Dean River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dean River |
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Headwaters of Dean River
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| Country | Canada |
| State | British Columbia |
| Region | Coast Mountains, Kitimat Ranges |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Aktaklin Lake Chilcotin Plateau, Canada 52°13′12″N 124°56′47″W / 52.22000°N 124.94639°W |
| River mouth | Dean Channel Kimsquit, Canada 52°48′18″N 126°58′06″W / 52.80500°N 126.96833°W |
| Length | 253 km (157 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 8,752 km2 (3,379 sq mi) |
The Dean River is a really important river in British Columbia, Canada. It flows through a beautiful area called the Coast Mountains. This river is special because it's one of the few that cuts all the way through these huge mountains.
It starts far inland at Aktaklin Lake. Then, it winds its way north around the Rainbow Range of mountains. Finally, it reaches the Pacific Ocean at a place called Dean Channel.
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Discovering the Dean River
The Dean River is about 253 kilometers (157 miles) long. That's like driving from one big city to another! It drains a large area of land, covering about 8,752 square kilometers (3,379 square miles). This area is called its "basin."
Where Does the Dean River Flow?
The journey of the Dean River begins at Aktaklin Lake. This lake is located on a high, flat area known as the Chilcotin Plateau. From there, the river flows through rugged and wild landscapes.
It passes through the Kitimat Ranges, which are part of the larger Coast Mountains. The river eventually empties into Dean Channel. This channel is a long, narrow arm of the Pacific Ocean. The spot where the river meets the ocean is near a quiet, uninhabited community called Kimsquit.
Why Is the Dean River Special?
What makes the Dean River truly unique is its path. Most rivers in British Columbia flow either north or south along the mountains. But the Dean River is different. It manages to cut right through the massive wall of the Coast Mountains.
Only a few rivers can do this. The Fraser River and the Skeena River are two other examples. This makes the Dean River a natural pathway through a very challenging mountain range.
Amazing Fish in the Dean River
The Dean River is famous around the world for its incredible fishing. It's especially known for a type of fish called steelhead. Steelhead are a kind of rainbow trout that live in the ocean but return to freshwater rivers to lay their eggs.
Many anglers (people who fish) come from all over to try and catch these strong, beautiful fish. The river's clean, clear water and healthy environment make it a perfect home for steelhead. This is why it's considered one of the best places on Earth for steelhead fishing.
