Little Bear River facts for kids

The Little Bear River is a river in northern Utah, United States. It's about 36.4 miles (58.6 km) long. This river is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Little Bear River flows into the Bear River, which is a much bigger river in the area.

The Little Bear River is an important part of the local environment. It provides water for farms and homes. It also creates habitats for many different plants and animals.

Where the River Begins

The Little Bear River starts high up in the mountains. These mountains are located east of a city called Brigham City. At its very beginning, the river isn't just one stream. Instead, it has three main branches or "forks." These are called the West Fork, South Fork, and East Fork.

These three forks come together in a small community called Avon. Once they join, they form the main stream of the Little Bear River. From there, the river begins its journey north.

The Journey Through Valleys

After forming near Avon, the Little Bear River flows north towards a town called Paradise. As it reaches Paradise, the river leaves the narrow mountain canyons. It then spreads out into the wide, flat lands of Cache Valley.

Cache Valley is a large, fertile area. The river helps to make this valley green and productive. It provides water that is essential for farming in the region.

Water and Reservoirs

As the Little Bear River travels through Cache Valley, it passes by several towns. One of these towns is Hyrum. Near Hyrum, the river's flow is controlled by a dam. This dam creates a large body of water called the Hyrum Reservoir.

A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake. It's built to store water for various uses. The Hyrum Reservoir helps to store water for drinking and irrigation. It also provides a place for people to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

Meeting Other Rivers

After the Hyrum Reservoir, the Little Bear River continues its journey. It winds its way generally west, passing by the town of Wellsville. The river then turns north again, flowing through different landscapes.

Eventually, the Little Bear River meets another important river. This is the Logan River. The two rivers join together in an area known as the Cutler Marsh. This marshy area is a wetland, which is a special type of ecosystem. Wetlands are very important for wildlife.

The Little Bear River finally flows into the larger Bear River. However, where they meet is now covered by the waters of the Cutler Reservoir. This means the original meeting point is now underwater because of the reservoir.