North Powder River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Powder River |
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 Location of the mouth of the North Powder River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Union and Baker |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blue Mountains Wallowa–Whitman National Forest 7,627 ft (2,325 m) 44°52′15″N 118°12′14″W / 44.87083°N 118.20389°W |
| River mouth | Powder River North Powder, Oregon 3,205 ft (977 m) 45°02′19″N 117°53′44″W / 45.03861°N 117.89556°W |
| Length | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 118 sq mi (310 km2) |
| Type: | Scenic |
| Designated: | October 28, 1988 |
The North Powder River is a river in Oregon, a state in the United States. It is about 25-mile (40 km) long. This river is a tributary of the Powder River. This means it is a smaller stream that flows into the larger Powder River.
The North Powder River starts in the Elkhorn Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Blue Mountains. The river gets its water from three small lakes high up in the mountains. From there, it flows generally east. It joins the Powder River near the town of North Powder.
Contents
A Special River: Wild and Scenic
In 1988, a special part of the North Powder River was protected. The upper 6.4 miles (10.3 km) (about 10 kilometers) of the river became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system helps protect rivers that have important natural, cultural, or recreational value. It means this part of the river will stay wild and beautiful for future generations.
This scenic part of the river is about 30 miles (48 km) (about 48 kilometers) from Baker City. It flows through rough, natural areas. Getting to this part of the river by car can be tricky. You often need a vehicle that sits high off the ground. Many people use the North Powder River Trail via Forest Road 7301 to reach it.
Nature and Fishing
The upper part of the North Powder River flows through very old forests. These are called old-growth forests. They are home to many plants and animals. The river also has a healthy population of wild rainbow trout. These fish are popular with anglers.
However, the lower part of the river is different. Much of its water is used for watering hayfields. This means the river often "disappears" into irrigation systems.
Where the River Flows
The lower part of the North Powder River forms a border. It separates Union County to the north from Baker County to the south. Just before it reaches the town of North Powder, the river flows under Interstate 84. This is a major highway in Oregon.
Smaller Streams Joining the River
Many smaller streams flow into the North Powder River. These are called its tributaries. From where the river starts to where it ends, these streams include:
- Horse Creek
- North Fork North Powder River
- Twin Mountain Creek
- Jimmy Creek
- Lawrence Creek
- Dutch Flat Creek
- Antone Creek
- Little Antone Creek
- Gorham Gulch
- Anthony Creek
- Pilcher Creek
