Foraker River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Foraker River |
|
---|---|
Location of the mouth of the Foraker River in Alaska
|
|
Country | United States |
State | Alaska |
District | Denali Borough |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Denali National Park and Preserve Foraker Glacier, Alaska Range 3,251 ft (991 m) 63°07′43″N 151°34′24″W / 63.12861°N 151.57333°W |
River mouth | Minchumina Lake near village of Lake Minchumina 646 ft (197 m) 63°53′27″N 152°05′45″W / 63.89083°N 152.09583°W |
Length | 60 mi (97 km) |
The Foraker River is a 60-mile (97 km) long stream in the amazing state of Alaska in the United States. It's known for its cold, clear waters that come from a glacier! This river helps drain a large area on the northern side of the Alaska Range, which is a huge mountain chain. It flows southwest of Fairbanks, a well-known city in Alaska.
Contents
Journey of the Foraker River
The Foraker River starts its long journey from the Foraker Glacier. This glacier is a giant, slow-moving river of ice located inside Denali National Park and Preserve. The park is home to Mount Foraker, a very tall mountain.
Flowing Through Tundra
From the glacier, the river flows through the wide, flat lands called tundra. This area is north of the Alaska Range. The river generally moves in a northwest direction. A major stream that joins the Foraker River is called the Herron River.
Where the River Ends
The Foraker River eventually reaches Minchumina Lake. This lake is near a small village called Lake Minchumina. The river's journey from the icy glacier to the lake is a cool example of how water moves through nature.
How the River Got Its Name
The Foraker River was officially named in 1925. It was named by S.R. Capps, who worked for the U.S. Geological Survey. He chose the name because the river starts from the Foraker Glacier. The river also has other names, like Seyh Khoolanh No and Gotothna River.