Palix River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palix River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Palix River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Pacific |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Canon River Willapa Hills 46°34′13″N 123°46′46″W / 46.57028°N 123.77944°W |
| River mouth | Willapa Bay 0 ft (0 m) 46°38′11″N 123°56′41″W / 46.63639°N 123.94472°W |
| Length | 14 mi (23 km) |
The Palix River is a stream located in the state of Washington, United States. It's about 14 miles (23 km) long. This length includes the Canon River, which is its longest branch. The Palix River has several smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries. The main tributaries are the North, Middle, and South Fork Palix River, along with the Canon River.
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About the Palix River
The Palix River starts in the Willapa Hills in Pacific County. It flows generally west until it reaches Willapa Bay. Willapa Bay is an estuary, which is a special area where a river meets the ocean. In this case, it connects to the Pacific Ocean.
The River's Branches
The Palix River is formed by three main branches, or "forks." These are the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork Palix River. Another important stream, the Canon River, also flows into the Palix River system.
North Fork Palix River
The North Fork starts a few miles west of South Bend. It flows mostly south through hills. It's close to the Niawiakum River. Near its end, the North Fork turns west. It then enters the wide, marshy area where the Palix River meets the bay. This area is called the Palix River estuary. The North Fork is about 7 mi (11 km) long.
South Fork Palix River
The South Fork Palix River begins about a mile south of the Palix River estuary. It flows in a curving path, first southwest, then north. It stays less than a mile from the coast. Finally, it joins the other forks in the Palix estuary. This fork is about 6 mi (9.7 km) long.
Middle Fork Palix River
The Middle Fork Palix River starts about a mile east of the Palix River estuary. It flows west and quickly enters the estuary. In the estuary, the Canon River joins the Middle Fork from the south. After that, the Middle Fork joins the North Fork. This branch is about 2.5 mi (4.0 km) long.
Canon River
The Canon River is actually longer than any of the Palix River's forks. It starts in the Willapa Hills. It flows generally west and northwest through hilly areas. Part of its journey takes it through a narrow valley called a gorge. Here, it receives its main tributary, Canyon Creek. After leaving the gorge, the Canon River flows north. It then enters the Palix River estuary, joining the Middle Fork Palix River. The Canon River is approximately 8.7 mi (14.0 km) long.
Where the River Ends
The main part of the Palix River forms where its three forks come together. It then flows northwest for a few miles. Its estuary blends with the larger estuary of Willapa Bay. This happens just west of Wilson Point. The mouth of the Palix River is near Bay Center. It's very close to where the Niawiakum River and Bone River also meet the bay. U.S. Route 101 crosses over the main Palix River. The mainstem Palix River is about 4.5 mi (7.2 km) long.
River's Name and History
According to a person named Edmond S. Meany, the name "Palix" comes from the Chehalis language. He spelled it "Palux." The name means "slough covered with trees." A "slough" is a muddy or marshy area. The name "Palux" was also used for a group of Chinookan people. They lived along this river a long time ago.
