Bear Creek (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Creek |
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Location of the mouth of Bear Creek in Washington
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Paradise Lake 47°45′49″N 122°03′32″W / 47.76361°N 122.05889°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Sammamish River 30 ft (9.1 m) 47°40′05″N 122°07′35″W / 47.66806°N 122.12639°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Sammamish—Lake Washington |
| Basin size | 32,100 acres (13,000 ha) |
Bear Creek is a cool stream in King County, Washington, United States. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. Bear Creek starts at Paradise Lake near a place called Maltby. It then travels about 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) until it joins the Sammamish River. This meeting point is at Marymoor Park in Redmond.
Bear Creek also has two smaller streams that flow into it. These are called Cottage Lake Creek and Evans Creek. All the land that drains water into Bear Creek and its tributaries is called its watershed. This watershed covers a large area, about 32,100 acres (13,000 hectares).
Where Does Bear Creek Flow?
Bear Creek begins its journey at Paradise Lake. From there, it winds its way through different areas. The creek flows south and west, passing through parts of King County. Its path takes it through natural areas and some developed lands.
Eventually, Bear Creek reaches the Sammamish River. The spot where they meet is called a confluence. This happens inside Marymoor Park, a popular park in Redmond. The water from Bear Creek then becomes part of the Sammamish River. The Sammamish River then flows into Lake Washington.
What Makes Bear Creek Important?
Creeks like Bear Creek are very important for the environment. They provide homes for many different animals. Fish, like salmon, often use creeks to lay their eggs. Other wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, also depend on the creek for water and food.
The health of Bear Creek is important for the whole area. It helps keep the local ecosystem balanced. Protecting the creek means protecting the plants and animals that live there. It also helps keep the water clean for everyone.
History Around Bear Creek
People have lived near Bear Creek for a very long time. Evidence shows that humans were in the area thousands of years ago. The Marymoor Prehistoric Indian Site is a special place in Redmond. It's located right near the banks of Bear Creek.
At this site, archaeologists have found old tools and other items. These artifacts show that people lived there as far back as 4,000 BCE. That's over 6,000 years ago! This tells us that Bear Creek has been an important place for people throughout history. It likely provided water, food, and a good place to live for early communities.
