Stuck River (Washington) facts for kids

The Stuck River is a special waterway in Washington state. It used to be a small stream. Now, it's the last part of the White River. The Stuck River flows near Auburn and ends at the Puyallup River near Sumner.

The name "Stuck River" comes from the Lushootseed language. This is the language of some Native American tribes in the area. The word /stéq/ means "log jam." Another word, /stəx̣/, means "gouged through" or "plowed through." These names give us clues about the river's history.

How the Stuck River Changed

For many years, the Stuck River was just a small stream. But the nearby White River often flooded. This caused problems for farmers in the valley. They wanted to control the floods.

Farmers' Flood Control Efforts

In the late 1800s, farmers tried different ways to manage the White River's floods. They built things like dikes and channels. These efforts slowly changed how the rivers flowed. By 1899, some of the White River's water started to flow into the Stuck River.

The Great Flood of 1906

A very big flood happened in 1906. This flood was so powerful that it completely changed the rivers. The White River's entire flow was diverted into the Stuck River. This meant the Stuck River became the main path for the White River.

The Stuck River Today

Today, the whole length of what was once the Stuck River is considered the final part of the White River. Even so, the name "Stuck River" is still used a lot. You can find it on many maps. Local places and property descriptions also use the name. It's a reminder of the river's interesting past.