Niukluk River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niukluk River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Niukluk River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| District | Nome Census Area |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bendeleben Mountains of the Seward Peninsula 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Mount Bendeleben 2,780 ft (850 m) 65°13′43″N 163°50′54″W / 65.22861°N 163.84833°W |
| River mouth | Fish River 34 miles (55 km) northeast of Solomon 65°13′43″N 163°50′54″W / 65.22861°N 163.84833°W |
| Length | 52 mi (84 km) |
The Niukluk River is a waterway located in the state of Alaska, United States. It starts high up in the Bendeleben Mountains. This river is an important part of the natural landscape in the Nome Census Area. It eventually flows into the Fish River.
About the Niukluk River
The Niukluk River is about 52 mi (84 km) long. It begins in the Bendeleben Mountains of the Seward Peninsula. The river's source is about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Mount Bendeleben. It flows through different types of land on its journey.
Where the Niukluk River Flows
When the Niukluk River first starts, it flows across a wide, flat valley. This part of its journey lasts for about 15 miles (24 km). After that, the valley becomes narrower. The river then flows through this tighter valley for about 20 miles (32 km).
Further downstream, near the mouth of Melsing Creek, the valley widens again. It then joins with the valley of the Fish River. The Niukluk River is a tributary to the Fish River. This means it flows into the Fish River.
The Niukluk River receives water from many smaller streams. The largest of these is the Koksuktapaga River. It joins the Niukluk River from the south.
Gold in the River
People have found gold in the Niukluk River. Gold was first discovered near where the river begins. However, the most gold was found further downstream. This was especially true below the mouth of American Creek.
Just below the mouth of Ophir Creek, some gold was found on the river's gravel bars. These are flat areas of gravel in the river. The wide, gravelly flood plain in this area is said to be auriferous. This means it contains gold.
In one part of the river, below Ophir Creek, the Niukluk River has cut a small canyon. This canyon is about 50 feet (15 m) deep. It is below an older valley floor. This has left wide, flat areas called benches on either side of the river. These benches are covered by a few feet of gravel.
