Class II-III Tlikakila River, AK

Originating at the foot of glaciers in a mountain pass, the Tlikakila is a braided glacial river located entirely within Lake Clark National Park. The Tlikakila River originates in the Chigmit Mountains (a sub-range of the Alaska and Aleutian Ranges) near Summit Lake of Lake Clark Pass and flows southwest approximately 50 miles into Lake Clark. This small but fast glacier-fed river follows the deep narrow valley of a major earth fault, surrounded by rugged snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and sheer rock cliffs. The river drops through a densely forested valley with thick underbrush then braids out across an expanse river valley.

The Tlikakila River offers exceptional recreation opportunities. Recreation activities include floating, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and photography. Visitors generally access the corridor via small planes, landing on Summit Lake and portaging to the first boatable reaches, or by landing on larger gravel bars downstream. Most continue to the river’s mouth in Lake Clark.

For most of its length, the river is a braided fast-flowing Class I river boatable in a canoe, kayak, raft, or pack raft. Although there is a short Class II/III reach downstream of the confluence with the North Fork at higher water levels, the trip generally requires little to moderate whitewater skill and is suitable for families. Most floaters take two to four days to float the entire river.

 

For More Information Visit:

Tlikakila River - rivers.gov

Tlikakila River - Alaska.org