Talkeetna River, Mountain brook in Southcentral Alaska, US

The Talkeetna River is a roughly 140-kilometre tributary of the Susitna River in southern Alaska. It rises from the Talkeetna Glacier on Sovereign Mountain in the Talkeetna Mountains, runs north then southwest, and joins the Susitna at the town of Talkeetna. Its basin covers 5,200 square kilometres, with a mean discharge of 114 cubic metres per second.

In 1898, explorers G. H. Eldridge and Robert Muldrow recorded the river's indigenous name and interpreted it to mean 'river of plenty' based on local accounts. This early documentation helped establish the waterway's place in maps and records of the growing region.

The Dena'ina name K'dalkitnu means "food is stored river," while Ahtna speakers call it Taa'i Na'. G. H. Eldridge and Robert Muldrow of the United States Geological Survey recorded the Tanaina name in 1898 and gave its meaning as "river of plenty." The river also appears in older records as Talkeet River, Talkeetno River and Talkutna River.

The river demands advanced whitewater skills and proper gear to navigate safely through its powerful rapids. Before visiting, check current water conditions and arrange a trip with experienced guides who know the safest routes and can help with equipment.

The river's Dena'ina name, K'dalkitnu, means "food is stored river"; the Ahtna name Taa'i Na' was recorded in 1898 by G. H. Eldridge and Robert Muldrow of the USGS, who gave its meaning as "river of plenty". The river also appears on older maps as Talkeet River, Talkeetno River and Talkutna River.