Cache la Poudre River

The Cache la Poudre River is a significant waterway in northern Colorado, USA, originating in the Rocky Mountains. It begins in the Roosevelt National Forest near Cameron Pass at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. The river flows approximately 126 miles through a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and open plains before joining the South Platte River near Greeley. Its name, derived from French, translates to “Hide the Powder,” referencing a 19th-century incident where French trappers hid gunpowder along its banks during a snowstorm. The Cache la Poudre is renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly in the Poudre Canyon, where steep rock walls and dense forests create a striking backdrop. The river is vital to the region’s water supply, supporting agriculture and providing drinking water, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. As Colorado’s only designated “National Wild and Scenic River,” it holds special protection to preserve its natural beauty and ecological importance.