Rearguard Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rearguard Falls |
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Rearguard Falls
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| Location | Rearguard Falls Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 52°58′25″N 119°21′25″W / 52.97361°N 119.35694°W |
| Type | Gradual Cascade |
| Total height | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Total width | 73 m (240 ft) |
| Average width | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Watercourse | Fraser River |
| Average flow rate |
171 m3/s (6,000 cu ft/s) |
Rearguard Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Rearguard Falls Provincial Park. You can find it on the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. These falls are special because they mark the farthest point that salmon travel up the Fraser River to lay their eggs.
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Discovering Rearguard Falls
Rearguard Falls is a stunning natural landmark. It is part of the huge Fraser River system. The falls are about 6 meters (20 feet) high. They stretch about 73 meters (240 feet) wide. This makes them a wide, powerful cascade of water.
Where are the Falls?
The falls are found within Rearguard Falls Provincial Park. This park is in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The water here comes from the Fraser River. This river starts far away at Fraser Pass. The falls are about 115 kilometers (71 miles) downstream from the river's source.
Why are Salmon Important Here?
Rearguard Falls is super important for salmon. It is the very last spot they can reach on their long journey. Salmon travel an amazing 1,260 kilometers (783 miles) from the Pacific Ocean. They swim all the way up the Fraser River. This incredible journey is to reach their spawning grounds. Spawning means laying their eggs. After laying eggs, the adult salmon usually die. Their bodies then provide food for other animals.
The Salmon's Amazing Journey
Salmon are born in freshwater rivers. They then swim out to the ocean to grow. After several years, they return to the exact same river where they were born. They do this to lay their own eggs. This journey is very difficult. They swim against strong currents. They also have to avoid predators. Rearguard Falls is the final barrier they face. They cannot swim past it.
Visiting the Falls
It is easy to visit Rearguard Falls. A special boardwalk has been built there. This boardwalk leads from a rest area on the Yellowhead Highway. It takes visitors right up close to the falls. This allows everyone to get a great view. You can see the powerful water and maybe even some salmon.
What to See and Do
When you visit, you can walk along the boardwalk. You will hear the roar of the water. You can also feel the mist from the falls. It is a great place for taking photos. Many people come to watch the salmon. They try to jump up the falls during their migration season. It is an amazing sight to see.
