The Toklat River cascades from the Alaska Mountain Range and the Stony Dome peak, and continues through Denali National Park Wilderness and Preserve. This braided river meanders across a broad valley, sandwiched between the Wyoming Mountains and Kantishna Hills. The Toklat's initial water velocity hastens erosion. Sediment and minerals are carried along and eventually out into the valley. Seen here, the channel is choked with sediment and forces the stream to split and follow several paths. The intricate braids have developed into a complex network of river channels, creating this uncommon appearance.
Here in Denali, the Toklat River is one of 3,000 Alaskan rivers. When totaling up square miles for the park and preserve, the acreage adds up to a little more than the size of New Hampshire. Denali, or the High One, supports 167 bird species and 39 different mammals. But for those snake lovers, sorry, there are no reptiles.