Cinder River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cinder River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Cinder River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Lake and Peninsula |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Aleutian Range, Alaska Peninsula Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve 1,503 ft (458 m) 56°55′08″N 157°36′31″W / 56.91889°N 157.60861°W |
| River mouth | Bristol Bay 136 miles (219 km) northeast of Port Moller 0 ft (0 m) 57°22′14″N 158°05′51″W / 57.37056°N 158.09750°W |
| Length | 44 mi (71 km) |
The Cinder River is a stream located in the southwestern part of Alaska, a large state in the United States. It flows through the Lake and Peninsula Borough. This river is about 44 miles (71 km) long, which is roughly the distance you might drive in an hour!
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About the Cinder River
The Cinder River starts its journey in a special protected area called Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve. This preserve is known for its amazing volcanic landscapes. The river then flows towards the northwest. It eventually empties into a large body of water called Bristol Bay. Bristol Bay is famous for its incredible salmon runs.
Where Does the Cinder River Start and End?
The Cinder River begins high up in the Aleutian Range, which is a mountain chain on the Alaska Peninsula. The exact spot where it starts is within the Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve. From there, it travels downhill.
Its journey ends when it reaches Bristol Bay. This bay is part of the larger Bering Sea. The river's mouth is located about 136 miles (219 km) northeast of a place called Port Moller.
What Makes the Cinder River Special?
The Cinder River gets its name because it flows through areas covered in "cinder beds." These are like small, dark, rocky pieces left behind by volcanoes. The river drains these cinder beds, especially those found on the sides of Mount Aniakchak. Mount Aniakchak is a large volcano.
What Lives in the Cinder River?
The Cinder River is a great home for fish, especially silver salmon. These salmon are a type of fish that are very important to Alaska's ecosystem. They are known for their shiny silver scales. Many of these salmon live and swim in the river's waters.
How Do People Visit the Cinder River?
Because the Cinder River is in a wild and remote part of Alaska, it's not easy to reach by car. Most people who want to visit the river travel by small airplanes. These planes can land right on the cinder beds or on the sandy beaches nearby. Because it's a bit harder to get to, not many people fish there. This helps keep the river's fish population healthy.
