Little Bitterroot River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Bitterroot River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Forest Road 5344 & FR 538 (Griffin Creek Road) above Little Bitterroot Lake. 5,217 feet (1,590 m) 48°12′27″N 114°44′17″W / 48.20742°N 114.73808°W |
| River mouth | Flathead River 2,567 feet (782 m) near Sloan Bridge over the Flathead River. 47°29′41″N 114°19′52″W / 47.494816°N 114.330974°W<ref name=gps> |
| Length | 65 km (40 mi) |
| Width |
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| Depth |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 600 square miles (1,600 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Little Bitterroot River is a river located in northwestern Montana, a state in the United States. It flows through the mountains west of Kalispell. This is about 25 miles (40 km) west-northwest of Flathead Lake.
The river flows south-southeast for about 65 miles (105 km). It eventually joins the Flathead River, which then flows into the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. The area drained by the Little Bitterroot River, called its basin, covers about 600 square miles (1,600 km2). The valley of the Little Bitterroot River is part of the Lake Missoula glacial plain. This plain was formed by a huge ancient lake.
River's Journey: Its Course
The Little Bitterroot River flows through three different types of areas. Each area has its own unique features.
- Mountain or Hilly Area: This is the highest and most northern part. It was shaped by the wearing away of solid rock.
- Plains Area: This is a long, flat area between the mountains. It was formed by sediments (like mud and sand) left behind by Lake Missoula during the Ice Age.
- Bottom Lands: These are flat areas near the river. They were created more recently by the river eroding the old lake plain.
Where the River Begins
The Little Bitterroot River starts in a pass above Marion on U.S. Highway 2. This starting point is about 5,217 feet (1,590 m) above sea level. The water here collects into Little Bitterroot Lake, which is about 3,907 feet (1,191 m) above sea level.
The river flows out of the south end of Little Bitterroot Lake. For a few miles, it flows alongside U.S. Highway 2. Along this stretch, Sickler Creek joins the Little Bitterroot River. Sickler Creek drains water from Lake Rogers to the east.
Through Canyons and Lakes
After flowing with Highway 2, the Little Bitterroot River continues south. It enters a narrow canyon and flows past Hidden Lakes. Before reaching Hidden Lake, the river drops quickly. It loses about 117 feet (36 m) in elevation over 2 miles (3.2 km). The lake itself is at 2,627 feet (801 m) above sea level.
The canyons around Hidden Lake have flat bottoms. This shows that glaciers once moved through and smoothed out this area. As the canyon widens into a flat valley, Tamarack Creek flows in from the west. This happens just before the river reaches Hubbart Reservoir.
