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North Fork Cache la Poudre River facts for kids

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North Fork Cache la Poudre River
Physical characteristics
Main source 40°47′06″N 105°45′12″W / 40.78500°N 105.75333°W / 40.78500; -105.75333
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 / 40.70000; -105.24333
Length 59 mi (95 km)
Basin features
Progression Cache la Poudre
South PlattePlatte
MissouriMississippi

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.

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!

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.

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