The Chilikadrotna River[pronunciation?] is a 55-mile (89 km) tributary of the Mulchatna River in the U.S. state of Alaska.[1] It begins in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in northern Lake and Peninsula Borough and flows westward into the larger river 46 miles (74 km) northwest of Nondalton.[1]

Chilikadrotna River
Twin Lakes in winter
Chilikadrotna River is located in Alaska
Chilikadrotna River
Location of the mouth of the Chilikadrotna River in Alaska
Location
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
BoroughLake and Peninsula
Physical characteristics
SourceTwin Lakes
 • locationLake Clark National Park and Preserve
 • coordinates60°39′58″N 154°02′41″W / 60.66611°N 154.04472°W / 60.66611; -154.04472[1]
 • elevation2,001 ft (610 m)[2]
MouthMulchatna River
 • location
46 miles (74 km) northwest of Nondalton
 • coordinates
60°35′34″N 155°23′32″W / 60.59278°N 155.39222°W / 60.59278; -155.39222[1]
 • elevation
850 ft (260 m)[1]
Length55 mi (89 km)[1]
TypeWild
DesignatedDecember 2, 1980

In 1980, the upper 11 miles (18 km) of the river became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.[3] This segment, rated "wild", lies within the national park.[3]

Recreation

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During the months from June to September, the river is generally floatable in 10-to-13-foot (3 to 4 m) rafts or in kayaks by boaters with the necessary skills. Much of the Chilikadrotna River is rated Class II (medium) on the International Scale of River Difficulty, though a stretch about 5 miles (8 km) below the confluence with the Little Mulchatna River is rated Class III (difficult). The river also includes some Class I (easy) water. Dangers include overhanging vegetation, logjams, swift current, and a narrow winding course.[4]

Floatfishing is popular on this river, although Alaska Fishing warns that this is "not a river for inexperienced boaters."[5] There are no formal campgrounds or other accommodations along the river. Game fish on the Chilikadrotna include silver salmon, Arctic grayling, char, rainbow trout, and lake trout.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Chilikadrotna River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. January 1, 2000. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  2. ^ Derived by entering source coordinates in Google Earth.
  3. ^ a b "Chilikadrotna River, Alaska". National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  4. ^ Jettmar, Karen (2008) [1993]. The Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier (3rd ed.). Birmingham, Alabama: Menasha Ridge Press. pp. 154–56. ISBN 978-0-89732-957-6.
  5. ^ a b Limeres, Rene; Pedersen, Gunnar; et al. (2005). Alaska Fishing: The Ultimate Angler's Guide (3rd ed.). Roseville, California: Publishers Design Group. p. 236. ISBN 1-929170-11-4.
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