Big Wood River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Wood River |
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Big Wood River and Boulder Mountains,July 2009
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Location of the mouth of the Big Wood River in Idaho
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Region | Blaine County, Lincoln County, Gooding County |
| Cities | Sun Valley, Ketchum |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sawtooth Range Galena Summit, Blaine County 9,100 ft (2,800 m) 43°51′38″N 114°42′48″W / 43.86056°N 114.71333°W |
| River mouth | Malad River Gooding County 3,460 ft (1,050 m) 42°56′42″N 114°47′44″W / 42.94500°N 114.79556°W |
| Length | 137 mi (220 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Big Wood River is a river in central Idaho, United States. It is about 137 miles (220 km) long. This river is a tributary of the Malad River. The Malad River then flows into the Snake River, which eventually joins the Columbia River.
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Where Does the Big Wood River Flow?
The Big Wood River starts high up in the Sawtooth Mountains. This area is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The river begins near a place called Galena Summit.
From its source, the river mostly flows south. It travels between several mountain ranges. To the north are the Boulder Mountains. To the east are the Pioneer Mountains. To the west are the Smoky Mountains. A highway, Highway 75, follows the river for a long stretch.
Cities Along the River
The Big Wood River flows past some well-known towns. It goes by Sun Valley and Ketchum. In Ketchum, smaller streams like Warm Springs Creek and Trail Creek join it.
Further south, near Gimlet, the East Fork Wood River adds its water. The Big Wood River then passes by the towns of Hailey and Bellevue.
Journey to the Malad River
As the river continues south, it enters the Wood River Valley. This area is the northern part of what is known as Magic Valley. The river then flows into Magic Reservoir. Another stream, Camas Creek, also flows into Magic Reservoir.
After leaving Magic Dam, the Big Wood River enters Lincoln County. Here, it flows past many lava beds and irrigation canals. Finally, it enters Gooding County. Just west of the town of Gooding, the Big Wood River meets the Little Wood River. When these two rivers join, they form the Malad River.
Other Names for the River
The Big Wood River has had several other names over time. According to the USGS (United States Geological Survey), some of these names include:
- Malad River
- Malade River
- Wood River
- Poisonous Beaver River
- Sickley River
