American Fork (river) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American Fork |
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The American Fork near the mouth of American Fork Canyon, March 2007
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Location of American Fork River
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| County | Utah |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed stream flowing through the American Fork Canyon 40°25′54″N 111°38′12″W / 40.43167°N 111.63667°W |
| River mouth | Utah Lake south of American Fork (city) 4,495 feet (1,370 m) 40°20′33″N 111°45′36″W / 40.34250°N 111.76000°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Utah Lake – Jordan River – Great Salt Lake |
The American Fork (commonly known as the American Fork River) is a river in Utah County, Utah, United States.
Description
The river rises at the mouth of American Fork Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Salt Lake City. The unnamed stream, which is the source of the American Fork, flows from Mineral Basin, through the length of the American Fork Canyon and has several named tributaries (Silver Creek, Deer Creek, and Cattle Creek). The river runs through northern Utah County and empties into Utah Lake on its north shore.
The city of American Fork is named after this river. The description "American" in the river's name is to distinguish it from the Spanish Fork (river) that also originates in the Wasatch Range; alternatively, it could have been named after the American Fur Company.
Fly fishermen commonly target smaller rainbow trout (measuring 6–12 in.) – and to a lesser extent brown trout – in the river during summer and fall, when strong runoff and snowfall does not limit access.
