The Birch River is a fast-flowing stream that starts near Cowen (Webster County) and runs 36.6 miles northwest through isolated, rural country before joining the Elk River.

Birch River was heavily used by the timber industry between 1880 and 1920, when loggers would float large rafts of logs down the river whenever the water was high enough.

Because of its remote beauty, the state legislature protected the lower section of the river in 1975 under the Natural Streams Preservation Act.

The river drops steeply, making it a powerful stream. This swift flow makes the lower 17 miles a challenge for whitewater boaters during high water.