San Rafael (Emery) originates at the junction of Huntington, Cottonwood, and Ferron Creeks. the river drains southeast near the Old Spanish Trail into the Green River. It was named by early Spanish Franciscan friars who used the trail. The friars were referring to Archangel Saint Rafael, the angel of the spririts of men, the Healer, one of the four angels who stood around the throne of God.