McLennan River facts for kids

The McLennan River is a cool river in British Columbia, Canada. It is a smaller branch, also called a tributary, of the much bigger Fraser River. This river flows through a beautiful area known as the Robson Valley. The river was named after an engineer who worked on railway surveys way back in the 1870s.

Journey of the McLennan River

The high cliffs and glacier where the McLennan River begins

The McLennan River starts high up in the mountains. Its source is the McLennan Glacier, which is found in the Premier Range. This glacier is nestled between two tall peaks, Mount Stanley Baldwin and Mount Arthur Meighen.

From these icy beginnings, the river flows east out of the mountains. It reaches a wide, flat area called the Rocky Mountain Trench near a town called Valemount. After that, the river turns and flows northwest.

As it travels, the McLennan River picks up water from many smaller streams. Some of these streams flow from the Selwyn Range to the east. Others come from the Premier Range to the west. Finally, the McLennan River joins the mighty Fraser River at a place called Tête Jaune Cache.

Why Rivers Are Important

Rivers like the McLennan River are super important for many reasons. They provide fresh water for plants and animals. Many different kinds of fish live in rivers, and animals like bears and deer often visit the riverbanks.

Rivers also help shape the land around them. Over thousands of years, they carve out valleys and carry away soil. Historically, rivers were like natural highways. People used them for travel and to transport goods. Even today, rivers are vital for our environment and for local communities.