North Fork Cache la Poudre River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Cache la Poudre River |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 40°47′06″N 105°45′12″W / 40.78500°N 105.75333°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Cache la Poudre 5,358 ft (1,633 m) 40°42′00″N 105°14′36″W / 40.70000°N 105.24333°W |
| Length | 59 mi (95 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Cache la Poudre— South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
The North Fork Cache la Poudre River (which many people just call the North Fork) is a river in north central Colorado, in the United States. It's about 59 miles (95 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary (which means it's a smaller river that flows into a bigger one) of the Cache la Poudre River. It helps drain a large, mountainous area in Larimer County, which is northwest of Fort Collins.
Contents
Where the North Fork Flows
The North Fork Cache la Poudre River starts in a quiet, remote part of northwestern Larimer County. It begins in the foothills of the Roosevelt National Forest, which is east of the Medicine Bow Mountains.
The river generally flows towards the east. It passes south of a place called Virginia Dale. Here, its waters are held back by the Halligan Reservoir, creating a lake. After this, the river turns and flows mostly south.
It then flows past the town of Livermore. Finally, the North Fork joins the main part of the Cache la Poudre River. This meeting point is near the entrance of the Poudre Canyon, between Poudre Park and Teds Place.
River's Journey to the Ocean
The North Fork Cache la Poudre River is part of a much larger river system. Its waters travel a very long way!
- First, the North Fork flows into the Cache la Poudre River.
- Then, the Cache la Poudre River flows into the South Platte River.
- The South Platte River joins the Platte River.
- The Platte River then flows into the mighty Missouri River.
- Finally, the Missouri River empties into the huge Mississippi River.
- The Mississippi River eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
History and Important Trails
The valley where the North Fork flows has been an important route for a very long time.
- Old Trails: Historically, this valley was used as a trail route between the Colorado Piedmont (a flat area in Colorado) and the Laramie Plains (a flat area in Wyoming). Famous trails like the Cherokee Trail and the Overland Trail once passed through here. These trails were used by pioneers, traders, and travelers.
- Railroad and Highway: Later, the valley of the North Fork became the path for the Union Pacific Railroad. This railroad helped connect different parts of the country. Even today, U.S. Highway 287 follows this same route. This highway connects Fort Collins, Colorado, with Laramie, Wyoming.
Communities Along the River
One of the main communities located in the valley of the North Fork is Livermore. This town is a small community that has grown up along the river's path.
