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Clarks Fork Creek facts for kids

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Clarks Fork Creek
Other name(s) Sand Creek
Physical characteristics
Main source NW of Redig
3,235 m (10,614 ft)
45°24′37″N 103°36′32″W / 45.4102722°N 103.6088054°W / 45.4102722; -103.6088054
River mouth ENE of Buffalo
2,721 m (8,927 ft)
45°37′00″N 103°20′37″W / 45.6166636°N 103.3435160°W / 45.6166636; -103.3435160
Basin features
Progression Grand River - Missouri - Mississippi - Gulf of Mexico
River system Grand River

Clarks Fork Creek, also known as Clarks Fork or Sand Creek, is a small waterway in Harding County, South Dakota, United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river. This type of stream is called a tributary.

About Clarks Fork Creek

Clarks Fork Creek is an important part of the local water system. It helps carry water across the land. The creek eventually joins much larger rivers.

Where Does It Start and End?

Clarks Fork Creek begins in the northwestern part of Redig. This is in Harding County, South Dakota. The starting point is quite high up, at about 3,235 meters (or 10,614 feet) above sea level.

The creek then flows until it reaches its end. It finishes its journey northeast of Buffalo. Here, it is at a lower elevation of about 2,721 meters (or 8,927 feet).

How It Got Its Name

Clarks Fork Creek was named after a local rancher. His name was Dorr Clark. Mr. Clark had a cattle ranch in the area. He set up his main ranch buildings about one mile northeast of where the creek ends. That's how the creek got its name!

Journey to the Sea

Clarks Fork Creek is a tributary of the Grand River. This means it flows into the Grand River. The Grand River then flows into the mighty Missouri River.

The Missouri River is one of the longest rivers in North America. It eventually joins the even larger Mississippi River. Finally, the Mississippi River flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. So, the water from Clarks Fork Creek travels a very long way to reach the ocean!

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