American River (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American River |
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The American River along Cougar Lake Trail in the William O. Douglas Wilderness
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Location of the mouth of the American River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Region | Yakima County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range 5,241 ft (1,597 m) 46°49′10″N 121°27′36″W / 46.81944°N 121.46000°W |
| River mouth | Bumping River 2,765 ft (843 m) 46°58′31″N 121°9′24″W / 46.97528°N 121.15667°W |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) |
The American River is a cool river located in Washington. It's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river called the Bumping River. This river starts high up in the Cascade Range mountains. It then winds its way through beautiful natural areas. These areas include the Wenatchee National Forest and the William O. Douglas Wilderness.
The American River is part of a much bigger water system. All its water eventually flows into the Columbia River. This happens through a series of connected rivers: the Bumping, Naches, and Yakima rivers.
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Where Does the American River Start?
The American River begins its journey at a place called American Lake. This lake is located high in the mountains. From there, the river flows north for several miles.
Meeting the Rainier Fork
As it flows, the American River meets another stream. This stream is called the Rainier Fork American River. The Rainier Fork flows east from near Chinook Pass. State Route 410 is a road that crosses Chinook Pass. This road then follows the valleys of both the Rainier Fork and the American River.
Journey to the Bumping River
After the American River joins with the Rainier Fork, it continues its path. It flows through a scenic area known as Pleasant Valley. Finally, the American River meets the Bumping River. This meeting point is inside the American Forks Campground.
How Did the American River Get Its Name?
The American River wasn't always called by its current name. Long ago, it was known as Miners Creek.
A New Name from Hopeful Miners
According to a historian named Gretta Gossett, the river got its new name from miners. These miners were hoping to find gold. They renamed it after the American River in California. That river in California was famous for its gold discoveries. The miners hoped for similar luck in Washington.
