One of the major features of this area is the
Stikine River, which flows through the southern portion of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. The river valley is relatively narrow. The surrounding mountains are steep, rugged, and contain numerous
glaciers. Meltwater from these glaciers has a high
silt content, giving the Stikine River a milky appearance. The
river delta is highly braided with three main navigable channels. Two warm and one
hot springs are found along the river. North of the Stikine River area is the
LeConte Glacier, which flows into
LeConte Bay. LeConte Glacier is the southernmost glacier in North America that flows directly into salt water. Mountains in the area of LeConte Bay are steep and most of the upper valleys are glacier-filled. Glaciers and ice fields cover most of the rugged, mountainous area in the eastern part of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. Alpine vegetation, including
mosses,
lichens, and other small plants, is found at the upper elevations. The lower mountain slopes near salt water support a dense
spruce-
hemlock rainforest. Closer to the Canada–US border, the rain decreases and the vegetation changes to stands of
cottonwood. Cottonwood are also common on the many islands of the Stikine. The valley floor along the river is a combination of
muskegs and dense
alder and
willow thickets. The Stikine River delta is approximately wide and consists of
grass flats,
tidal marsh, and
sand bars. Much of the area, particularly the Stikine River drainage, is recognized as an important fish and wildlife area.
Moose,
mountain goats,
brown bear and
black bear,
deer, and
wolves inhabit the area. The delta flats of the Stikine River are a major resting and nesting area for migratory birds. A variety of fish, including
king and other species of
salmon, are found in the waters of the area. Up to 2000
eagles congregate in the mouth of the river, following a run of
smelt. ==References==