North Fork Merced River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Merced River |
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 Location of North Fork Merced River in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Nevada 4,188 ft (1,277 m) 37°47′2″N 119°58′51″W / 37.78389°N 119.98083°W |
| River mouth | Merced River 932 ft (284 m) 37°36′46″N 120°3′32″W / 37.61278°N 120.05889°W |
| Length | 18 mi (29 km) |
The North Fork Merced River is a beautiful waterway located in Mariposa County, California. It's a smaller river, often called a "tributary," that flows into the larger Merced River. This river begins high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains and travels through a scenic canyon. It eventually joins the Merced River near a place called Bagby.
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River's Journey
The North Fork Merced River starts its journey in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These mountains are a very famous and large mountain range in California. The river's source is quite high up, at about 4,188 feet (1,277 meters) above sea level.
Flowing Through the Forest
As the river begins its path, it flows through the Stanislaus National Forest. This is a large area of protected land with many trees and natural habitats. The river generally flows south, carving its way through a deep and beautiful canyon.
Meeting the Merced River
The North Fork Merced River is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) long. It continues its journey until it reaches the main Merced River. This meeting point is near the historic area of Bagby, California. At this spot, the North Fork Merced River is much lower, around 932 feet (284 meters) above sea level.
What Makes This River Special
Rivers like the North Fork Merced are important parts of nature. They help carry water from the mountains down to lower areas. This water is vital for plants, animals, and even people.
Natural Beauty and Wildlife
The areas around the North Fork Merced River are full of natural beauty. The canyon it flows through offers amazing views. Many different types of plants and animals live in and around the river. These include various fish, birds, and other wildlife that depend on the river for their survival.
Water for the Region
The water from the North Fork Merced River eventually contributes to the larger Merced River system. The Merced River is a major waterway in California. It plays a role in providing water for farming and other uses in the region.
