Forest River

The Forest River or Rhachló in the elven tongue is a great river that flows through northern Mirkwood. It begins in the Grey Mountains far to the north and then flows south-east, joined by the Enchanted River near Thranduil's caverns, until it meets the River Running at Esgaroth.

The river was used by the Raft-elves to carry their goods. This river was used by the Dwarves of the Company to escape through barrels.

Maps

Gallery

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  Despite its name, the Forest River starts as a mountain river, as it pours down from the Grey Mountains above Glimmerdeep.

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  From here, the entire river's upper stretch is visible among the gorges, leading south to the forest.

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  The Forest River's first crossing is a tree bridge, creating access to the Glimmerdeep from downstream.

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  The river soon comes into contact with its first trees, which will be a steady companion for it through its course.

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  The river's first ford is located just north of the lake, leading east to Skarháld.

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  The Forest River then becomes a lake, its shores covered with reeds.

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  In the lake stands a statue of a Dwarven king, presumably one of the Durins.

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  At the south end of the lake, the Forest River reforms as it passes beneath Óinsbridge.

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  From here, it passes out of view as it enters Eryn Lasgalen, becoming a true forest river.

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  Further south, the Forest River flows into a small lake northwest of Felegoth.

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  The river's flow carries on through the lake into a fall on the east side.

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  Beyond the fall, the Forest River seeps into a marshy area, its flow slowing down.

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  The river flows past Tholkát, where wood trolls dwell.

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  Beyond Tholkát, the Forest River heads into a heavily wooded stretch towards Felegoth.

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  The river picks up more speed and widens as the gradient becomes steeper.

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  After another fall, the Forest River whitens with a strong current.

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  Here, the river passes under the bridge leading to Felegoth, the halls of King Thranduil.

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  Thick white beech trees line the banks of the Forest River as the current gradually slows down again.

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  The river flows more slowly onward, now heading away from the halls of the elven-king.

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  The Enchanted River merges in, its sorcerous magic broken by the pure waters of the Forest River.

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  The Forest River is filled with fishing nets, rigged to catch fish as they swim down the river.

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  Once again, the river picks up speed, forming rapids and even lurching off into a few waterfalls.

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  Beyond one of these waterfalls, a lone barrel can be spotted stuck in the shrubs near a rock.

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  One last waterfall carries the river into the marshy riverland just beyond the forest's edge.

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  Here, the Forest River continues on towards the elven township of Loeglond.

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  The life of the elves here is dependent on the river, using it both for reposing in boats, and receiving barrels of goods from upstream.

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  The Forest River continues its flow past Loeglond, the eaves of Eryn Lasgalen now behind it.

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  As it enters the Dale-lands proper, the river is crossed by a bridge leading north towards Erebor and south to the Fields of Celduin. The river then finally ends as it feeds into Long Lake.