Mulchatna River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mulchatna River |
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Mulchatna River
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 Location of the mouth of the Mulchatna River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Dillingham |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Turquoise Lake west of the Chigmit Mountains, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve 2,506 ft (764 m) 60°46′56″N 154°00′30″W / 60.78222°N 154.00833°W |
| River mouth | Nushagak River 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Dillingham 151 ft (46 m) 59°38′40″N 157°06′55″W / 59.64444°N 157.11528°W |
| Length | 160 mi (260 km) |
| Type: | Wild |
| Designated: | December 2, 1980 |
The Mulchatna River is a long river in Alaska, a state in the United States. It flows for about 160 miles (257 km). The river starts at Turquoise Lake. It then flows mostly southwest. Finally, it joins the larger Nushagak River. This meeting point is about 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Dillingham. The Mulchatna's end is just south of the village of Koliganek. The Nushagak River then continues to Nushagak Bay, which is part of Bristol Bay.
A special part of the Mulchatna River is its upper 24 miles (39 km). This section flows through Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. In 1980, it became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means it is protected for its natural beauty. The Mulchatna River area is mostly untouched. There are only a few small cabins.
However, there is a plan to build a very large mine. This mine, called the Pebble Mine, would dig for copper and gold. It would be built near the Koktuli River. The Koktuli River is one of the smaller rivers that flows into the Mulchatna.
Fun on the Mulchatna River
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The Mulchatna River is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy floatfishing here. This means they float down the river in a boat while fishing. One of its smaller rivers, the Chilikadrotna River, is also great for this. Other rivers that flow into the Mulchatna, like the Stuyahok and Koktuli, are also good for fishing.
What Fish Can You Catch?
The main types of fish you can catch in the Mulchatna River are:
- King salmon
- Silver salmon
- Char (a type of fish similar to trout)
- Arctic grayling
- Rainbow trout
River Difficulty for Boating
The Mulchatna River has different levels of difficulty for boating. These levels are based on the International Scale of River Difficulty.
- Some parts are Class I (easy). These sections are calm and good for many types of boats. This includes the water below Bonanza Creek.
- The first 50 miles (80 km) of the river are harder. They can be Class II (medium) or Class III (difficult).
- In these harder parts, you might need to carry your boat around some areas (this is called a portage).
- Sometimes, the water can be too shallow for boats.
- Other dangers include sudden drops in the riverbed and large waves. These are more common above Bonanza Creek.
- You might also find fallen trees or branches hanging over the water. These can block your path along the rest of the river.
