Naches River
Encyclopedia
The Naches River is a tributary
of the Yakima River
in central Washington in the United States
. Beginning as the Little Naches River, it is about 75 miles (121 km) long. After the confluence of the Little Naches and Bumping River
the name becomes simply the Naches River. The Naches and its tributaries drain a portion of the eastern side of the Cascade Range
, east of Mount Rainier
and northeast of Mount Adams
. In terms of discharge
, the Naches River is the largest tributary of the Yakima River.
In its upper reaches, the Naches River basin includes rugged mountains and wildernesses
. The lower Naches River and its tributary the Tieton River flow through valleys with towns and irrigated orchards northwest of Yakima
, where the Naches River joins the Yakima River. Historically, the river served as an important travel corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades, via Naches Pass
, used by both Native Americans
and settler
s.
The river's name comes from the Indian words "naugh", meaning rough or turbulent, and "chez", meaning water.
and boundaries of Yakima County
, Kittitas County, Pierce County
, and King County
. The Yakima-Kittitas county line follows the upper Little Naches and Naches rivers, but most of the Naches River basin is in Yakima County. Pierce and King counties are bounded by the water divide between Puget Sound
and the Columbia River. Thus the tributaries of the Naches River reach up to, but not across, the Pierce and King county lines.
The Little Naches River begins at the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork Little Naches River. After flowing southeast for about 20 miles (32 km) the Little Naches River joins the Bumping River to form the Naches River proper. The Little Naches River basin includes the eastern portion of the Norse Peak Wilderness
, northeast of Mount Rainier.
The Bumping River flows from headwaters near the southeastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park and the Lewis County
line. The river flows northeast into Bumping Lake, a natural lake enlarged by a dam. Below the dam, the Bumping River flows northeast to its confluence with the Little Naches River. Just before the confluence the Bumping River picks up its main tributary, the American River
.
The American River has its source several forks near Chinook Pass
and the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park
. For most of its course, the American River valley is shared with State Route 410
, which crosses the Cascades at Chinook Pass.
Below the confluence of the Little Naches and Bumping rivers, the Naches River flows southeast through Nile Valley, where it collects Nile Creek and Rattlesnake Creek. Then the river enters Naches Valley, where it collects its largest tributary, the Tieton River
. Naches Valley is home to the towns of Naches
and Tieton
. The valley is filled with orchards, mainly growing apples. Irrigation water arrives via canals tapping both the Tieton and Naches rivers.
The Tieton River begins at Rimrock Lake, an artificial reservoir
, which in turn is fed by several streams draining part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness
. The William O. Douglas Wilderness
is also part of the Naches River basin.
Below the Tieton River confluence, the Naches River collects Cowiche Creek, then flows east along the northern side of the city of Yakima, joining the Yakima River there.
, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest
, as well as parts of Norse Peak Wilderness, William O. Douglas Wilderness, Goat Rocks Wilderness.
The Pacific Crest Trail
follows, approximately, the high water divide of the Cascades, along the headwaters of many of the streams of the Naches River basin.
White Pass Ski Area
is located near White Pass and the headwaters of the Tieton River.
Tributary
A tributary or affluent is a stream or river that flows into a main stem river or a lake. A tributary does not flow directly into a sea or ocean...
of the Yakima River
Yakima River
The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River in south central and eastern Washington State, named for the indigenous Yakama people. The length of the river from headwaters to mouth is , with an average drop of .-Course:...
in central Washington in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Beginning as the Little Naches River, it is about 75 miles (121 km) long. After the confluence of the Little Naches and Bumping River
Bumping River
The Bumping River is a tributary of the Naches River, in Washington in the United States. It flows down the east side of the Cascade Range, through Wenatchee National Forest and the William O. Douglas Wilderness. From its source at Fish Lake near Crag Mountain, it flows northeast to Bumping Lake, a...
the name becomes simply the Naches River. The Naches and its tributaries drain a portion of the eastern side of the Cascade Range
Cascade Range
The Cascade Range is a major mountain range of western North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. It includes both non-volcanic mountains, such as the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades...
