By Staff
waterhead.com
October 12, 2011

The Rivers of the United States flow over thousands of miles.  They carry millions of gallons of water.  They are found flowing along the base of steep mountains and meandering through prairies.  In some, the water flows rapidly over rocks creating white water while in others it moves lazily along, looking like it has stopped moving completely.  Some rivers provide fresh water for municipalities while others might be the source of irrigation water.  They collect runoff water to direct it to the oceans.  Even flooding rivers serve a purpose as they redeposit rich minerals in acres of farm lands.  Regardless of the length or width off a river or of the speed at which the water flows, waterheads see rivers as only one thing, recreation.

Waterheads are people that love the water.  Rivers, lakes, streams and oceans all offer another body of water for the waterhead to conquer.  Some off the ways these waterways are enjoyed include boating, fishing, swimming or skiing.  In addition, the waterhead may simply enjoy a stroll along a path, seeing what can be discovered along the water.

Rivers are found in all sizes.  In Oklahoma, the Glover river is only thirty miles long.  The Missouri, which is the longest river in the US, travels through several states in its 2540 miles from source to mouth, where it drains into the Mississippi to travel another 2340 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Many Rivers of the United States located in the central part of the country are a part of the Mississippi drainage basin.  This basin covers most of the nation east of the Rockies and West of the Eastern divide.  The Mississippi is the third largest drainage basin in the world.  Waters that flow into this largest river in the US eventually drain into the Gulf of Mexico and then to the Atlantic Ocean.  Other rivers, located  west of the Continental Divide may drain into the Great Basin or into rivers leading to the Pacific.   East of the Eastern divide, rivers may flow directly into the Atlantic.

Whitewater rivers offer some extreme challenges for the waterhead.  Many of these areas of rapidly moving water present a challenge to be conquered.  The waterhead may face the challenge in a canoe, kayak or raft.  The challenge may be faced alone or with a group of friends.  While the challenge may cause the participant to get a little wet, the true waterhead does not mind.  In contrast, the slow moving rivers are often wide and shallow.  Even though they may appear to be hardly moving at all, these wide shallow rivers often carry very large amounts of water.  As the water slows, sediment forms deltas and even more rich farmland.

For many waterheads, a river is a place for great fishing.  In some of the faster moving streams, there are holes eroded by the swift water that provide an ideal hiding place for fish to get out of the swift current, and an ideal place for the fly fisherman to cast his latest hand tied fly.  In the slower moving rivers, the fisherman may tie on a large weight add stink bait to a sponge on a hook and cast his line.  As he patiently waits, the smell attracts a large channel catfish that could end up as a fried delicacy on the angler’s table tonight.

Rivers were often a key to settlement in the US.  While roads were not yet cut across the nation, these waterways provided easier methods of transportation on boats.  In the mountainous regions of Oregon, goods were transported up and down the river and in the ocean to California which was more developed.  In the east, cities developed along rivers that provided the necessary energy to power factories, provide water and foods, and allow for transportation of goods.

Rivers and waterheads have had numerous impact on the culture of the US.  It was waterhead Samuel Clements the took his pen name Mark Twain from the call of the paddleboat captain as the ship reached the speed off mark number two.  These rivers have woven themselves into our literature, music, art and cultures. 

Today, many waterheads work to preserve our rivers for future generations.  Unfortunately, industrialization turned many of these great rivers into garbage dumps and sewers.  Thanks to the work of the waterheads, much of this damage is being reversed. In addition, many of the dams that blocked the free flow of the river in efforts to provide electricity, flood control and more opportunity for recreation are now being removed in order that those rivers can be restored to a more natural setting.  As the waterways are restored to health, they provide great places for all different types of water activities.

Another activity that is being considered is restoration of the Los Angeles River.  Many years ago, this river was converted to a concrete canal that runs through much of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Along the many miles of concrete canal, there is a short stretch that remains the natural river.  This small stretch shows life, where the remainder of the river seems to be dead.  It is estimated that removal of the concrete could allow the entire river to once again be a live river and thing of beauty.  Waterheads in the area could once again use this river to enjoy many of the activities now enjoyed in many other places.

The rivers of the United States have played an important part in the nation’s history.  Thanks to the efforts of waterheads and others that enjoy the activities that rivers can bring, these great waterways are once again being brought back to life.  They are being cleaned and protected from much of the damage that can be caused by industrialization and other uses by man. 

As the rivers are restored, they can once again be enjoyed by many different people.  They provide excellent places for boating, fishing, swimming and simply enjoying the great outdoors of the USA.   If it has been a while since your last visit, why not take some time to enjoy a river.

Have fun exploring the rivers of the United States but always remember to put safety first. There is always an element of danger present with these natural wonders. In addition to the natural dangers, be aware of the wild life. Animals in the wild often pose a danger to people who invade their territory.