Westfield River

Infobox River
river_name = Westfield


image_size =
caption =
origin = Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts
mouth = Connecticut River at West Springfield, MA
basin_countries = USA
length = convert|78.1|mi|km|abbr=on
elevation =
mouth_elevation = convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on above sea level
discharge = [http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/uv/?site_no=01183500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 USGS gage]
watershed = convert|517|mi2|km2

The Westfield River in Massachusetts flows through Westfield and empties into the Connecticut River at West Springfield, Massachusetts. It has a 497 sq. mi. drainage area consisting of several tributaries. These include the North Branch, the Middle Branch and the West Branch. The Swift River joins the North Branch near Cummington. (Note: there are two Swift Rivers in central Massachusetts). The lower section was formerly known as the Agawam River, not to be confused with the Agawam River in southeastern Massachusetts.

Running for a total of 78.1 miles, the river rises in the Berkshire Hills in the northwest of the state and flows generally southeastwardly to join the Connecticut River at West Springfield. At one time the river was so polluted that it would change color based on the nature of the contaminate. Today, the river is cleaner and it is possible to swim in it. It is a state and locally managed river featuring native trout fishing and rugged mountain scenery in the context of a historical mill town settlement. The river provides over 50 miles of whitewater canoeing and kayaking. The river corridor also contains one of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in the state and is home to several endangered species.

External links

* [http://www.westfieldriver.org/ Westfield River Watershed Association]
* [http://ma.water.usgs.gov/basins/westfield.htm USGS site]