Kakwa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kakwa River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kakwa Lake, Kakwa Provincial Park 1,495 m (4,905 ft) 54°02′05″N 120°08′43″W / 54.03462°N 120.14526°W |
| River mouth | Smoky River 670 m (2,200 ft) 54°36′49″N 118°27′36″W / 54.61372°N 118.45993°W |
The Kakwa River is a cool river located in western Alberta, Canada. It is a tributary, which means it flows into, the larger Smoky River.
The river's name, Kakwa, comes from the Cree language. It means porcupine! This is because many porcupines live in the Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area, where the river begins.
People enjoy visiting the Kakwa River for exciting outdoor adventures. You can go bull trout fishing or try white water rafting on its waters.
Kakwa Falls: A Natural Wonder
One of the most amazing spots along the river is Kakwa Falls (54°06′33″N 119°55′25″W / 54.10913°N 119.92350°W). These falls are about 30-metre (98 ft) (or 100 feet) high! They tumble over a rocky ledge made of something called the Cadomin Formation.
The area around the falls is so special that it's protected as Kakwa Wildland Park. You can get to this park by using forestry roads south of Highway 666. It's about 35 kilometres (22 mi) (or 22 miles) south of Two Lakes Provincial Park.
Where the Kakwa River Flows
The Kakwa River starts its journey in Kakwa Lake, which is north of McBride in British Columbia. Here, the river is high up, at an elevation of about 1,495 metres (4,905 ft) (or 4,900 feet). The beautiful area around its source is protected by Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area.
From there, the river flows north-east into Alberta, entering the Kakwa Wildlands Park. It then continues to flow east and north-east through rolling hills known as the foothills. The Bighorn Highway crosses over the river. Finally, the Kakwa River joins the Smoky River at a lower elevation of about 670 metres (2,200 ft) (or 2,200 feet).
Rivers and Creeks Joining the Kakwa
As the Kakwa River travels, it collects water from many smaller rivers and creeks. These are called its tributaries. Some of them include:
- Kakwa Lake (where it starts)
- Cecilia Creek
- Mouse Cache Creek
- Musreau Creek
- Francis Peak Creek
- South Kakwa River
- Lynx Creek
- Ravine Creek
- Chicken Creek
- Daniel Creek
- Copton Creek
- Redrock Creek
- Route Creek
- Prairie Creek
