Big Sulphur Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Sulphur Creek |
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A water monitoring station at Big Sulphur Creek
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pine Mountain 12 mi (19 km) northeast of Healdsburg, California 38°44′58″N 122°42′47″W / 38.74944°N 122.71306°W |
| River mouth | Russian River north of Cloverdale, California 299 ft (91 m) 38°49′6″N 123°0′39″W / 38.81833°N 123.01083°W |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 60 sq mi (160 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Big Sulphur Creek is a stream in northern Sonoma County, California, United States. It flows west from a special area called The Geysers in the Mayacamas Mountains. The creek travels about 20 miles (32 km) before it joins the Russian River.
Contents
The Creek's Journey
Big Sulphur Creek begins its journey high up on Pine Mountain. This area is part of The Geysers, close to the border of Lake County.
Flowing West
The creek flows downhill towards the west. Along its way, it passes interesting spots like Sheepskin Rock. It also flows next to Geysers Road for a long stretch, all the way to the city of Cloverdale.
Joining Other Streams
Many smaller streams join Big Sulphur Creek as it flows. From the right side, Hot Springs Creek and Cobb Creek add their waters. The creek then passes by Geysers Resort and Eagle Rock. Later, Truitt Creek joins from the left. Then, Squaw Creek and Frasier Creek join from the right. Finally, Little Sulphur Creek also flows in from the left.
Reaching the Russian River
After collecting water from these smaller streams, Big Sulphur Creek enters the northern part of Alexander Valley. It then empties into the Russian River, about 2 miles (3 km) north of Cloverdale.
The Creek's Home Area
The area that drains into Big Sulphur Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 60 square miles (155 square kilometers). It is located in the Mayacamas Mountains in northern Sonoma County.
Animals and Plants
Big Sulphur Creek is home to many different kinds of animals and plants.
Who Lives Here?
In 1973, people studied the creek and found lots of wildlife. They saw snakes, salamanders, and frogs. Many types of fish lived there too, including steelhead and rainbow trout. Other fish like Sacramento squawfish, suckers, and roach were also present.
Tiny Creek Dwellers
The creek also had many kinds of insects. These included flies like trichoptera, diptera, hemiptera, plecoptera, and odonata. Different aquatic plants grew there too, such as sedges, cattails, and algae.
Fish Today
Even in 2000, Big Sulphur Creek and two of its smaller streams, Little Sulphur Creek and Squaw Creek, were still important homes for steelhead trout.
Bridges Over the Creek
Two main bridges cross over Big Sulphur Creek.
River Road Bridge
One bridge is on River Road, northeast of Cloverdale, California. This bridge is made of strong concrete and is about 212 feet (65 meters) long. It was built in 1988.
Geysers Road Bridge
Another bridge is on Geysers Road. It is about 18.6 miles (30 km) north of State Route 128. This bridge is made of steel and is about 148 feet (45 meters) long. It was first built in 1909 and then rebuilt in 1970.
