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Have you tried the US Longest Rivers or US Longest Rivers By State quiz yet? Here are the longest rivers fully or partially within the US.
1. Missouri River – 2,341 miles
The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, stretching 2,341 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. It flows through seven states and has been a vital waterway for centuries, first for Native American tribes and later for European settlers. Known as the “Big Muddy,” the Missouri River was a key route for exploration, including the famed Lewis and Clark expedition. Today, it supports agriculture, transportation, and recreation, while also being a habitat for diverse wildlife.
2. Mississippi River – 2,340 miles
The Mississippi River, just one mile shorter than the Missouri, is one of the most iconic rivers in the world. Originating from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, it flows southward through the heart of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. The river has played a central role in American history, serving as a major trade route and a natural boundary for states and territories. Mark Twain famously captured its essence in his novels. The Mississippi River’s vast watershed supports a rich ecosystem, including wetlands, forests, and aquatic habitats.
3. Yukon River – 1,979 miles
Flowing primarily through Canada and Alaska, the Yukon River is a wilderness marvel spanning 1,979 miles. It originates in British Columbia and empties into the Bering Sea. The river was a lifeline during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, with prospectors navigating its waters in search of fortune. Today, it remains vital to Indigenous communities for subsistence fishing and transportation. The Yukon’s remote location and pristine environment make it a haven for wildlife, including salmon, bears, and eagles.
4. Rio Grande – 1,759 miles
The Rio Grande serves as a natural border between the United States and Mexico for much of its 1,759-mile course. Rising in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, it flows through New Mexico and Texas before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The river has immense historical and cultural significance, especially for Indigenous peoples and early settlers. Despite its grandeur, the Rio Grande faces challenges from water scarcity, pollution, and overuse. Efforts are ongoing to preserve this iconic river and its surrounding ecosystems.
5. Colorado River – 1,450 miles
Famous for carving the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River spans 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. It flows through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states, providing water to over 40 million people. The river is crucial for agriculture and hydropower, with major dams like Hoover Dam creating reservoirs such as Lake Mead. However, the Colorado River faces significant environmental stress due to over-allocation and climate change, threatening its future as a vital resource.
6. Arkansas River – 1,443 miles
The Arkansas River, a tributary of the Mississippi, stretches 1,443 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Historically, it was a major route for trade and exploration. The river’s basin is home to diverse landscapes, from mountain valleys to fertile plains. Today, it supports agriculture, recreation, and hydroelectric power. Notable cities along its course include Wichita, Tulsa, and Little Rock. Despite its utility, the river has faced challenges such as flooding and habitat loss.
7. Columbia River – 1,243 miles
The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, flowing 1,243 miles from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean. Known for its dramatic gorges and powerful flow, the Columbia is a critical source of hydroelectric power, providing energy to millions. It also supports a vibrant salmon fishery, although dams have impacted salmon populations. The river played a key role in the region’s development, serving as a transportation route for Native Americans, explorers, and settlers.
8. Red River – 1,125 miles
The Red River winds 1,125 miles through the southern Great Plains, forming part of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma before merging with the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana. Named for its reddish hue caused by sediment, the river has historical significance as a site of early exploration and trade. Its basin supports agriculture and is home to rich biodiversity. Flooding has historically been a concern along its course, prompting the construction of dams and levees to manage its waters.
9. Snake River – 1,040 miles
The Snake River, a tributary of the Columbia, flows 1,040 miles through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, including Hells Canyon—the deepest river gorge in North America—the river is a hub for outdoor recreation. Historically, it was a critical resource for Indigenous peoples and later, for settlers traveling the Oregon Trail. The Snake River is also vital for irrigation and hydropower, though these uses have impacted its fish populations and ecosystems.
10. Ohio River – 979 miles
The Ohio River, a tributary of the Mississippi, flows 979 miles through six states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” the river was a critical transportation and trade route during the early days of U.S. expansion. Its basin is one of the most industrialized in the country, providing water for manufacturing, agriculture, and power generation. The Ohio River also boasts rich biodiversity, supporting numerous fish and wildlife species despite challenges from pollution.
