Couchepaganiche River facts for kids

The Couchepaganiche River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Lac Saint-Jean. The river is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, specifically in the area of Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix.

A main road, Route 169, runs along the southeast side of Lac Saint-Jean, near the river. Other smaller forest roads are also used in the valley. These roads help people get around for logging, farming, and fun outdoor activities.

The main jobs in this valley are in forestry (cutting down trees) and agriculture (farming). Tourism, like visiting for fun, is also important.

During winter, the Couchepaganiche River usually freezes over. This happens from early December to late March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to mid-March.

About the River's Path

The Couchepaganiche River is surrounded by other important water bodies. Here are some of its neighbors:

• North: Lac Saint-Jean
• East: La Belle Rivière, Bédard River, Petite rivière Bédard, Saguenay River
• South: Lac de la Belle Rivière, La Belle Rivière, Rivière des Aulnaies, Métabetchouane River, Couchepaganiche East River
• West: Métabetchouane River, Lac Saint-Jean

Where the River Starts

The Couchepaganiche River begins in a forest area. Its source is a small body of water in the south of Les Trois Lacs. This spot is about 352 m (1,155 ft) above sea level. It's located south-east of the Three Round Peaks Mountain.

The river's starting point is:

• About 12.8 km (8.0 mi) south-east of Route 169.
• About 7.8 km (4.8 mi) west of Lac de la Belle Rivière.
• About 14.8 km (9.2 mi) south-east of the village of Métabetchouan.
• About 14.9 km (9.3 mi) south-east of where the Couchepaganiche River meets Lac Saint-Jean.
• About 31.9 km (19.8 mi) south-west of downtown Alma.

How the River Flows

The Couchepaganiche River flows for about 23.8 km (14.8 mi). As it flows, it drops about 251 m (823 ft) in height. The river passes through both forests and farmlands.

Here's how its journey goes:

• For the first 7.8 km (4.8 mi), it flows north-west. It then makes a turn near Chemin du Petit Rang and Route Saint-André.
• Next, it flows about 3.6 km (2.2 mi) north, curving towards the north-west. It passes the outlet from Skein Lake.
• Then, for 5.6 km (3.5 mi), it winds north-east through farmland. It goes north of a mountain and meets the Couchepaganiche East River.
• Finally, for 6.8 km (4.2 mi), it winds north-west through a flat farming area. It crosses the 2e rang Ouest road, Route 169, and the Canadian National railway before reaching its end.

Where the River Ends

The Couchepaganiche River flows into the south-east shore of Lac Saint-Jean, near the village of Métabetchouan.

This meeting point is located:

• About 7.3 km (4.5 mi) north-east of where the Métabetchouane River meets Lac Saint-Jean.
• About 14.8 km (9.2 mi) west of the village of Hébertville.
• About 17.0 km (10.6 mi) south of the main outlet of Lac Saint-Jean (called La Petite Décharge).
• About 20.6 km (12.8 mi) south-west of the city center of Alma.
• About 59.3 km (36.8 mi) south-west of downtown Chicoutimi (part of the city of Saguenay).

From the mouth of the Couchepaganiche River, the water travels across Lac Saint-Jean for about 17.6 km (10.9 mi). Then, it follows the Saguenay River for about 172.3 km (107.1 mi) all the way to Tadoussac. There, it joins the large Saint Lawrence estuary.

River's Name History

The name "Couchepaganiche" has a long history. In 1732, Joseph-Laurent Normandin wrote about a river he called "Guspajganichiche." Later, in 1823, explorer François Verreault said this small river was called "Koushpygish." This Innu term means "where the water rises a little."

However, a book from 1944, "Little Dictionary of Geographical Names of the Saguenay," suggests that "Koushpaiganish" is an Innu word meaning "small river of embarkation." This meaning was also mentioned by explorer Normandin.

The official name, "Rivière Couchepaganiche," was formally recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is in charge of place names in Quebec.

More to Explore

Related Articles

• Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Regional County Municipality
• Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix, a town
• Couchepaganiche East River
• Lac Saint-Jean, a large lake
• Saguenay River, another important river
• List of rivers of Quebec