Skwentna River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skwentna River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Skwentna River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Matanuska-Susitna |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 3,500 ft (1,100 m) 61°25′57″N 152°40′47″W / 61.43250°N 152.67972°W South Twin Glacier |
| River mouth | 125 ft (38 m) 61°59′8″N 151°8′23″W / 61.98556°N 151.13972°W Yentna River |
| Length | 100 mi (160 km) |
The Skwentna River is a long and important river located in the southwestern part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. It flows through a beautiful part of Alaska, known for its wild landscapes and natural beauty. This river is a key waterway in the region, supporting various forms of wildlife and playing a role in the local environment.
Contents
River's Journey: Where Does the Skwentna River Flow?
The Skwentna River begins its journey high up at the South Twin Glacier. Imagine a giant ice river slowly melting and feeding the very start of this river! From there, it flows generally North and then East.
Its waters eventually join another larger river called the Yentna River. This meeting point is about 63 miles (101 km) North of Tyonek, Alaska, a small community near the Cook Inlet. The Skwentna River travels about 100 miles (160 km) (or 160 kilometres (99 mi)) from its icy source to where it meets the Yentna River.
River's Starting and Ending Points
- Source: The Skwentna River starts at the South Twin Glacier. This is a very high place, about 3,500 feet (1,100 m) (or 1,067 metres (3,501 ft)) above sea level.
- Mouth: The river ends when it flows into the Yentna River. At this point, the elevation is much lower, around 125 feet (38 m) (or 38 metres (125 ft)) above sea level.
History: How the River Got Its Name
The name "Skwentna River" comes from the Denaʼina language, which is spoken by the Denaʼina people, a group of Alaska Native people who have lived in this area for thousands of years.
In 1898, a report by a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explorer named Spurr first wrote down the name of the river as "Skwent River." Over time, it became known as the Skwentna River, keeping a connection to its original Indigenous name.
Important Tributaries: Rivers Joining the Skwentna
A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Skwentna River has its own tributaries that add to its flow.
- One important river that joins the Skwentna River is the Talachulitna River.
