What is the highest river in the United States?

The Missouri River is recognized as the longest river in the United States, stretching approximately 2,341 miles, making it a significant geographical feature. Its route flows from the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana through several states before joining the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. This long stretch and the rivers' historical importance in terms of exploration, trade, and settlement further emphasize its status.

In the context of ranking rivers, "highest" might refer to elevation in terms of the source of the river, but in many contexts, it simply indicates length or prominence. The Missouri River's length makes it the longest river, which is often a point of confusion when discussing river heights or significance.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as other rivers listed do not surpass the Missouri in terms of length, even if they might vary in source elevation.