Middle Fork Elk River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork Elk River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence with Gilpin Creek and Gold Creek 40°47′00″N 106°43′08″W / 40.78333°N 106.71889°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with North Fork 8,012 ft (2,442 m) 40°46′13″N 106°46′30″W / 40.77028°N 106.77500°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Elk—Yampa—Green—Colorado |
The Middle Fork Elk River is a small but important stream in Colorado. It flows for about 3.5-mile-long (5.6 km). This river helps form the larger Elk River.
Discovering the Middle Fork Elk River
The Middle Fork Elk River is located in the beautiful state of Colorado. It is a natural waterway that plays a part in a much larger river system. Understanding this river helps us learn about the geography of the area.
Where the River Begins and Ends
The Middle Fork Elk River starts in a special place called Routt National Forest. This forest is found north of a town called Steamboat Springs. The river begins where two smaller streams meet. These streams are Gilpin Creek and Gold Creek. When two rivers or streams meet, it is called a "confluence."
The Middle Fork Elk River flows for a short distance. It then joins another stream, the North Fork Elk River. When these two rivers meet, they form the main Elk River. This second meeting point is where the Middle Fork Elk River's journey ends.
The River's Journey to the Sea
Even though the Middle Fork Elk River is short, its water travels a long way. After joining the North Fork, its water becomes part of the main Elk River. The Elk River then flows into the Yampa River.
The Yampa River is a larger river that eventually joins the Green River. The Green River is a major tributary of the mighty Colorado River. So, the water from this small Middle Fork Elk River eventually makes its way to the Colorado River. The Colorado River then flows all the way to the ocean.
