Ohanapecosh River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohanapecosh River |
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Silver Falls on the Ohanapecosh River in Mount Rainier National Park
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 Location of the mouth of the Ohanapecosh River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Counties | Pierce, Lewis |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Rainier Cascade Range 6,050 ft (1,840 m) 46°50′0″N 121°39′26″W / 46.83333°N 121.65722°W |
| River mouth | Cowlitz River 1,230 ft (370 m) 46°40′40″N 121°35′4″W / 46.67778°N 121.58444°W |
| Length | 16 mi (26 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 68.5 sq mi (177 km2) |
The Ohanapecosh River (pronounced oh-HAN-ə-pi-kosh) is a 16-mile (26 km) long river in the state of Washington, United States. It's an important part of the Cowlitz River system.
This river starts near Ohanapecosh Glacier on the southeast side of Mount Rainier. Most of the river flows through Mount Rainier National Park. Its last part is in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mount Rainier is a huge mountain that gives birth to nine major rivers. These include the Nisqually, Puyallup, Mowich, Carbon, West Fork White, Huckleberry, White, Ohanapecosh, and Muddy Fork rivers. Most of these rivers get their water from glaciers. However, the Ohanapecosh and Huckleberry rivers are special because they are not fed by glaciers.
Most of these rivers flow into Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington. But the Muddy Fork and Ohanapecosh rivers flow into the Cowlitz River. The Cowlitz River then joins the much larger Columbia River.
The name "Ohanapecosh" comes from the Taidnapam people, also known as the Upper Cowlitz tribe. It means "standing at the edge-place." Some people also think the name might mean "clear stream," "deep blue," or "deep blue holes."
Contents
River's Journey
The Ohanapecosh River begins high up on the southeastern slopes of Mount Rainier. It starts from the melting ice of the lower Ohanapecosh Glacier. As it flows, it passes through a wide, flat area of rocks called Indian Bar.
Around 15 mi (24 km) from its start, the Ohanapecosh River drops over Wauhaukaupauken Falls. A famous hiking path called the Wonderland Trail crosses the river near these falls. North of the river, there's a bowl-shaped valley called Ohanapecosh Park. To the south, there's a similar valley called Cowlitz Park. After Wauhaukaupauken Falls, the river continues flowing east over more waterfalls. A smaller stream called Boulder Creek joins it from the north.
Through Valleys and Forests
Below Boulder Creek, the Ohanapecosh River flows southeast. About 10.5 mi (16.9 km) downstream, the Eastside Trail crosses the river near another waterfall. Then, Chinook Creek joins the river from the north. The Ohanapecosh then turns south and flows through a wide, U-shaped valley. This valley was carved out by glaciers long ago.
Washington State Route 123 runs along the east side of the river in this valley. The Eastside Trail follows the west side. Many smaller streams flow into the Ohanapecosh here. These include Panther Creek from the east and Olallie Creek from the west.
Soon after Panther Creek, the river leaves Pierce County and enters Lewis County. Below Olallie Creek, the Ohanapecosh River flows through a flat area called Cedar Flats. Here, the river splits into two channels. These channels rejoin at the southern end of Cedar Flats. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail crosses the river and goes around the island formed by these channels. This area is known for its very old, giant trees.
Waterfalls and Hot Springs
Just downstream from where the two channels rejoin, the Ohanapecosh River flows past the east end of Stevens Canyon Road. This road connects with State Route 123 near the river. West of the river, a high ridge separates the Ohanapecosh's watershed from the Muddy Fork Cowlitz River. This ridge is called the Cowlitz Divide to the north and Backbone Ridge to the south.
The river then plunges over Silver Falls about 6 mi (9.7 km) from its mouth. This beautiful waterfall is located between Stevens Canyon Road and Laughingwater Creek.
Shortly after Silver Falls, Laughingwater Creek joins the river from the east. About 5 mi (8.0 km) downstream, the Ohanapecosh River flows past the famous Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. This area also has the Ohanapecosh Campground, Visitor Center, and Ranger Station. This southeastern part of Mount Rainier National Park is known as the Ohanapecosh area. After leaving the national park, the river enters Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Meeting the Cowlitz River
As the Ohanapecosh River continues south, Carlton Creek and Summit Creek join it from the east. Near La Wis Wis Campground, the Ohanapecosh River finally meets the Clear Fork Cowlitz River. From this point on, the combined stream is called the Cowlitz River. State Route 123 ends near La Wis Wis, joining U.S. Route 12. Route 12 then continues to follow the Cowlitz River downstream.
