North Fork Payette River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Fork Payette River |
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Rafters running rapids on the North Fork Payette River near the mouth
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Map of the Payette River watershed including the North Fork
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Region | Valley County, Boise County |
| Cities | McCall, Cascade, Banks |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Trail Creek and Cloochman Creek Northwest of Diamond Ridge, Valley County 6,083 ft (1,854 m) 45°10′47″N 115°59′37″W / 45.17972°N 115.99361°W |
| River mouth | Payette River Banks, Boise County 2,825 ft (861 m) 44°05′06″N 116°06′57″W / 44.08500°N 116.11583°W |
| Length | 113 mi (182 km), North-south |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Snake River watershed |
| Basin size | 912 sq mi (2,360 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The North Fork Payette River is a river in western Idaho, a state in the United States. It flows for about 113 miles (182 km) (182 km) from north to south. Its journey starts in the Salmon River Mountains. It ends near Banks, where it joins the Payette River. The Payette River then flows into the Snake River.
The North Fork Payette River drains an area of 912 square miles (2,360 km2) (2,362 km²). This area, called a watershed, includes tall mountains, thick forests, and wide valleys. These valleys are home to large lakes and wetlands.
Contents
The River's Journey
Where the River Begins
The North Fork Payette River starts in a meadow within the Payette National Forest. This spot is in Valley County. It begins where two smaller streams, Trail Creek and Cloochman Creek, meet. This meeting point is called a confluence.
Flowing Through Lakes
From its start, the river flows south into Upper Payette Lake. It then continues south through a narrow valley. This valley leads it to Payette Lake. The river leaves the southern end of Payette Lake near the town of McCall.
It then flows south through a long, flat area called Long Valley. Here, it enters Lake Cascade. Lake Cascade is a large reservoir, which is like a big artificial lake. It was created by the Cascade Dam. Two other rivers, the Lake Fork and Gold Fork, join the North Fork Payette River in Lake Cascade.
Through the Canyon
About 5 miles (8.0 km) (8 km) downstream from the Cascade Dam and the town of Cascade, the river leaves Long Valley. It enters a deep, narrow canyon. This canyon runs along the western side of the North Fork Range. This area is part of the Boise National Forest.
The river then crosses into Boise County. At the county line, the canyon is very deep, more than 2,500 feet (760 m) (760 m) deep. Idaho State Highway 55 runs right alongside the river through this impressive canyon.
Joining Other Rivers
Finally, the North Fork Payette River joins the main Payette River near the small village of Banks. This happens at an elevation of 2,825 feet (861 m) (861 m). From Banks, the Payette River flows another 62 miles (100 km) (100 km) to the west. It eventually meets the Snake River near Ontario, Oregon.
