Green River facts for kids
The Green River is a very important river in the western United States. It flows through the states of Wyoming and Utah. This river is the biggest tributary of the famous Colorado River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Green River is about 730 miles (1,175 km) long.
Where the River Starts
The Green River begins high up in the mountains. Its headwaters are in the western part of Wyoming. Headwaters are the very beginning of a river. Here, the river starts in a part of the Rocky Mountains called the Wind River Range.
The River's Journey
From its start, the Green River flows south. Then, it turns east for a short distance before heading south again. It also flows west and south into two large lakes. These lakes are called reservoirs. They are formed by dams. The first is Fontenelle Reservoir, made by Fontenelle Dam. The second is Flaming Gorge Reservoir, created by the Flaming Gorge Dam.
After leaving Flaming Gorge Dam, the river flows east. It goes around the Uinta Mountains. Then, it enters a dry, desert-like area called the Colorado Plateau. Here, the Green River carves out amazing, deep canyons. It looks very spectacular!
Meeting Other Rivers
As the Green River continues its journey, it meets two of its largest tributaries. These are the White River and the Yampa River, both joining from the east. Finally, the Green River meets the mighty Colorado River. This meeting happens in a beautiful place called Canyonlands National Monument. Soon after these two big rivers join, their waters flow into Lake Powell. This large lake is formed by the Glen Canyon Dam.
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See also
In Spanish: Green River (desambiguación) para niños
