Gallatin River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gallatin River |
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The Gallatin River during winter
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Montana rivers. The Gallatin is in the southwest corner.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming, Montana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Gallatin Range Wyoming 44°51′29″N 110°53′01″W / 44.85806°N 110.88361°W |
| River mouth | Missouri River Montana 45°56′20″N 111°29′33″W / 45.93889°N 111.49250°W |
| Length | 120 mi (190 km) |
The Gallatin River is a beautiful river, about 120 miles (193 km) long. It flows through the United States states of Wyoming and Montana. This river is special because it's one of three rivers that meet up to form the huge Missouri River. The other two rivers are the Jefferson River and the Madison River. They all come together near a town called Three Forks, Montana.
The Gallatin River starts in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It begins in the Gallatin Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. As it flows, it winds through the Gallatin National Forest and passes by towns like Big Sky, Montana. Finally, it joins the Jefferson and Madison rivers about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Bozeman, Montana. If you ever drive on U.S. Highway 191, you'll see the river right alongside the road for a long stretch.
Contents
How the River Got Its Name
The Gallatin River was named in July 1805 by Meriwether Lewis. He was part of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. When he saw the three rivers meeting at Three Forks, he decided to name them after important people.
- The eastern river, which is the Gallatin, was named after Albert Gallatin. He was the U.S. Treasury Secretary from 1801 to 1814.
- The western river was named after President Thomas Jefferson.
- The middle river was named after Secretary of State James Madison.
Fun on the Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures!
Whitewater Rafting
If you love excitement, the Gallatin River is known for some of the best whitewater rafting in the Yellowstone-Teton area. In June, when the snow from the mountains melts, the river gets really fast. There's a part called the "Mad Mile" that's over a mile long. It has continuous stretches of challenging rapids, which are rated as Class IV. Many rafting companies offer trips on this river, including the thrilling Mad Mile section and other calmer parts that are great for beginners.
Fishing and Scenery
The Gallatin River is incredibly scenic. It flows through high mountain meadows, drops into the rocky Gallatin Canyon, and then spreads out into the wide Gallatin Valley. It's a very popular spot for fly fishing. People come here to catch fish like rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish.
Some parts of the river are called a "Blue Ribbon trout stream." This means they are excellent places for fishing, with lots of healthy fish. Other parts are called "Red Ribbon" by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. You can't fish from boats in the river from Yellowstone National Park all the way to where it meets the East Gallatin River.
Did you know that parts of the famous movie A River Runs Through It were filmed on the Gallatin River?
History of the Gallatin Canyon
The history of the Gallatin Canyon is quite interesting. It shows what life was like in southwestern Montana in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Early Explorers
- The canyon was first explored by Native Americans who hunted there.
- Later, fur-trappers came looking for animal furs.
- Then, gold prospectors arrived, hoping to find gold.
There was even talk about building a railroad through the canyon. This would have made it easier to travel between Yellowstone National Park and Bozeman, Montana.
Logging and Pete Karst
At the start of the 20th century, people cut down trees in the canyon for logging. Loggers would ride the logs down the river to make sure they didn't get stuck.
A man named Pete Karst moved into the canyon in 1898. He started a ranch and ran an inn for travelers. During the Prohibition Era, when alcohol was illegal, he even made and served his own liquor! His most successful business was a bus route he started in 1924. It took people from Salesville (now Gallatin Gateway, Montana) to Yellowstone National Park.
Pete Karst's place became known as "Karst Camp." It was home to the first tow rope ski hill in Montana. They even held yearly ski jumping competitions there!
See also
In Spanish: Río Gallatin para niños
