Tlikakila River

Tlikakila River is a waterway in Lake Clark National Park that flows from Summit Lake southwest to Lake Clark through a glacially carved valley. The river features clear, cold water fed by glacier melt and moves through a remote landscape with rocky banks and surrounding peaks.

The Lake Clark Pass near the river served as a trade route for Dena'ina peoples until around the early 1900s, connecting communities across the region. This passage reveals how people historically moved through these mountains for commerce and travel.

The Dena'ina Athabascan name reflects the importance of salmon in this waterway, showing how the river has long sustained local communities. Today, visitors can still see fish moving through the waters during spawning season, connecting the place to its traditional roots.

Getting to the river requires flying in by small aircraft to Summit Lake, followed by walking a short distance overland to reach launching areas. Water conditions change with weather and snowmelt, so travelers need to plan carefully and check conditions before heading out.

The river provides spawning habitat for a substantial portion of Lake Clark's sockeye salmon within its glacier-fed waters. This specialized breeding ground makes the system critical to fish populations across the broader area.

GPS coordinates: 60.63236,-153.33410

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06