Eek River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eek River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Eek River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Bethel |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | small lake 0.5 miles (0.8 km) northeast of Mount Oratia Togiak National Wildlife Refuge 2,778 ft (847 m) 59°56′18″N 160°00′01″W / 59.93833°N 160.00028°W |
| River mouth | Eek Channel, Kuskokwim River 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Bethel, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge 0 ft (0 m) 60°05′07″N 162°18′28″W / 60.08528°N 162.30778°W |
| Length | 108 mi (174 km) |
The Eek River is a cool river located in the state of Alaska, USA. It stretches for about 108 miles (174 km). This river is a branch, or "tributary," of the much larger Kuskokwim River. The Eek River is an important waterway, especially for the amazing wildlife that lives in and around it.
The Eek River: A Lifeline in Alaska
The Eek River is found in a wild and beautiful part of western Alaska. It's south of the Kwethluk River and north of the Kanektok River. All these rivers eventually flow into the Kuskokwim River or Kuskokwim Bay, which is part of the Bering Sea.
Where Does the Eek River Flow?
The journey of the Eek River begins in a small lake. This lake is located near a mountain called Mount Oratia. The starting point of the river is inside the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a special protected area for animals and their homes.
From its source, the Eek River generally flows towards the northwest. As it travels, it enters another important protected area: the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Finally, the Eek River joins the bigger Kuskokwim River. This meeting point is near a place called Eek Island in western Alaska.
Wildlife in the River
The Eek River is a very important home for many types of fish. It has large numbers of pink salmon. Pink salmon are a type of fish that are born in fresh water, live in the ocean, and then return to the river to lay their eggs.
Another interesting fish found in the Eek River is the Arctic char. Arctic char are related to salmon and trout. They are known for living in cold, clear waters. The river's healthy environment helps these fish populations thrive. This makes the Eek River a vital part of Alaska's natural world.
