South Fork Salmon River (California) facts for kids

The South Fork Salmon River is a river in Siskiyou County, California. It's about 39.5 miles (63.6 km) long. This river is one of two main streams that come together to form the larger Salmon River. The other stream is called the North Fork.

What is the South Fork Salmon River?

The South Fork Salmon River is an important part of the natural landscape in northern California. It's known for its clear waters and the beautiful areas it flows through. The river helps support many plants and animals that live in this region.

Where Does the River Start and Go?

The South Fork Salmon River begins high up in the Salmon Mountains. This area is right on the edge of Siskiyou County and Trinity County. Its starting point is about 15 miles (24 km) southeast of a small town called Cecilville.

From there, the river generally flows towards the northwest, still winding its way through the Salmon Mountains. Its journey ends when it meets the North Fork Salmon River at a place called Forks of Salmon. This is where the two rivers join to create the main Salmon River.

The South Fork Salmon River collects water from a large area of about 290 square miles (750 km²). This entire area is located within the Klamath National Forest. A big part of it is also inside the Trinity Alps Wilderness, which is a special protected natural area.

Other Rivers Joining In

The biggest river that flows into the South Fork Salmon River is called the East Fork South Fork Salmon River. This smaller river starts northeast of Cecilville. It begins near where the Scott Mountains and the Salmon Mountains meet.

The East Fork flows for about 15.2 miles (24.5 km) southwest. It then joins the main South Fork Salmon River upstream, which means a little bit before, Cecilville.