, east of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is a massive stratovolcano located southeast of Seattle in the state of Washington, United States. It is the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous United States and the Cascade Volcanic Arc, with a summit elevation of . Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most...
and northeast of Mount Adams
Mount Adams (Washington)
Mount Adams is a potentially activestratovolcano in the Cascade Range and the second-highest mountain in the U.S. state of Washington.Adams is a member of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, and is one of the arc's largest volcanoes,...
. In terms of discharge
Discharge (hydrology)
In hydrology, discharge is the volume rate of water flow, including any suspended solids , dissolved chemical species and/or biologic material , which is transported through a given cross-sectional area...
, the Naches River is the largest tributary of the Yakima River.
In its upper reaches, the Naches River basin includes rugged mountains and wildernesses
National Wilderness Preservation System
The National Wilderness Preservation System of the United States protects federally managed land areas designated for preservation in their natural condition. It was established by the Wilderness Act upon the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 3, 1964...
. The lower Naches River and its tributary the Tieton River flow through valleys with towns and irrigated orchards northwest of Yakima
Yakima, Washington
Yakima is an American city southeast of Mount Rainier National Park and the county seat of Yakima County, Washington, United States, and the eighth largest city by population in the state itself. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 91,196 and a metropolitan population of...
, where the Naches River joins the Yakima River. Historically, the river served as an important travel corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades, via Naches Pass
Naches Pass
Naches Pass is a mountain pass of the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located about east of Tacoma and about northwest of Yakima, near the headwaters of tributary streams of the Naches River on the east and the Greenwater River on the west. The boundaries of Pierce, King,...
, used by both Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
and settler
Settler
A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there, often to colonize the area. Settlers are generally people who take up residence on land and cultivate it, as opposed to nomads...
s.
The river's name comes from the Indian words "naugh", meaning rough or turbulent, and "chez", meaning water.
Course
The Little Naches River begins in several forks near Naches PassNaches Pass
Naches Pass is a mountain pass of the Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located about east of Tacoma and about northwest of Yakima, near the headwaters of tributary streams of the Naches River on the east and the Greenwater River on the west. The boundaries of Pierce, King,...
and boundaries of Yakima County
Yakima County, Washington
Yakima County is the second largest county by area in the U.S. state of Washington. It is named after the Yakama tribe of Native Americans. In the 2010 census, its population was 243,231...
, Kittitas County, Pierce County
Pierce County, Washington
right|thumb|[[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] - Seat of Pierce CountyPierce County is the second most populous county in the U.S. state of Washington. Formed out of Thurston County on December 22, 1852, by the legislature of Oregon Territory...
, and King County
King County, Washington
King County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The population in the 2010 census was 1,931,249. King is the most populous county in Washington, and the 14th most populous in the United States....
. The Yakima-Kittitas county line follows the upper Little Naches and Naches rivers, but most of the Naches River basin is in Yakima County. Pierce and King counties are bounded by the water divide between Puget Sound
Puget Sound
Puget Sound is a sound in the U.S. state of Washington. It is a complex estuarine system of interconnected marine waterways and basins, with one major and one minor connection to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean — Admiralty Inlet being the major connection and...
and the Columbia River. Thus the tributaries of the Naches River reach up to, but not across, the Pierce and King county lines.
The Little Naches River begins at the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork Little Naches River. After flowing southeast for about 20 miles (32 km) the Little Naches River joins the Bumping River to form the Naches River proper. The Little Naches River basin includes the eastern portion of the Norse Peak Wilderness
Norse Peak Wilderness
Norse Peak Wilderness is located in central Washington in the United States. It protects the portion of the Cascade Range north of Chinook Pass , south of Naches Pass , and east of Mt. Rainier National Park. This 50,923 acre wilderness is named for a prominent peak which overlooks Crystal Mountain...
, northeast of Mount Rainier.
The Bumping River flows from headwaters near the southeastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park and the Lewis County
Lewis County, Washington
Lewis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of 2010, the population was 75,455. The county seat is at Chehalis, and its largest city is Centralia....
line. The river flows northeast into Bumping Lake, a natural lake enlarged by a dam. Below the dam, the Bumping River flows northeast to its confluence with the Little Naches River. Just before the confluence the Bumping River picks up its main tributary, the American River
American River (Washington)
The American River is a tributary of the Bumping River, in Washington in the United States. It flows down the east side of the Cascade Range, through Wenatchee National Forest and the William O...
