Vancouver, B.C. - December 7, 2009 - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSX Venture: PEX) reports that the company has completed the 2009 exploration programs on four properties located in the Yukon's Southern Klondike region. The Pacific Ridge program has successfully outlined the presence of Underworld Resources White Gold style mineralization as indicated by anomalous geochemical signatures on the Goldcap, Polar/Stewart, and Mariposa properties. The Goldcap and Polar Stewart properties are adjacent to the northeast boundaries of the Underworld Resources White Gold discovery claims. Geochemical anomalies on the Eureka property, located in the northeast region of the South Klondike, indicate an epithermal style alteration system with anomalous gold values.

Geochemical soil sampling has been the primary exploration tool for the recent discovery of gold mineralization in the South Klondike-Underworld Camp.

Gold Cap and Polar/ Stewart Properties
Pacific Ridge established a 2 kilometre by 4 kilometre soil sampling grid within the source area of an historic highly anomalous gold in silt anomaly. This season's work has defined three sub- parallel northerly trending arsenic-antimony-nickel-gold soil anomalies measuring 2 to 4 kilometres in length and remaining open for expansion to the north. The linear nature of the anomalous soils suggests the presence of structurally controlled mineralization. Geochemical values for arsenic range from 20 to 200 ppm, nickel from 75 to 1200 ppm, antimony from 1 to 4 ppm with gold values ranging from 12 to 290 ppb.

The geochemical anomalies are within 1 to 2 kilometres of Underworld's eastern claims boundary and appear to be building in intensity toward the northern limits of the presently established soil sampling grid. Early next season, additional soil sampling will be required within a proposed 3 kilometre northerly extension to the existing grid.

Mariposa Property
Located approximately 50 kilometres east of and within a similar geological setting to the Underworld Resources White Gold discovery, the Mariposa Property was acquired by Pacific Ridge as was previously reported on September 23, 2009.

Although late-season field work was terminated by winter conditions, Pacific Ridge completed a reconnaissance soil geochemical program on the Mariposa property that confirmed the presence of an open-ended 2 kilometre- long gold soil anomaly overlying an altered schist host unit and nearby intrusive rocks. All geochemical and geological data is now being compiled.
Results to date are confirming trends of the previously establishing gold exploration targets along with opportunity for expansion.

Eureka Property
Located approximately 55 kilometres north of the White Gold discovery, and immediately adjacent to the east of claims owned by Strategic Metals, the Eureka saw preliminary exploration work this past season.

Initial property wide rock sampling at Eureka has identified an area measuring approximately 1 by 2 km of alteration along with an epithermal gold signature comprised of anomalous values for arsenic, mercury, barium, antimony and gold. Results warrant establishment of a geochemical soil grid to better define the potential source
area of gold mineralization.

In summary, Pacific Ridge's 2009 exploration programs have been successful in defining the presence of gold targets on its Klondike Kate properties. Expanded geochemical surveys are now warranted, followed by mechanical trenching to define in-rock gold values prior to drilling campaigns proposed for 2010. Final exploration data compilation is still in progress and will be presented for viewing in January on the Pacific Ridge website. www.pacificridgeexploration.com

Pacific Ridge's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature has been reviewed by Wayne J. Roberts, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Pacific Ridge and a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101

On behalf of the Board of Directors,
"John S. Brock"
John S. Brock
President and CEO

For further information, contact:
Corporate Information
Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
Ran Davidson
Manager, Corporate Development
Tel: (604) 641-2773 (Direct line)
www.pacificridgeexploration.com.

For further information, contact:

Corporate Information
Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
John S. Brock
President
Tel: (604) 604.641.2759
www.pacificridgeexploration.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.