American Fork River
The American Fork (commonly known as the American Fork River) is a river in Utah County, Utah, United States.[1]
| American Fork | |
|---|---|
 The American Fork near the mouth of American Fork Canyon, March 2007 | |
  Location of American Fork River  American Fork River (the United States) | |
| Etymology | To differentiate from the Spanish Fork; or derived from a company name. |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| County | Utah |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Wasatch Mountains |
| • location | Mineral Basin |
| • coordinates | 40°33′22″N 111°38′12″W |
| Mouth | Utah Lake |
• location | south of American Fork (city) |
• coordinates | 40°20′33″N 111°48′06″W[1] |
• elevation | 4,495 feet (1,370 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left |
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| • right |
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Description
The river flows out of American Fork Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Salt Lake City. The headwaters are located on Mount Timpanogos and the river continues down through American Fork Canyon. On the way it passes through the Uinta National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Exiting the canyon, the river runs through northern Utah County and empties into Utah Lake on the north shore.
The city of American Fork is named after this river.[2] 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.[3]
A combination of the river and uplift of the Wasatch Mountains has carved the scenery of American Fork Canyon.
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.
References
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: American Fork
- "American Fork City - American Fork Utah". Archived from the original on 2008-12-24. Retrieved 2008-12-24.
- "Place Names on the Uinta National Forest". USDA Forest Service.
it was named to avoid confusion with the Spanish Fork River to the south, another [source claims] that it was named by early trappers and mountain men who worked the creek for beaver in the early 1800s, in reference to the American Fur Company.
