| Kakwa River | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kakwa Lake, Kakwa Provincial Park |
| Mouth | Smoky River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Source elevation | 1,495 meters (4,905 ft) |
| Mouth elevation | 670 meters (2,200 ft) |
Kakwa River is a river in western Alberta, Canada. It is a major tributary of the Smoky River.
Tourism along the river revolves around bull trout fishing and white water rafting. Kakwa Falls () are developed in the course of the river, over a 30 meters (98 ft) high ledge formed by an outcrop of the Cadomin Formation.[1] The area was designated a protected wildland (Kakwa Wildland Park).[2] It can be accessed through the forestry road network south of Highway 666, approximately 35 kilometers (22 mi) south of Two Lakes Provincial Park.
The river is named for Kakwa, the Cree word for porcupine.[3] Porcupines are abundant in Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area.
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Kakwa River originates in Kakwa Lake, north of McBride, in British Columbia, at an elevation of 1,495 meters (4,905 ft). The surrounding area is protected by Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area.[4] The river flows north-east into the province of Alberta in Kakwa Wildlands Park, then flows east and north-east through the foothills. It is crossed by the Bighorn Highway before it converges into the Smoky River, at an elevation of 670 meters (2,200 ft).
From its origins to its mouth, Kakwa River receives waters from:
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