Crooked River (British Columbia) facts for kids
The Crooked River is a cool river located in the middle part of British Columbia, Canada. It starts its journey at a place called Summit Lake, near a small town also named Summit Lake. From there, it flows north until it reaches McLeod Lake.
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Where Does the Water Go?
The Crooked River is part of a much bigger system of waterways. Think of it like a giant network of streams and rivers all connected!
Connecting to Other Rivers
After the Crooked River flows into McLeod Lake, its water then joins the Pack River. The Pack River then flows into the McLeod River. All these rivers eventually feed into a very large lake called Lake Williston.
Journey to the Arctic Ocean
From Lake Williston, the water continues its long trip into the mighty Peace River. The Peace River is one of Canada's most important rivers, and it eventually empties into the Arctic Ocean far to the north. So, the water from the Crooked River makes an amazing journey all the way to the Arctic!
Near the Pacific Ocean Divide
Just south of where the Crooked River begins at Summit Lake, there's another important water area. This area is the start of the Fraser River's drainage basin. The Fraser River flows west and empties into the Pacific Ocean. This means the Crooked River is very close to the invisible line that separates water flowing to the Arctic Ocean from water flowing to the Pacific Ocean. It's like a continental divide for water!
Crooked River Provincial Park
Close to the Crooked River, you'll find Crooked River Provincial Park. This park is a special protected area where people can enjoy nature. It's located near Bear Lake, just south of the community of Bear Lake. Provincial parks are great places for camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors, helping to protect the natural beauty of the area.
Amazing Insects in the River
The Crooked River is also home to many interesting creatures, especially tiny insects. Scientists have found at least 39 different kinds of caddisflies living in the river. Caddisflies are small, moth-like insects whose larvae (young forms) live in the water. They often build little cases around themselves using tiny bits of gravel or plants. Finding so many different types of caddisflies in the Crooked River is important because it tells us the river is a healthy place for these insects to live. Some of the caddisfly species found here were even the first time they had ever been recorded in British Columbia!
