[3] The Chatanika River is a clear or lightly tannic stained rapid-runoff stream that has its headwaters in the White Mountains and flows westward through valleys between summits and uplands for about four-fifths of its length before it enters Minto Flats.

The most visible example of this was the construction of the Davidson Ditch, a dam-and-pipeline system used to divert water to gold-mining operations closer to Fairbanks.

[6] Today, the upper Chatanika is a moderately popular rafting and fishing destination, and vacation cabins have been built at spots along its banks.

[9] The Lower Chatanika River State Recreation Area is a 400 acres (160 ha) park at mile 11 of the Elliott Highway.

The two parks are situated such that one can put in a canoe or other small boat at the upper and paddle to the lower in a day.