Birch Creek (Umatilla River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Birch Creek |
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At Hoeft Road, south of Pendleton Country Club
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 Location of the mouth of Birch Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Umatilla |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of east and west forks near Pilot Rock 1,622 ft (494 m) 45°29′06″N 118°50′04″W / 45.48500°N 118.83444°W |
| River mouth | Umatilla River near Rieth 958 ft (292 m) 45°39′19″N 118°52′54″W / 45.65528°N 118.88167°W |
| Length | 16 mi (26 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 291 sq mi (750 km2) |
Birch Creek is a small river, about 16 miles (26 km) long, located in eastern Oregon in the United States. It flows into the Umatilla River. This creek starts where two smaller streams, East and West Birch creeks, meet near a town called Pilot Rock. It then flows north, passing close to the city of Pendleton.
Contents
Birch Creek: A River in Eastern Oregon
Birch Creek is a 16-mile (26 km) long river in eastern Oregon. It is a branch, or tributary, of the Umatilla River. The creek begins where two smaller streams, called East Birch Creek and West Birch Creek, join together. This meeting point is near the town of Pilot Rock.
Where Does Birch Creek Start and End?
The creek starts at the bottom of the Blue Mountains. From there, it flows north. It passes just west of the city of Pendleton. Finally, Birch Creek joins the Umatilla River. This happens about 49 miles (79 km) before the Umatilla River flows into the Columbia River.
What's Around Birch Creek?
Birch Creek helps drain the northwestern part of Oregon's Blue Mountains. As it flows, it passes by areas where people work. The land around Birch Creek is used for several activities. These include cutting down trees (logging) and raising animals like cows for milk (dairy farming) or for meat (grazing and factory farming).
Protecting the River
Sometimes, things from these activities can get into the water. For example, the creek flows past places where industrial waste is managed. It also flows over two small dams. These activities can sometimes add substances like phosphates to the water. When there are too many phosphates, it can lead to something called eutrophication in the Umatilla River. This means that too many plants, like algae, grow in the water, which can harm other living things in the river. People work to make sure the water stays healthy for everyone.
Interesting Fact
A famous photographer from Pendleton, Walter S. Bowman, is thought to have been born near Birch Creek.
