Chewuch River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chewuch River |
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Where the Chewuch River meets another river in Washington State
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Region | Okanogan County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Remmell and Cathedral Creeks 5,590 ft (1,700 m) 48°56′45″N 120°9′39″W / 48.94583°N 120.16083°W |
| River mouth | Methow River Winthrop, Washington 1,750 ft (530 m) 48°28′35″N 120°11′0″W / 48.47639°N 120.18333°W |
| Length | 45 mi (72 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 525 sq mi (1,360 km2) |
The Chewuch River is a beautiful river located in the state of Washington in the United States. It flows through Okanogan County, a scenic area known for its natural beauty. The river is about 45 mi (72 km) long. It plays an important role in the local environment and provides water for many plants and animals.
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What's in a Name? The Chewuch River's Meaning
The name "Chewuch" has a special meaning. It comes from the Columbia-Moses language, which is spoken by some Native American tribes in the region. The word /cwáx/ [čwáx] means "creek." This name tells us that the river was seen as a significant waterway by the people who lived there long ago.
Where Does the Chewuch River Flow?
The Chewuch River starts high up in the mountains. Its journey begins in the Cascade Range, a large mountain range in western North America. Specifically, it forms where two smaller streams, Remmel Creek and Cathedral Creek, join together. This starting point is northeast of Remmel Mountain.
The River's Path to the Methow
From its mountain source, the Chewuch River flows mainly south. It travels through valleys and forests, collecting water from other smaller streams along the way. These streams are called tributaries. Some of the important tributaries that feed into the Chewuch River include Andrews Creek, Lake Creek, Eightmile Creek, and Cub Creek.
The river's journey ends when it meets the Methow River in a town called Winthrop. The Methow River then continues its flow until it reaches the much larger Columbia River.
Chewuch Falls: A Natural Wonder
Along its course, the Chewuch River features a beautiful natural waterfall. Just a short distance below where Meadow Creek joins the river, the water drops about 30 feet (9 m) over what is known as Chewuch Falls. This creates a lovely cascade, adding to the river's scenic charm.
