Hogatza River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hogatza River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Hogatza River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| District | Northwest Arctic Borough, Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve near the Continental Divide in the Helpmejack Hills, Northwest Arctic Borough 1,638 ft (499 m) 66°56′47″N 154°12′39″W / 66.94639°N 154.21083°W |
| River mouth | Koyukuk River 32 miles (51 km) west-southwest of Hughes, Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area 207 ft (63 m) 65°59′56″N 155°23′51″W / 65.99889°N 155.39750°W |
| Length | 120 mi (190 km) |
The Hogatza River is a cool river in Alaska, a large state in the United States. It flows for about 120 miles (190 km). This makes it a pretty long river!
The Hogatza River is a tributary of the Koyukuk River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. So, the Hogatza River joins the Koyukuk River.
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Where the Hogatza River Starts
The Hogatza River begins its journey in a special place called the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. This park is in northern Alaska. It's a huge area of wild, untouched land.
High Up in the Hills
The river starts near the Continental Divide. This is like a big imaginary line across North America. It separates which way rivers flow. Rivers on one side flow to one ocean, and rivers on the other side flow to a different ocean.
The Hogatza River begins in the Helpmejack Hills. These hills are part of the Northwest Arctic Borough. The starting point is about 1,638 feet (500 meters) above sea level. That's pretty high up!
The River's Journey
From its source, the Hogatza River generally flows towards the southwest. It winds its way through the Alaskan wilderness.
Joining the Koyukuk River
After its long journey, the Hogatza River meets the larger Koyukuk River. This meeting point is about 32 miles (51 km) west-southwest of a small town called Hughes. Hughes is in the Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area.
At this point, the Hogatza River is about 207 feet (63 meters) above sea level. It has flowed downhill quite a bit from where it started!
What's in a Name?
The name "Hogatza" comes from the Koyukon language. The Koyukon people are a group of Alaska Native people. They have lived in this area for a very long time.
However, the exact meaning of the name "Hogatza" is not known for sure. Sometimes, old names have meanings that get lost over time. It's a bit of a mystery!
