Middle Fork Owyhee River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork Owyhee River |
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Location of the mouth of the Middle Fork Owyhee River in Oregon
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Country | United States |
State | Oregon, Idaho |
County | Malheur County, Oregon, Owyhee County, Idaho |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Juniper Mountain Idaho 6,797 ft (2,072 m) 42°26′40″N 116°52′40″W / 42.44444°N 116.87778°W |
River mouth | Owyhee River Three Forks, Oregon 3,963 ft (1,208 m) 42°32′37″N 117°09′40″W / 42.54361°N 117.16111°W |
The Middle Fork Owyhee River is a cool river that flows through parts of Oregon and Idaho in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that eventually joins up with bigger rivers. This river is an important part of the Owyhee River system. It helps carry water from mountains to larger rivers.
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Journey of the Middle Fork Owyhee River
The Middle Fork Owyhee River starts its journey near Juniper Mountain in Idaho. This mountain is south of the Owyhee Mountains. From its starting point, the river flows southwest. Then it makes a turn and flows northwest. It crosses the border from Idaho into Oregon. After that, it turns north.
Where it Joins Other Rivers
The Middle Fork Owyhee River meets the North Fork Owyhee River at a place called Three Forks, Oregon. This meeting point is very close to where the North Fork then joins the main Owyhee River. The Owyhee River is a much larger river. It flows for about 161 miles (259 kilometers). Finally, the Owyhee River empties into the big Snake River.
Streams that Feed the River
Many smaller streams flow into the Middle Fork Owyhee River. These smaller streams are called tributaries. They add more water to the river as it flows along.
- Summit Springs Creek
- Berry Gulch
- Field Creek
These three streams all join the Middle Fork from its left side. Another stream called Pole Creek joins the Middle Fork from its right side. These tributaries are important because they help keep the river flowing.
Why Rivers are Important
Rivers like the Middle Fork Owyhee are super important for many reasons. They provide water for plants and animals. They also create habitats for fish and other wildlife. Rivers can also be used for fun activities like fishing or exploring nature. The areas around rivers often have unique plants and animals.