.
The American River has its source several forks near Chinook Pass
Chinook Pass
Chinook Pass is a pass through the Cascade Range in the state of Washington.The pass provides the east entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and carries State Route 410 between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches. Because of the high elevation, Chinook Pass is usually closed in November due to...
and the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a United States National Park located in southeast Pierce County and northeast Lewis County in Washington state. It was one of the US's earliest National Parks, having been established on March 2, 1899 as the fifth national park in the United States. The park contains...
. For most of its course, the American River valley is shared with State Route 410
Washington State Route 410
State Route 410 is a long state highway that traverses Pierce, King, and Yakima counties in the U.S. state of Washington. It begins at an interchange with SR 167 in Sumner and travels southeast across the Cascade Range to a junction with U.S. Route 12 in Naches...
, which crosses the Cascades at Chinook Pass.
Below the confluence of the Little Naches and Bumping rivers, the Naches River flows southeast through Nile Valley, where it collects Nile Creek and Rattlesnake Creek. Then the river enters Naches Valley, where it collects its largest tributary, the Tieton River
Tieton River
The Tieton River is a tributary of the Naches River, in Yakima County, Washington in the United States.The Tieton River begins in two forks, the North Fork Tieton River and South Fork Tieton River. The North Fork originates at McCall Glacier on the eastern sides of Old Snowy Mountain, Ives Peak,...
. Naches Valley is home to the towns of Naches
Naches, Washington
Naches is a town in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 795 individuals at the 2010 census.-Infrastructure:Naches' infrastructure is based mainly on timber and agriculture, known for its large masses of apple, cherries, pears and various other fruits.-Geography:Naches is...
and Tieton
Tieton, Washington
Tieton is a town in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,191 at the 2010 census.In recent years, Tieton has suffered economic depression, with the decline of its fruit warehouses...
. The valley is filled with orchards, mainly growing apples. Irrigation water arrives via canals tapping both the Tieton and Naches rivers.
The Tieton River begins at Rimrock Lake, an artificial reservoir
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
, which in turn is fed by several streams draining part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness
Goat Rocks Wilderness
Goat Rocks Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in Washington, United States. Consisting of portions of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest on the crest of the Cascade Range south of U.S...
. The William O. Douglas Wilderness
William O. Douglas Wilderness
The William O. Douglas Wilderness is a designated wilderness located in central portion of the U.S. state of Washington. It includes 168,232 acres located between the U.S. Route 12 and State Route 410 and is jointly administered by the Snoqualmie National Forest and the Gifford Pinchot National...
is also part of the Naches River basin.
Below the Tieton River confluence, the Naches River collects Cowiche Creek, then flows east along the northern side of the city of Yakima, joining the Yakima River there.
Recreation
Much of the Naches River basin is national forest and wilderness land, including parts of Wenatchee National ForestWenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in Washington. With an area of 1,735,394 acres , it extends about 137 miles along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range of Washington, USA from Okanogan National Forest to Gifford Pinchot National Forest...
, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington extends more than along the western slopes of the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Forest headquarters are located in the city of Everett....
, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in southern Washington, USA. With an area of 1.37 million acres , it extends 116 km along the western slopes of Cascade Range from Mount Rainier National Park to the Columbia River. It includes the 110,000 acre Mount St....
, as well as parts of Norse Peak Wilderness, William O. Douglas Wilderness, Goat Rocks Wilderness.
The Pacific Crest Trail
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance mountain hiking and equestrian trail on the Western Seaboard of the United States. The southern terminus is at the California border with Mexico...
follows, approximately, the high water divide of the Cascades, along the headwaters of many of the streams of the Naches River basin.
White Pass Ski Area
White Pass Ski Area
The White Pass Ski Area is a ski area at White Pass, Washington, located 50 miles west of Yakima on US-12, and 110 miles east of Tacoma.- Alpine Skiing :...
is located near White Pass and the headwaters of the Tieton River.