Barnes Creek (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barnes Creek |
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Location of the mouth of Barnes Creek in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Clallam |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 48°01′00″N 123°40′51″W / 48.01667°N 123.68083°W |
| River mouth | Lake Crescent 587 ft (179 m) 48°03′22″N 123°48′04″W / 48.05611°N 123.80111°W |
Barnes Creek is a small stream located in the state of Washington, in the United States. It starts near the bottom of Mount Storm King and Aurora Ridge. The creek also gets water from Marymere Falls, a beautiful waterfall. Barnes Creek flows into Lake Crescent, a large, deep lake.
This creek is very important for a special type of fish called the Crescenti cutthroat trout. These fish are endemic to Lake Crescent, meaning they are found only there. Barnes Creek provides a safe place for these trout to spawn, which means laying their eggs. The creek eventually reaches a spot called Barnes Point, which was formed long ago by a landslide.
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About Barnes Creek
Barnes Creek is a short but important waterway. It is located within Olympic National Park, a large protected area in Washington state. The creek's journey from the mountains to Lake Crescent helps support the local ecosystem.
Where Barnes Creek Begins
The creek's water comes from the slopes of Mount Storm King and Aurora Ridge. These are tall mountains in the Olympic Mountains range. The melting snow and rain from these peaks feed the creek. Marymere Falls adds more water as the creek flows towards the lake.
Flowing into Lake Crescent
Barnes Creek flows downhill and empties into Lake Crescent. This lake is known for its clear, blue water. The point where the creek enters the lake is called Barnes Point. This area is a popular spot for visitors to the national park.
Why the Creek is Important for Fish
Barnes Creek is a vital home for the Crescenti cutthroat trout. These trout are a unique subspecies of fish. They depend on the clean, cool waters of Barnes Creek to lay their eggs. Protecting Barnes Creek helps ensure these special fish can continue to thrive.
How Barnes Creek Got Its Name
Barnes Creek and Barnes Point are named after an early settler. His name was Paul Barnes. He moved to Barnes Point in the year 1890. Many places in the area are named after people who lived there a long time ago.
