Serpent River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serpent |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Abitibi-Témiscamingue |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Serpent Lake Senneterre, La Vallée-de-l'Or Regional County Municipality (RCM), Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec 406 m (1,332 ft) 48°16′56″N 76°04′12″W / 48.28222°N 76.07000°W |
| River mouth | Mégiscane River, Noiseux Bay, Canusio Lake Senneterre, La Vallée-de-l'Or Regional County Municipality, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec 388 m (1,273 ft) 49°29′19″N 75°50′45″W / 49.48861°N 75.84583°W |
| Length | 41.4 km (25.7 mi) |
The Serpent River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Mégiscane River. This river is located in the area of Senneterre. This area is part of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
The Serpent River flows through a large forest. The main activity here is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Tourism and outdoor fun are also popular. The river usually freezes over from mid-December to mid-April. A railway line and a forest road run near the river's southern part.
Where Does the Serpent River Start?
The Serpent River begins at a special place with two connected lakes. These are Serpent Lake and Mitikoganik Lakes. Together, they are about 12.5 kilometres (7.8 mi) long. Serpent Lake is 3.3 kilometres (2.1 mi) long, and Mitikoganik Lakes are 11.3 kilometres (7.0 mi) long. The water in these lakes is about 406 metres (1,332 ft) above sea level.
Mitikoganik Lakes get their water from nearby streams. These streams flow from other lakes and swampy areas. Serpent Lake gets its water from the Mitikoganik Lakes and other small lakes.
The land around these lakes is hilly. The highest peaks are about 486 metres (1,594 ft) to 490 metres (1,610 ft) tall. The lakes look a bit like a winding pipe. Mitikoganik Lakes have many islands and peninsulas, especially in their southern part.
How the River Flows
The Serpent River's starting point is near the border of two areas called Valmy and Trévet Townships. It is about 3.4 kilometres (2.1 mi) north of the Canadian National Railway. This spot is also about 88.4 kilometres (54.9 mi) east of downtown Senneterre.
The main rivers and lakes near the Serpent River are:
- North: Mégiscane Lake, Canusio Lake, Mégiscane River
- East: Mégiscane River, Kekek River
- South: Trévet River, Kekek River
- West: Attic River, Berthelot River, Whitegoose River, Mégiscane River
The Serpent River flows for about 41.4 kilometres (25.7 mi). Here's how it moves:
- It flows 6.5 kilometres (4.0 mi) northeast, passing through Raven Lake.
- Then, it winds for 24.4 kilometres (15.2 mi) to the northeast.
- Next, it goes 7.3 kilometres (4.5 mi) north, winding a lot through marshy areas.
- Finally, it flows 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) northwest to where it joins another river.
The Serpent River ends by flowing into Noisy Bay, which is part of Canusio Lake. The Mégiscane River flows through Canusio Lake. The Mégiscane River then flows generally west. It forms many zigzags before reaching Parent Lake (Abitibi).
The place where the Serpent River joins the Mégiscane River is important. It is about 95.6 kilometres (59.4 mi) northeast of where the Mégiscane River ends. It is also about 104.1 kilometres (64.7 mi) northeast of downtown Senneterre.
Why is it Called "Serpent River"?
The name "Serpent" means "snake" in French. This name was chosen because the lake where the river starts is very narrow. Also, the river itself winds and turns a lot, like a snake.
The name "Serpent River" became official on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which names places in Quebec.
