Fuerte, Río (FWER-tai, REE-o), NW Mexico; formed in Chihuahua by Río Verde and Urique R.; flows W into Sinaloa, then SW, past El Fuerte and San Blas, to Gulf of Calif. 27 mi/43 km W of Los Mochis, at Lechuguilla Isl.; c.175 mi/282 km long; c.350 mi/563 km long with Río Verde.