Bitterwater Creek (Buena Vista Lake) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bitterwater Creek |
|
|---|---|
 Bitterwater Creek (Lake Buena Vista)
|
|
| Native name | Arroyo de Amargosa |
| Other name(s) | Bitter Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | San Luis Obispo County, Kern County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | source just southwest of the southern extreme of the Elkhorn Hills, 6.3 miles southwest of Maricopa, California., San Louis Obispo County 34°59′47″N 119°28′51″W / 34.99639°N 119.48083°W |
| River mouth | mouth dissipates in the dry lake bed of Buena Vista Lake, 3.7 miles north of Pentland., Kern County 420 ft (130 m) 35°06′50″N 119°21′01″W / 35.11389°N 119.35028°W |
Bitterwater Creek is a stream in California. It used to be called Arroyo de Amargosa, which means "Bitter Creek" in Spanish.
This creek starts in San Luis Obispo County. Its source is near the Elkhorn Hills, not far from the town of Maricopa, California.
The creek then flows northwest into Kern County, California. It doesn't reach the ocean. Instead, it ends in the dry lake bed of Buena Vista Lake. This lake has been dry for many years because its water is used for farming.
History of Bitterwater Creek
An Old Name and a Watering Spot
Long ago, Bitterwater Creek was known as Arroyo de Amargosa. This name was given by Spanish speakers.
The creek was an important place for travelers. It offered a good spot for camping and finding water. This was especially true along an old trail called El Camino Viejo.
Where the Water Went
The creek's water would "sink" into the ground near Maricopa, California. This means it would collect in a low area and not flow out to a larger river or the ocean.
This area was a key stop on El Camino Viejo. It was located between other watering spots like Arroyo San Emigdio and Aguaje de La Brea.
