[1][7] It flows generally south and east about 71 km (44 mi)[5] to join the Tuya River near Cariboo Meadows.

[8] The Little Tuya River's watershed covers 569 km2 (220 sq mi),[6] and its mean annual discharge is an estimated 6.69 m3/s (236 cu ft/s).

A tuya is a geologic term for a flat-topped, steep-sided volcano formed when lava erupts through a thick glacier or ice sheet.

The river flows south and east, first through Level Mountain's high and relatively barren lava plateau, then through rugged forested terrain.

Its lower course flows through rugged forested terrain, where it is joined by its main tributary, Mansfield Creek.