Herron River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herron River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Herron River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| District | Denali Borough |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Herron Glacier, Alaska Range Denali National Park and Preserve 3,134 ft (955 m) 63°05′35″N 151°39′11″W / 63.09306°N 151.65306°W |
| River mouth | Foraker River 17 miles (27 km) south of Lake Minchumina 801 ft (244 m) 63°38′53″N 152°09′31″W / 63.64806°N 152.15861°W |
| Length | 48 mi (77 km) |
The Herron River (also called Lower Tanana: K'otaal No’ or Tsatasronik) is a river in central Alaska, United States. It is about 48 miles (77 km) long. The Herron River flows into the Foraker River, which means it's a tributary of the Foraker. Think of it like a smaller stream joining a bigger river.
This river helps drain, or carry water away from, an area on the northern side of the Alaska Range mountains. This area is found on the southern edge of the Tanana Valley, southwest of a city called Fairbanks.
Where the River Starts
The Herron River begins at the Herron Glacier. A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river made of ice! This glacier is located in the northern part of the Alaska Range mountains.
The river's starting point is inside Denali National Park and Preserve. This is a very large and wild protected area in Alaska. It's northwest of a huge mountain called Mount Foraker.
River's Journey
After leaving the glacier, the Herron River flows through an area called the tundra. Tundra is a type of flat, treeless land found in very cold regions. It often has permafrost, which is ground that stays frozen all year.
The river generally flows towards the northwest. As it travels, it forms part of the border between different sections of the national park and the national preserve. This means it helps mark the line between these protected lands.
How the River Got Its Name
The Herron River was 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 Herron Glacier.
The river has also been known by a few other names. These include K'otal No', Tsatasronick, and Sishuluthna River.
