Near Greenwater in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Why is the River White?

Scenic Skookum Falls

— Mather Memorial Parkway —

Why is the River White? Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

1. Why is the River White? Marker

Inscription. Why is the River White? Particles the size and color of plaster dust give the White River its distinctive pale hue. These particles are what geologists call “glacial flour”—a fitting name for the pulverized rock from the Emmons glacier’s slow-moving mill wheel. Meltwater from the Emmons glacier high on Mt. Rainier, fills the White River for its first mile or two. The White River and its tributaries support five runs of anadromous fish, including Sockeye, Coho, and Chinook salmon.

Scenic Skookum Falls. The breathtaking view of Skookum Falls (to the upper right of this panel) has enthralled visitors for many hundreds of years. The word Skookum means “strong” in the Chinook jargon of the early European traders.

Erected by Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 47° 3.166′ N, 121° 34.325′ W. Marker is near Greenwater, Washington, in Pierce County. Marker is on Chinook Pass Highway (State Highway 410) 7½ miles south of Greenwater, on the right when traveling west. It is at the pulloff. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Enumclaw WA 98022, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 1 other

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marker is within walking distance of this marker. Mud on the Move (here, next to this marker).

Mud on the Move and Why is the River White? Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

2. Mud on the Move and Why is the River White? Markers

The White River at Skookum Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

3. The White River at Skookum Creek

The White River Looking White image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

4. The White River Looking White

Skookum Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

5. Skookum Falls

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 17, 2015

6. Skookum Falls

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 499 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 15, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.