Coleen River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coleen River |
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![]() Coleen River in summer
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Location of the mouth of the Coleen River in Alaska
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Country | United States |
State | Alaska |
Districts | |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Brooks Range Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, North Slope Borough 4,798 ft (1,462 m) 68°42′59″N 143°28′36″W / 68.71639°N 143.47667°W |
River mouth | Porcupine River 9 miles (14 km) east of Coleen Mountain, Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area 67°04′20″N 142°29′49″W / 67.07222°N 142.49694°W |
Length | 145 mi (233 km) |
The Coleen River is a long river in Alaska, a state in the United States. It flows for about 186 miles (299 kilometers). This river is a "tributary," which means it is a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Coleen River joins the Porcupine River.
About the Coleen River
The Coleen River is found in the northeastern part of Alaska. It is an important part of the natural landscape there. The river flows through wild and beautiful areas. These areas are home to many different animals.
Where Does It Start?
The Coleen River begins in the Davidson Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Brooks Range. The starting point of the river is inside the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a huge protected area for wildlife. It is located in the North Slope Borough of Alaska.
Where Does It Go?
From its source, the Coleen River flows generally towards the south-southeast. It travels a long distance before reaching its end. The river eventually flows into the Porcupine River. This meeting point is located east of a place called Coleen Mountain. It is in the Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area.
What's in a Name?
The name "Coleen" for the river comes from a French word. That word is "coline." In French, "coline" means "hill." This name might have been given because of the hills or mountains near the river.