East Patapédia River facts for kids

The East Patapédia River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows through a wild, unorganized area called Lac-des-Eaux-Mortes, Quebec. This area is part of the La Matapedia Regional County Municipality (RCM).

The river flows through a forest zone towards the southeast. The upper part of its valley is an extension of the Lake Mitis valley. About 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) of the river forms the eastern border of the Zec du Bas-Saint-Laurent. A "Zec" is a special zone for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.

The East Patapédia River eventually joins the Patapédia River. The Patapédia River then flows into the Restigouche River. Finally, the Restigouche River empties into the Chaleur Bay, which is part of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

Forest roads help people get to different parts of the river. The "route du 30 Milles" (30 Miles road) from Saint-Zenon-du-Lac-Humqui, Quebec serves the upper part. Forest roads from the Zec du Bas-Saint-Laurent serve the west side. The lower part is reached by a forest road from "Le Dépôt" village.

Where Does the East Patapédia River Start?

The East Patapédia River begins in a forest area. This area is located in the unorganized territory of Lac-des-Eaux-Mortes, Quebec. It's found between the northern edge of the Zec du Bas-Saint-Laurent and Lake Mitis, Quebec.

The river's source is located:

• About 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) southwest of Lake Mitis.
• About 16.7 kilometers (10.4 miles) northwest of where the East Patapédia River joins another river.
• About 63.3 kilometers (39.3 miles) east of the mouth of Lake Mistigougèche.
• About 56.8 kilometers (35.3 miles) southeast of the coast of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

How Does the River Flow?

The East Patapédia River flows for about 25.2 kilometers (15.7 miles). It generally moves towards the southeast, entirely through forest land.

Here's how the "Patapédia East River" flows from its source:

• It flows about 5.9 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the southeast. Then it meets a stream coming from the north.
• It continues for about 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) to the southeast. Here, it meets a stream coming from the southwest.
• It flows about 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) to the east, making a curve to the north. It meets a stream that drains the southeastern part of Lake Mitis. Lake Mitis has two outlets, and this one flows south to join the East Patapédia River.
• It goes about 4.9 kilometers (3.0 miles) to the southeast. It then meets Grey Creek, which comes from the west. This meeting point is near a forest road bridge.
• It flows about 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) to the southeast, reaching the western border of the Roncesvalles Township.
• It continues for about 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) to the southeast. During this part, it forms the border between the Roncesvalles Township and the Zec du Bas-Saint-Laurent. It then meets Dunville stream, which comes from the southwest.
• Finally, it flows about 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) to the southeast until it joins the Patapédia River.

Where Does the River End?

The East Patapédia River joins the Patapédia River on its north bank. This meeting point is on the eastern edge of the Zec du Bas-Saint-Laurent. It is also in the unorganized territory of Ruisseau-Ferguson, Quebec.

This meeting point is located:

• About 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles) upstream from where the Meadow River joins the Patapédia River.
• About 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) north of the border with New Brunswick.
• About 32.2 kilometers (20.0 miles) northwest from where the Patapédia River itself joins the Restigouche River.

What Does "Patapédia" Mean?

The name "Patapedia River East" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like Quebec's official board for geographical names.