River Miles

River miles are a way to measure the distance along a river from a specific starting point, usually its mouth or the headwaters. Imagine a river as a long, winding path; river mile markers count how far along this path you are, similar to miles on a highway. This system helps river managers, boaters, and researchers locate specific points, monitor navigation, and study environmental conditions with a common reference point. Essentially, river miles provide a standardized, easy-to-interpret way to describe locations along a river’s length.