Unconfined rivers generally occur downstream of confined rivers. They are also larger and have more meanders (higher sinuosity) than confined rivers.

Marsh headwater streams typically flow along or between wetlands (e.g., marshes, bogs, swamps) while confined rivers are generally larger and tend to flow through terrestrial communities. Marsh headwater streams typically occur upstream of confined rivers.

Confined rivers are generally larger than rocky headwater streams; they tend to have a lower gradient and higher water volume. Rocky headwater streams typically occur upstream of confined rivers.