Lake Clark National Park and Preserve contains three designated wild and scenic rivers and many other spectacular streams which visitors can float to experience remote Alaskan wilderness. While most of these rivers are rated with no more than class III rapids, river conditions are in constant change and not recommended for novice boaters. Commercial float trips can be arranged through licensed river outfitters. Opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic photography are excellent.

Mulchatna National Wild River

Located in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and beginning in Turquoise Lake at the base of Telaquana Mountain, the Mulchatna flows through the rolling Bonanza Hills in a challenging, shallow, rocky channel, more suitable for rafts and kayaks than canoes. Expect a stretch of fast WW2-3 above Bonanza Creek; a portage is possible. West of the Bonanza Hills the valley broadens; here the river trip is a gentle float through forests of spruce, birch and aspen. Farther downstream the floodplain widens to wetlands and joins the lowlands of the Nushagak River. River rating: WW-3 - FWC; Best time of year: June - September: Popular trip lengths: 100 to 230 miles.

Chilikadrotna National Wild River

Flowing down the west side of the Alaska Range, in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, through gentle upland forests of spruce, birch and aspen, the Chilikadrotna is a swift, twisting, narrow river, most suitable for rafts or kayaks; canoeists attempting it should be very experienced. Outstanding fishing is another plus of this river. River rating: WW-3 - FWB; Best time of year: June - September; Length: Although only the first 11 miles from its source in Twin Lakes is designated wild river, popular float trips range from 70 to 200 miles when combining with the Mulchatna Wild River.

Tlikakila National Wild River

Located about 100 air miles west of Anchorage, the Tlikakila River is found entirely within Lake Clark National Park. A small but fast glacier fed river flowing through the deep narrow valley of a major earth fault, the river is surrounded by rugged snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and sheer rock cliffs. From its headwaters at Summit Lake, the river drops through a densely forested valley with thick underbrush. Just below the confluence with the North Fork, a short section of WW3-4 rapids can be portaged on the left bank. At high water, other WW3-4 rapids appear in the next 3 miles after this confluence. River rating: WW1-4; Best time of year: July - September; Popular trip length: 70 miles.

The Stony River drains the northernmost of the foothill lakes -Two Lakes and Telaquana Lake, Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes are drained by the Mulchatna River and its tributaries. The Mulchatna River flows southwest, joins the Nushagak, and enters Bristol Bay just west of the Kvichak River.

The Tlikakila River flows from Summit Lake in Lake Clark Pass past several glaciers and into Lake Clark. Several other glacier-fed rivers and streams flow into Lake Clark from the mountains, as do a number of clear rivers and streams originating in the foothills and lowlands. The Chulitna River drains Nikabuna Lake and Long Lake into Lake Clark at Chulitna Bay. Lachbuna Lake and Kijik Lake drain into Lake Clark via the Kijik River. Kontrashibuna Lake is drained by the Tanalian River which enters Lake Clark near Port Alsworth. Waters from Upper and Lower Tazimina Lakes flow into the Tazimina River over a spectacular 70-foot falls, and into Sixmile Lake which is just below Lake Clark. Although many of the streams entering Lake Clark are glacial, most of the silt settles out in the lake. The Newhalen River connects Lake Clark and Sixmile Lake with Iliamna Lake.

Runoff from the Chigmit Mountains varies seasonally from an approximate high of 25 cubic feet per second for each square mile to .5 cubic feet per second per square mile of area. The average is approximately 2 to 4 cubic feet per second per square mile.

Trip Planning

Water levels fluctuate greatly throughout the June through September season. Normally, high water from snowmelt occurs sometime in June with rainy periods in late August. Water levels can rise and fall very rapidly, sometimes 3-4 feet in a few hours. Because water levels fluctuate widely and ratings are based on relatively few observations, decisions should be based on observation.

Because these rivers are in very remote areas, aid in an emergency will not be readily available. Adequate planning is necessary for self reliance, including rescue and repair. Wet suits are recommended for whitewater kayakers and warm, water resistant clothing is a must for everyone. Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn at all times. A throw line is an important emergency aid and trip members should become familiar with its use in order to aid anyone who has fallen into the water. Hunting parties should plan to use a raft with oars and a frame in order to safely transport meat and maintain control of the raft.

River Hazards

A particular hazard on rivers in the Lake Clark region is "sweepers" or "strainers". These are trees which have fallen fully or partially into the river causing the current to be directed through the branches. The turbulence created can flip a raft, trapping the occupants in the strong current. As the sweepers can occur at any location along the rivers, it is advisable to include a flight over the river on your drop-off trip in order to observe current conditions. Onshore scouting of unknown river sections is advised. Because take out points can be easily missed, topographic maps of the area should be followed.

Guides, Outfitting, and Supplies