The Arctic Red River's headwaters are in the Mackenzie Mountains, from where it flows 500 km (300 mi) NW to its confluence with the Mackenzie. The river flows through a deep canyon as it flows through the Peel plateau. The aboriginal name for the river translates as iron river. The lower 200 km (120 mi) of the river are navigable by kayakers and canoers, without requiring portaging.