Spring arrives early in Alaska and the Kilchers are forced to prepare their homestead. And 3,000 miles away, Idaho's River of No Return roars back to life and the people who live on its shores must navigate the raging spring rapids.

In preparation for the spring cattle drive, Atz Lee, Otto and August survey the homestead for signs of bears and employ surveillance to track their movements; Eivin and Eve take the kids on a kelp-harvesting expedition; Atz Sr. goes bear hunting.