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Clear Creek (Sacramento River tributary) facts for kids

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Clear Creek
Whiskeytown Lake nps.jpg
Whiskeytown Lake on Clear Creek
Country United States
State California
Region Shasta Trinity
Physical characteristics
Main source Damnation Peak
Trinity Mountains, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
5,080 ft (1,550 m)
40°57′31″N 122°31′45″W / 40.95861°N 122.52917°W / 40.95861; -122.52917
River mouth Sacramento River
Girvan
415 ft (126 m)
40°30′20″N 122°22′04″W / 40.50556°N 122.36778°W / 40.50556; -122.36778
Length 60.6 mi (97.5 km)
Basin features
Basin size 249 sq mi (640 km2)
Tributaries
  • Right:
    Crystal Creek, Brandy Creek

Clear Creek is a stream in northern California. It is also known as Ínaam in the Karuk language. This creek flows into the upper Sacramento River. It is an important part of the local water system.

Where Does Clear Creek Flow?

Clear Creek is about 60.6 miles (97.5 km) (97.5 km) long. It starts in the Trinity Mountains. These mountains are located between Shasta Lake and Trinity Lake. The creek flows through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Journey to the Sacramento River

The creek first flows into Whiskeytown Lake. This lake is a reservoir created by the Whiskeytown Dam. After leaving the lake, Clear Creek continues south. It eventually joins the Sacramento River. This meeting point is near a place called Girvan.

Water for the Central Valley

A special tunnel helps move water from Whiskeytown Lake. This tunnel is called the Spring Creek Tunnel. It sends water directly to Keswick Reservoir. Both Whiskeytown Lake and Keswick Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project. This project helps manage water for many uses in California.

A Glimpse into History

Clear Creek has a special place in California's history. In 1848, a man named Pierson B. Reading found gold here. This discovery was an important event during the California Gold Rush. The spot where he found gold is now a California Historical Landmark. This means it's a protected site because of its historical importance.

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