Chakachatna River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chakachatna River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Chakachatna River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Kenai Peninsula |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Chakachamna Lake Neacola and Tordrillo mountains 1,143 ft (348 m) 61°12′56″N 152°22′37″W / 61.21556°N 152.37694°W |
| River mouth | McArthur River 3 miles (5 km) north of Trading Bay, Cook Inlet 0 ft (0 m) 60°56′36″N 151°44′43″W / 60.94333°N 151.74528°W |
| Length | 36 mi (58 km) |
The Chakachatna River is a stream about 36 miles (58 kilometers) long. It is located in the northwestern part of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, United States. The river's name comes from the Dena'ina Athabaskan people, who call it Ch'akajatnu. This river starts from Chakachamna Lake and flows southeast. It eventually joins the McArthur River, which then empties into the Gompertz Channel of Cook Inlet.
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About the Chakachatna River
The Chakachatna River is an important waterway in Alaska. It is about 36 miles (58 kilometers) long. The river begins at Chakachamna Lake. This lake gets its water from melting ice. The ice comes from glaciers in the Neacola Mountains and Tordrillo Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Alaska Range.
Where Does the River Flow?
From Chakachamna Lake, the Chakachatna River flows towards the southeast. It eventually meets another river called the McArthur River. The mouth of the Chakachatna River is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of Trading Bay. It is also about 32 miles (51 kilometers) northwest of the city of Kenai. The McArthur River then flows into the Gompertz Channel. This channel is part of Cook Inlet, a large arm of the Pacific Ocean.
River's Connection to Nature
The Chakachatna and McArthur rivers are very important for the environment. They drain parts of the Alaska Range. These areas are within the beautiful Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Many of the rivers and their smaller streams get their water from glaciers. This means the water often carries a lot of fine dirt, called silt.
Fish You Can Find Here
Because of the heavy silt in the main rivers, fishing can be tricky. However, some smaller streams that flow into the Chakachatna River are clear. One example is Straight Creek. These clear-water streams are good places for fishing. The main types of fish you can find in these waters are different kinds of salmon. These include Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and sockeye salmon.
