Rapid River (Washington) facts for kids
The Rapid River is a river in the state of Washington, in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river. The Rapid River is a tributary of the Beckler River. It is about 13 miles (21 km) long. The area of land that drains water into the Rapid River, called its drainage basin, is about 41 square miles (106 km2).
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Where the Rapid River Starts
The Rapid River begins high up in the mountains, in a place called the Cascade Range. It actually starts from two main spots. One spot is at Grouse Lake, located at 47°49′19″N 121°7′28″W / 47.82194°N 121.12444°W. The other starting point is on the western side of Jove Peak, at 47°49′40″N 121°04′24″W / 47.82778°N 121.07333°W.
Water from the Jove Peak area flows through a lake called Lake Janus, which is very high up at 4,146 feet (1,264 m). This water then joins the stream coming from Grouse Lake. After they meet, the river flows towards the southwest.
Another stream that joins the Rapid River comes from Dow Lake. This lake is also very high, at 4,742 feet (1,445 m). It is near Union Pass and Union Peak, which are also part of the Cascade Mountains.
The Pacific Crest Trail
A famous hiking path called the Pacific Crest Trail follows along the high parts of the Cascade Mountains. This trail goes through some areas where the Rapid River gets its water.
Mountain Peaks and Water Flow
Jove Peak and Union Peak are important mountains in this area. They are part of the main ridge of the Cascade Range. This ridge acts like a natural wall, separating the Rapid River's water area from another river system, the Little Wenatchee River, which is to the east.
It's interesting to know that the water from the Rapid River eventually flows into Puget Sound. But the water from the Little Wenatchee River goes in a different direction. It flows into the Columbia River through the Wenatchee River.
The River's Path
From its starting points high in the Cascades, the Rapid River flows mostly southwest and then west. Along its journey, many smaller streams join it, adding more water.
The river then makes a turn towards the north. In this northern bend, another stream joins. This stream gets its water from Cup Lake, Saucer Lake, and Margaret Lake, all located on the Cascade Crest. Soon after, the North Fork Rapid River also joins the main river, followed by Meadow Creek.
North Fork Rapid River
The North Fork Rapid River starts about four miles to the north. Its water comes from Pear Lake, Peach Lake, and Grass Lake. These lakes are close to Wenatchee Pass, which is also on the Cascade Crest.
Mountains in the Rapid River Area
The area around the Rapid River is surrounded by many impressive mountains. Some of the larger ones include Valhalla Mountain, Scrabble Mountain, Scorpion Mountain, Sunrise Mountain, Evergreen Mountain, Grizzly Peak, and Fortune Mountain.
Connection to Other Rivers
Even though the Rapid River is a tributary, it's a very important one. When you look at how much water flows, the Rapid River and the Beckler River are actually the main sources for the South Fork Skykomish River. This means they contribute a lot of water to it, even though the South Fork Skykomish River keeps its own name after the Beckler River joins it.
