Foss River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Foss River |
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Location of the mouth of the Foss River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | King |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of West and East Forks Cascade Range 47°39′10″N 121°17′32″W / 47.65278°N 121.29222°W |
| River mouth | Skykomish River 1,024 ft (312 m) 47°42′18″N 121°18′21″W / 47.70500°N 121.30583°W |
The Foss River is a stream located in the state of Washington in the United States. It's special because it starts from two main branches, like two arms joining together. These branches are called the East Fork Foss River and the West Fork Foss River.
Where the Foss River Starts
The Foss River and its branches begin high up in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. This wilderness is part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the Cascade Mountains. The river generally flows north from these mountains.
After flowing for a while, the Foss River joins another river called the Tye River. When they meet, they form the South Fork Skykomish River. Eventually, the water from the Foss River travels through the Skykomish River and the Snohomish River. Finally, it empties into Puget Sound near the city of Everett.
East Fork Foss River
The East Fork Foss River begins at 47°34′41″N 121°10′53″W / 47.57806°N 121.18139°W. Its water comes from the melting ice of Lynch Glacier, which is on the north side of Mount Daniel.
This fork also collects water from other glaciers on Mount Hinman. Many small streams flow into it from lakes in the Necklace Valley. Some of these lakes include Lake Ilswoot, Locket Lake, Opal Lake, La Bohn Lakes, and Alturas Lake. The East Fork Foss River flows mostly north until it meets the West Fork.
West Fork Foss River
The West Fork Foss River starts at 47°33′29″N 121°17′24″W / 47.55806°N 121.29000°W. Its source is a small glacier and lake on the north side of Iron Cap Mountain.
As it flows north, the West Fork passes through several lakes. These include Otter Lake, Delta Lake, and Trout Lake. Many smaller streams also feed into this fork, flowing from other lakes deep within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. After leaving the lake area, the West Fork continues flowing north. It then joins the East Fork to create the main Foss River.
