Middle Fork Clearwater River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork Clearwater River |
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Map of the Clearwater River watershed, including the Middle Fork
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Lochsa River and Selway River Lowell, Idaho 46°08′25″N 115°35′58″W / 46.14028°N 115.59944°W |
| River mouth | Clearwater River Kooskia, Idaho 1,224 ft (373 m) 46°08′44″N 115°58′57″W / 46.14556°N 115.98250°W |
| Length | 23 mi (37 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 3,420 sq mi (8,900 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Type: | Recreational |
| Designated: | October 2, 1968 |
The Middle Fork Clearwater River is a short but mighty river in northern Idaho. It provides a lot of water to the larger Clearwater River. The Clearwater River then flows into the Snake River.
Contents
Discover the Middle Fork Clearwater River
This river flows west for about 23 miles (37 km). It starts where two other rivers meet. These are the Selway River and the Lochsa River. This meeting point is near a town called Lowell. The Middle Fork then flows to the town of Kooskia. There, it joins with the South Fork Clearwater River. Together, they form the main Clearwater River.
Where is This River?
The entire Middle Fork Clearwater River is located within Idaho County. A small part of its watershed also reaches into Clearwater County. A watershed is the area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or lake.
A Special Wild and Scenic River
The Middle Fork Clearwater River is very special. It was one of the first eight rivers in the whole country to be named part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This happened on October 2, 1968.
Why is it "Wild and Scenic"?
Being a "Wild and Scenic River" means the river and its surroundings are protected. They are kept in their natural, beautiful state. This helps preserve their amazing natural, cultural, and recreational value for everyone.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
This river is super important for chinook salmon. These fish are born in rivers and then swim out to the Pacific Ocean. Later, they return to the same rivers to lay their eggs. The Middle Fork is a major path for these salmon. They use it to reach their spawning grounds in the Selway River.
The Salmon's Long Journey
Salmon make an incredible journey from the ocean back to the rivers where they were born. They swim upstream against the current. The Middle Fork Clearwater River helps them complete this long and difficult trip.
Fun Things to Do on the River
Even though the Middle Fork flows through a narrow canyon, it's a great place for floating. The river has gentle rapids, known as Class I and II. This means they are easy and safe for most people to float on.
Gentle Waters for Floating
The best time for floating is usually in late summer. This is after the snow in the mountains has melted. When the snow melts, it fills the river. As the melt slows down, the river becomes calmer and perfect for a relaxing float trip.
U.S. Route 12 is a highway that runs right alongside the entire length of the Middle Fork Clearwater River. This means you can easily drive next to the river and enjoy its beauty.
