Wood River (British Columbia) facts for kids
The Wood River is a smaller river that flows into a much bigger one, the Columbia River. It's located in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Today, the lower part of the Wood River is covered by water from the Mica Dam. This dam is on the Columbia River. Before the dam was built, the Wood River used to flow into the Canoe River.
Now, the lower Wood River is called Wood Reach. It connects to Canoe Reach, which is the flooded lower part of the Canoe River. Both of these "reaches" are part of a large lake called Kinbasket Lake. This lake was formed by the Mica Dam.
Where the Wood River Flows
The Wood River begins in a beautiful place called Fortress Lake. This lake is found inside Hamber Provincial Park. The small streams that feed the river start on the western side of the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a big mountain ridge that separates rivers flowing to different oceans.
From Fortress Lake, the Wood River generally flows towards the southwest. It eventually joins the Canoe River and the mighty Columbia River in Kinbasket Lake.
A Look Back in History
In 1811, a famous explorer named David Thompson traveled through this area. He crossed the Continental Divide at a spot called Athabasca Pass. From there, he went down Pacific Creek and then followed the Wood River. His goal was to reach the Columbia River.
Thompson and his group built a boat at a place they called Boat Encampment. This spot was very important because it was where the Wood, Canoe, and Columbia rivers all met.
