Moose River (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moose River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Near Moose Pass |
| River mouth | Fraser River Just upstream from Moose Lake 3,392 ft (1,034 m) 52°54′50″N 118°48′28″W / 52.91389°N 118.80778°W |
The Moose River is a beautiful river located in Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. It holds a special place as the very first river that flows into the mighty Fraser River. The Moose River joins the Fraser just before it reaches Moose Lake. Interestingly, Moose Lake is actually part of the Fraser River's path, not the Moose River's!
The River's Journey
The Moose River begins its journey about 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi) southeast of a place called Moose Pass. From there, it flows southeast for about 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi). Then, it makes a turn to the south where it meets Campion Creek.
After a short stretch flowing south, the river slowly changes direction. It gradually turns from south to southwest over a distance of about 13.5 kilometres (8.4 mi). The river then heads south again for about 7.4 kilometres (4.6 mi). Here, it meets Resplendent Creek, which is almost as wide as the Moose River itself at their meeting point! Resplendent Creek used to be known as the West Fork Moose River.
The Moose River then turns southeast again and flows for another 8.7 kilometres (5.4 mi). For its final 2 kilometres (1.2 mi), the river flows southwest. It passes under the Yellowhead Highway before finally joining the Fraser River.
Rainbow Canyon: A Scenic Spot
Rainbow Canyon is a short but impressive canyon found on the lower part of the Moose River. This canyon is about 0.4-kilometre (0.25 mi) long. You can find its entrance about 0.4 kilometres (0.25 mi) upstream from the Moose River Bridge, which is part of the Yellowhead Highway.
Inside Rainbow Canyon, the river drops quite a bit in height. It loses about 186 feet (57 m) of elevation as it rushes through this narrow section.
Rivers That Join the Moose
Many smaller streams and creeks flow into the Moose River, adding to its waters. These are called tributaries. Here are some of the creeks that join the Moose River:
- Campion Creek
- Steppe Creek
- Upright Creek
- Colonel Creek
- Arctomys Creek
- Resplendent Creek
- McNaughton Creek
