Dog River (Oregon) facts for kids
The Dog River is a small river located in Oregon's Cascade Range. It flows from the eastern foothills of Mount Hood. This river is a branch of the East Fork Hood River. It also helps provide water for the cities of The Dalles and Hood River.
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The Dog River: A Small Stream with a Big Story
The Dog River is about 8 miles (14 kilometers) long. It drains the southeastern part of the Hood River watershed. Even though it's small, it plays an important role in the local water supply.
Where Does the Dog River Start?
The Dog River begins at High Prairie Spring. This spring is located high up at 6,200 feet (1,890 meters) elevation. It's found at the base of Lookout Mountain. The river then flows mostly northward.
It soon joins with Dog River Springs. This happens at an elevation of 5,080 feet (1,545 meters). The river continues its journey, flowing surprisingly straight through the mountains.
How the River Flows
As the Dog River flows, it reaches a special station. This is where The Dalles city waterworks takes some of its water. This happens at 4,260 feet (1,300 meters) elevation.
After this point, the river turns northwest towards Cooks Meadow. Then it turns directly westward. It makes a few zigzags, heading north and west. Finally, it turns straight northward again. It flows through a steep, forested area.
The Dog River eventually meets the East Fork Hood River. This meeting point is near Highway 35. Here, it also joins with Puppy Creek. This spot is less than a mile upstream from Cat Creek.
Why is it Called the Dog River?
The name "Dog River" has an interesting history. It comes from an older name for the Hood River. Long ago, the Hood River was also called the Dog River.
This name came about after a group of early travelers faced a tough situation. They were very hungry and had to eat dog meat to survive. This event led to the river being named in memory of their difficult journey.
Water for Cities
The Dog River is an important source of drinking water. Because of this, access to the river is often restricted. This helps keep the water clean and safe for everyone.
Due to its small size and the need to protect the drinking water, the Dog River is not suitable for activities like whitewater sports. Its main purpose is to provide clean water to nearby communities.
