Tulameen River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tulameen River |
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North Cascades |
| River mouth | Similkameen River 49°28′N 120°30′W / 49.467°N 120.500°W |
The Tulameen River is a river located in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Tulameen River flows into the Similkameen River.
The water from the Tulameen River eventually becomes part of the huge Columbia River system. This happens because the Similkameen River flows into the Okanogan River, and the Okanagan River then joins the Columbia River.
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Where the Tulameen River Flows
The Tulameen River starts in a beautiful area called E. C. Manning Provincial Park. Its very first waters come from Punchbowl Lake. This lake is high up in the North Cascades, which is part of the Cascade Range mountains.
The river generally flows north first, then turns to the east. It passes by the small community of Tulameen, British Columbia. Finally, the Tulameen River joins the Similkameen River near the town of Princeton.
Gold and Platinum Discoveries
The Tulameen River area is very special. It is the only place in the world where both gold and platinum have been found together! However, most of the important deposits of these valuable metals have already been mined out.
Plants and Animals of the Tulameen River
The area around the Tulameen River is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. This entire area, called a watershed, supports a wide variety of life.
Animal Life in the Watershed
Animals living here include different types of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. One interesting amphibian found in this watershed is the Rough-skinned newt. Its scientific name is Taricha granulosa.
In the North Cascades, about 90 percent of the adult Rough-skinned newts have a special feature. They keep their gills throughout their lives, even as adults. This is called a "perennibranchiate" form.
