Alexander Creek (Susitna River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Creek
Alexander Creek (Susitna River) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Map showing where Alexander Creek meets the big Susitna River
Native name	Taguntna Creek
Country	United States
Physical characteristics
Main source	61°43′53″N 150°52′17″W / 61.73139°N 150.87139°W / 61.73139; -150.87139 (AlexanderCreek(SusitnaRiver)source) Alexander Lake (southcentral Alaska), Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska 138 ft (42 m)
River mouth	61°24′46″N 150°35′51″W / 61.41278°N 150.59750°W / 61.41278; -150.59750 (AlexanderCreek(SusitnaRiver)mouth) Cook Inlet of Pacific Ocean 26 ft (7.9 m)
Length	35 mi (56 km)
Basin features
Basin size	0 sq mi (0 km2)

Alexander Creek, also called Taguntna Creek, is a river in Alaska, USA. It is about 35 miles (56 km) long. The creek starts at Alexander Lake and flows into the large Susitna River. This meeting point is near a small community called Alexander, Alaska, which is home to Alaska Natives. The creek is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough region of Alaska.

About Alexander Creek

Alexander Creek is special because the National Park Service considers it a "Wild, Scenic, Recreation, Fish, Wildlife, and Cultural" river. This means it's protected for its natural beauty, fun activities, and important wildlife. It also has historical and cultural value.

History of Alexander Creek

The name Alexander Creek was first written down in 1898 by a person named Eldridge from the United States Geological Survey. Before that, the creek was known by other names. One of its older names was Taguntna Creek. Another name was Tuqentnu, which means "Clearwater Creek."

Fun Activities and Nature

Alexander Creek is a very popular spot for people who love to fish. Many anglers come here to catch different types of salmon, especially large king salmon and coho salmon.

The upper parts of the creek are very beautiful. You can see amazing views of the Alaska Range mountains from there. The water in the creek is mostly calm, which makes it a great place for beginners to go floating or rafting.

As you travel down the creek, you can find interesting historical sites. There are old places where travelers used to stop, called roadhouses. You can also see ancient sites left by native people. The famous Iditarod Trail, a historic path used for dog sledding, also runs along the lower parts of Alexander Creek.

Rivers and Lakes that Join Alexander Creek

Many smaller streams and lakes flow into Alexander Creek. These are called tributaries. They add water to the main creek as it flows from its source to the Susitna River.

Here are some of the places that feed into Alexander Creek, listed from the mouth (where it joins the Susitna River) up towards its source:

• Lower Sucker Creek 61°36′18″N 150°39′35″W / 61.60500°N 150.65972°W / 61.60500; -150.65972 (Lower Sucker Creek)
  • Sucker Lake 61°39′20″N 150°54′14″W / 61.65556°N 150.90389°W / 61.65556; -150.90389 (Sucker Lake (Alaska))
    • Upper Sucker Creek 61°39′15″N 150°54′26″W / 61.65417°N 150.90722°W / 61.65417; -150.90722 (Upper Sucker Creek)
      • A small lake 61°34′44″N 151°1′22″W / 61.57889°N 151.02278°W / 61.57889; -151.02278 (Lake)
• Alexander Lake (This is where Alexander Creek begins!)