Cache River, River and National Natural Landmark in southeastern Illinois, United States
The Cache River is a waterway in southeastern Illinois that spans across multiple counties and contains the largest network of wetlands and cypress swamps in the state. The area features both open water and forested wetlands with dense swampy vegetation.
The river was used by Native American peoples as a trade route before French voyageurs named it Cache, meaning a hidden storage place. This naming reflects the long history of exploration and commerce that shaped this landscape.
The waterway serves as a gathering place where local communities connect with nature through outdoor activities and environmental education. The river landscape shows how people and nature coexist in this region.
The site offers multiple access points for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching through designated trails and water routes. The best time to visit depends on your activity: water recreation is easiest during warmer months, while hikers can come year-round.
The wetland is home to cypress trees that are over 1,000 years old with trunk diameters exceeding 1.2 meters (4 feet), forming North America's northernmost cypress swamp. These ancient trees are a quiet testament to the longevity of this landscape.
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