Indian River (Yukon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian River |
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Panning for gold on the Indian River, 1904; photo by Joseph Tyrrell, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
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 Location of the mouth in Yukon
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| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Yukon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Yukon River 333 m (1,093 ft) 63°47′08″N 139°43′39″W / 63.78556°N 139.72750°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Bering Sea drainage basin |
The Indian River is a river in Yukon, Canada. It flows into the Yukon River and is part of a huge area where water drains into the Bering Sea. This river is very important because it's known for having lots of gold!
Where the River Flows
The Indian River starts where several smaller streams meet. These streams are Australia Creek, Dominion Creek, Scribner Creek, and Wounded Moose Creek. This starting point is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) southwest of a place called Dominion.
From there, the river flows mostly towards the northwest. Then, it turns and flows west until it reaches its mouth. The mouth of the Indian River is where it joins the much larger Yukon River.
River's Surroundings and Gold
The Indian River is a stream with a bottom made of gravel. It is located south of Dawson City. The river flows across an area called the Klondike Plateau. This plateau is a high, flat area of land.
The Indian River also marks the southern edge of the Yukon's placer gold district. A "placer gold" district is an area where gold can be found in loose sand, gravel, or other sediments in riverbeds. The Indian River and the streams that flow into it are the biggest producers of gold in the entire Yukon region.
For example, in 2001, the river produced about 119,999 grams (which is roughly 4,233 ounces) of gold! In 2008, a company called Klondike Star Mineral Corporation announced plans to find even more gold resources along the river.
Smaller Streams Joining the River
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Indian River. They add more water to the main river.
- Bertha Creek (joins from the right side)
- Nine Mile Creek (joins from the right side)
- Ophir Creek (joins from the right side)
- Ruby Creek (joins from the left side)
- Quartz Creek (joins from the right side)
- McKinnon Creek (joins from the left side)
- New Zealand Creek (joins from the right side)
- Montana Creek (joins from the left side)
- Eureka Creek (joins from the left side)
