Chilkat River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chilkat River |
|
|---|---|
A view up the Chilkat River valley from the Takshanuk Mountains
|
|
 Location of the mouth of the Chilkat River in Alaska
|
|
| Countries | Canada, United States |
| Province | British Columbia |
| State | Alaska |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Chilkat Glacier, Coast Mountains |
| River mouth | Chilkat Inlet 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of Haines, St. Elias Mountains 0 ft (0 m) 59°12′15″N 135°28′47″W / 59.20417°N 135.47972°W |
| Length | 52 mi (84 km) |
The Chilkat River is a cool river that flows through parts of British Columbia in Canada and southeastern Alaska in the United States. It starts high up in the Coast Mountains at the Chilkat Glacier. From there, it travels south, eventually reaching the Chilkat Inlet and then the Lynn Canal, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
The river is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) long. It flows west and then south through British Columbia for about 27 kilometers (17 miles). After that, it enters Alaska and continues southwest for another 60 kilometers (37 miles). Finally, it reaches the ocean near a place called Wells, Alaska, forming a large delta where it meets the sea.
River's Name and Meaning
The name "Chilkat" was given to the river by the Russians. It comes from the Chilkat group of the Tlingit people, who are Native Americans living in this area. In their own language, the name means "salmon storehouse." This name makes a lot of sense because the river is famous for its many salmon.
Home to Bald Eagles
One of the most amazing things about the Chilkat River is the huge number of bald eagles that gather there. Near the river, you'll find the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. This special area protects the eagles and their habitat.
Thousands of these majestic birds appear between October and February each year. They come to the river to feast on the salmon that are still swimming there late in the season. It's like a giant buffet for eagles! If you love watching birds, the nearby town of Haines is a popular spot for birdwatchers to start their adventures.
Rivers Joining the Chilkat
Several smaller rivers flow into the Chilkat River, adding to its waters. These are called tributaries.
