestyle and subsequent fame.
The patriarch’s resilience was perhaps his most defining characteristic. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Billy maintained his adventurous spirit and commitment to keeping his family united. This determination became particularly evident when the Browns relocated to Washington following his wife Amy’s cancer diagnosis.
Billy’s practical skills were impressive and varied:
Homestead construction
Wilderness survival techniques
Natural resource management
Teaching traditional skills to his children
His relationship with each family member was unique yet equally meaningful. He encouraged his children to develop their individual talents while maintaining their connection to the family’s core values and traditions. This balance helped each Brown family member forge their own path while honoring their shared heritage.
The impact of Billy’s passing extended well beyond his immediate family. Fans worldwide mourned the loss of this charismatic figure whose authenticity and passion for alternative living had inspired many. His legacy continues through his children, who apply his teachings in various ways—whether maintaining off-grid lifestyles like Noah or pursuing creative endeavors like Bear.
Even after relocating from Alaska, Billy remained committed to preserving the family’s connection to nature and self-reliance. His vision for their Washington property demonstrated his adaptability while staying true to the principles that had guided him throughout his life.
The Brown Family Today
The Brown family has transitioned significantly since their early days in Alaska. After relocating to Washington State due to matriarch Amy’s health challenges, each family member has carved out their own path while maintaining connections to their wilderness-loving roots.
Bear Brown, once known for his adventurous spirit in the Alaskan wilderness, has embraced family life. He’s now married to Raven Adams, and together they’re raising two sons named River and Cove. Bear has also explored opportunities in entertainment and maintains an active social media presence. Recently, Bear posted on social media asking for 'God bless' during difficult times, reflecting on the challenges they have faced.
Gabe Brown has found his calling in construction, applying the building skills he developed in Alaska to professional contracting work in Washington. When not working, he enjoys creating art through portrait drawing. Gabe and his wife Raquel have embraced parenthood with their daughter Sophia and their other kids.
Noah, the youngest Brown son, remains committed to self-sufficient living. He and his wife Rain have established their own homestead in Washington’s mountains, where they raise livestock and grow food. The couple documents their off-grid lifestyle through social media and has welcomed two sons, Elijah Connor and Adam.
Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown has maintained a lower profile in recent years. He lives with partner Allison Kagan and has developed a passion for photography. Despite stepping back from the spotlight, he continues to provide support to his family.
Matthew Brown lives separately from his family in the small town of Lumis, which has approximately 100 residents. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and values his sobriety. Matthew hasn’t appeared on the family’s television show for several years.
The Brown family experienced profound loss with patriarch Billy Brown’s passing on February 7, 2021. At 68 years old, Billy succumbed to complications following a seizure, leaving behind his wife Amy and their children to continue the family legacy.
Despite these changes and challenges, the Brown family maintains the resilience and resourcefulness that initially captivated television audiences. They’ve adapted to new surroundings while preserving their adventurous spirits and determination to overcome life’s obstacles.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The journey of the Brown family, from the remote wilderness of Alaska to their new life in Washington State, is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Despite facing significant challenges, including health issues and the loss of their beloved patriarch Billy Brown, the family has remained united and strong.
Each family member has found their own way to honor the legacy of their wonderful and loving dad. Whether through maintaining off-grid lifestyles, pursuing new careers, or embracing family life, the Browns continue to inspire with their determination and resourcefulness.
As the “Alaskan Bush People” show prepares to return, fans can look forward to new episodes that capture the essence of the Brown family’s journey. Their story is one of survival, love, and unwavering commitment to their values. The Brown family has shown that no matter where life takes them, their bond and spirit remain unbreakable.
In conclusion, the Brown family’s story is far from over. Their resilience and adaptability serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of family and the enduring legacy of a life lived with purpose and passion. As they continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new lives, the Browns remain an inspiration to all who follow their journey.
