Ozette River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ozette River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Ozette River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Clallam |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Olympic Mountains 48°9′11″N 124°40′7″W / 48.15306°N 124.66861°W |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean 48°10′53″N 124°42′34″W / 48.18139°N 124.70944°W |
The Ozette River is a stream located on the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, United States. It starts high up in the northwestern Olympic Mountains and then flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean. This river is an important part of the natural landscape in this area.
Contents
The River's Journey
The Ozette River begins its journey at the northern end of Ozette Lake. This is near a small place called Ozette. From there, the river generally flows towards the northwest.
Its path takes it through some very special areas. It flows through the Ozette Indian Reservation. It also passes through parts of Olympic National Park. The river finally empties into the Pacific Ocean just north of Cape Alava.
Ozette Lake and the Big River
The main source of water for the Ozette River actually comes from Ozette Lake. A river called the Big River flows into Ozette Lake. This means the Big River is the most important tributary (a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one) for the entire Ozette River system.
Wildlife and Nature
The Ozette River and the areas around it are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The river's waters support various fish species. The surrounding forests and wetlands provide habitats for birds, mammals, and insects.
Olympic National Park Connection
Because the river flows through Olympic National Park, it is part of a protected natural area. This park is known for its amazing wilderness. It includes mountains, forests, and a rugged coastline. The river helps connect these different parts of the ecosystem.
History and Culture
The area around the Ozette River has a rich history. It has been home to Native American communities for thousands of years. The Ozette Indian Village Archeological Site is a very important place. It shows how people lived there long ago.
The Makah Tribe
The Makah people have lived near the Ozette River and Ozette Lake for a very long time. The river and lake were important for their way of life. They provided food, water, and a way to travel. Today, the river continues to be a significant part of their ancestral lands.
