The river is named for Kakwa, the Cree word for porcupine.

[1] Porcupines are abundant in Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area.

Tourism along the river revolves around bull trout fishing and white water rafting.

It is crossed by the Bighorn Highway before it converges into the Smoky River, at an elevation of 670 metres (2,200 ft).

From its origins to its mouth, Kakwa River receives waters from: