Kechika River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kechika River |
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 Location of Kechika River in BC
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| Country | Canada |
| State | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sifton Ranges Near Sifton Pass 1,962 m (6,437 ft) 57°51′41″N 126°18′08″W / 57.86139°N 126.30222°W |
| River mouth | Liard River Fireside, British Columbia 484 m (1,588 ft) 59°37′34″N 127°08′39″W / 59.62611°N 127.14417°W |
| Length | 230 km (140 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 22,700 km2 (8,800 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Kechika River is a long river in northern British Columbia, Canada. It flows for about 230 km (140 mi) and is a tributary (a smaller river that flows into a larger one) of the Liard River. Long ago, it was also known as Black's River.
Contents
Where Does the Kechika River Flow?
The Kechika River starts high up in the Sifton Ranges. These mountains are on the west side of a big valley called the Rocky Mountain Trench. It begins near a place called Sifton Pass.
From there, the river flows mostly northwest through this large valley. Then, it turns east to meet the Liard River. This meeting point is close to a small community called Fireside, British Columbia.
River's Journey and Landscape
As the river travels, it drops about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in height. It drains a huge area of land, nearly 22,700 km2 (8,800 sq mi). The Kechika River winds its way through a wild and untouched area. This region is part of the northern boreal mountains.
The river flows through the Kechika Ranges, which are part of the Cassiar Mountains. It also goes through the Western Muskwa Ranges, which are the northernmost part of the Canadian Rockies. For some of its journey, the river forms a natural border between the Rockies and the Cassiar Mountains. Closer to its end, it flows through a flatter area called the Liard Plain.
Along the river, you can find many waterfalls and lakes. There are also special spots called mineral licks. These are places where animals come to lick important minerals from the ground.
Why is the Kechika River Special?
The Kechika River is very important for nature. This is because it has not been changed much by human activities like mining or logging. It is still a wild and natural place.
Because of its importance, the government of British Columbia has named it a "heritage river." This means it has special protections to keep it safe and natural. Part of the river also flows through the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. This area is managed to protect its wildlife and natural beauty.
A Look Back in Time
The first European person known to have visited the Kechika River was Samuel Black. He explored the area in 1824. Because of his visit, the river was first named "Black's River."
Images for kids
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Rafting on the Gataga River, a tributary of the Kechika River
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See also
In Spanish: Río Kechika para niños
