Knik River /ˈknɪk/ is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Located 15 miles southeast from Palmer along the Knik River, it is part of the Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The community is at the head of the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet in Southcentral Alaska, 27 km (17 mi) northeast of Anchorage.

The Eklutna Power Project was also built in the 1940s, including tract housing for employees.

Knik River first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There are a few private piped systems; some residents haul water and use outhouses.

Auxiliary health care is provided by Butte Ambulance Service (373-8800/745-4811), Anchorage or Palmer hospitals.

Many residents are employed in Anchorage or the Palmer/Wasilla area in a variety of positions in the private and public sectors.