Black River (Chehalis River tributary) facts for kids
The Black River is a river located in Thurston County, Washington, in the United States. It is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long. The river's water comes from an area of about 144 square miles (373 square kilometers). This area is called its drainage basin.
Where Does the Black River Start and End?
The Black River begins at Black Lake, which is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) west of Tumwater. From there, the river flows south through a special area called the Mima Mounds State Natural Area. Then, it turns southwest, passing by Rochester. Finally, the Black River flows into Grays Harbor County and joins the Chehalis River. This meeting point is within the Chehalis Indian Reservation.
Early Discoveries of the Black River
The first person to write about the Black River was a fur trader named John Work. He explored the area in 1824. He called it the "Black River" because of the dark color of its water. John Work also noted that there were many salmon in the river, some of them barely alive. This suggests that salmon were an important part of the river's ecosystem even then.
Protecting the Black River's Wildlife
A special part of the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Black River. This section is called the Black River Unit. It stretches for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Black Lake. A national wildlife refuge is a protected area where animals and their habitats are kept safe. This helps to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the Black River for everyone to enjoy.
