Slana River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slana River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Slana River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Southeast Fairbanks, Valdez–Cordova |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Alaska Range near Mount Kimball, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area 5,141 ft (1,567 m) 63°08′00″N 144°27′11″W / 63.13333°N 144.45306°W |
| River mouth | Copper River Slana, Valdez–Cordova Census Area 2,103 ft (641 m) 62°42′00″N 144°00′30″W / 62.70000°N 144.00833°W |
| Length | 55 mi (89 km) |
The Slana River is a cool river in southern Alaska, United States. It's about 55 miles (89 km) long. This river is a branch, or "tributary," of the bigger Copper River. It's also known by other names like Slahna, Slakna, or Sla River.
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Where Does the Slana River Start and End?
The Slana River begins high up in the Alaska Range mountains. Its source is close to a peak called Mount Kimball. From there, it flows mostly south.
The river eventually joins the much larger Copper River. This meeting point is near a place called Slana.
What's in a Name? The Slana River's History
The name "Slana" comes from the Native American people who lived in the area. An explorer named Henry Tureman Allen was the first to write down this name in 1885. This helps us learn about the history of the land.
Other Streams Joining the Slana River
Many smaller streams flow into the Slana River. These are called tributaries. They add more water to the main river as it travels.
- Athell Creek
- Rufus Creek
- Porcupine Creek
- Natat Creek
- Suslota Creek
- Carlson Creek
- Suslotina Creek
- Slana Slough
- Mabel Creek
- Granite Creek
- Jack Creek
- Alteration Creek
How the River Flows and What's Nearby
When the Slana River first starts, it flows through a narrow valley. This means the land on either side is close together. But as it gets closer to where it joins the Copper River, the valley opens up.
The river also starts to "meander" more. This means it makes lots of twists and turns, like a snake.
Lakes and Passes Near the Slana River
There are interesting natural features close to the Slana River.
- Mentasta Lake: Between the Slana River and another river called the Little Tok River, you'll find Mentasta Lake.
- Mountain Passes: There are also mountain passes nearby. These are lower areas in the mountains that people can use to travel through.
- Mentasta Pass is near Mentasta Lake.
- Gillett Pass leads towards the Dry Tok River.
- Sikonsina Pass goes towards Burnt Lake and the Big Tok River.
