Mendenhall River facts for kids
The Mendenhall River is a river in Alaska, located north of Juneau in the Mendenhall Valley. In the Tlingit language, it is called Woosh Ilʼóox̱ʼu Héen. The river starts at Mendenhall Lake, right at the bottom of the famous Mendenhall Glacier.
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Exploring the Mendenhall River
The Mendenhall River is about six miles (9 kilometers) long. A part of it, about one mile (1.6 km) long, is known for its exciting whitewater rapids!
When Can You Go Rafting?
The best time to go rafting on the Mendenhall River is from May through September. During these months, the weather is usually good, and the river conditions are great for adventure.
Exciting Whitewater Spots
Along the whitewater part of the river, there are some famous spots that rafters enjoy. These include Scott's Iatola (or Iatolla) Hola, Tourist Trap, and Pinball Alley. These names give you an idea of how fun and challenging these sections can be! The whitewater section of the river finishes close to the Juneau International Airport.
Understanding River Levels and Flooding
Rivers can sometimes rise to high levels, which is called flooding. For the Mendenhall River, a "minor flood stage" is when the water reaches 12 feet (3.7 meters). If the water gets to 14 feet (4.3 meters), it can cause bigger problems for nearby areas.
When Does the River Flood?
When the Mendenhall River reaches a minor flood stage, it often means that other nearby areas are also experiencing high water. For example, Montana Creek, Jordan Creek, and Mendenhall Lake might also be flooding at the same time. This shows how connected the waterways are!
Cool Facts About the Mendenhall River
- On October 20, 1998, the Mendenhall River had its highest recorded water flow. That day, 12,400 cubic feet of water flowed by every second (350 cubic meters per second)! That's a lot of water!
- The river was named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall. He was an important person who led the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1889 to 1894.
Places to See Along the River
- One interesting spot along the Mendenhall River is the Brotherhood Bridge.
