[4] The Taseko has its origins at Taylor Pass in the heart of an alpine area known as the South Chilcotin.

From its source, it flows north then northwest before entering the south end of Upper Taseko Lake next to the Lord River, one of its major tributaries.

At the outlet of the two Taseko Lakes the river issues onto the broad Chilcotin Plateau.

Further dams in the Homathko's Great Canyon are part of the proposal, which would flood key historic sites related to the Chilcotin War of 1864.

Taseko derives from the Chilcotin language "Dasiqox", which means "Mosquito River".