Crabtree Creek (South Santiam River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crabtree Creek |
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Hoffman Bridge over Crabtree Creek
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 Location of the mouth of Crabtree Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Linn |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range foothills Crabtree Mountain and Lake 4,113 ft (1,254 m) 44°36′01″N 122°27′06″W / 44.60028°N 122.45167°W |
| River mouth | South Santiam River upstream of Jefferson 236 ft (72 m) 44°40′31″N 122°57′32″W / 44.67528°N 122.95889°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 156 sq mi (400 km2) |
Crabtree Creek is a cool stream in Linn County, Oregon. It's a smaller river that flows into the South Santiam River. The creek starts high up in the western part of the Cascade Range mountains. It begins near Crabtree Mountain and Crabtree Lake.
From its start, Crabtree Creek flows mostly west. It joins the South Santiam River about 3 miles (5 km) before the South Santiam meets the North Santiam River. Together, these two rivers form the larger Santiam River. The creek was named after John J. Crabtree, who settled nearby in 1846.
You can find Oregon Route 226 crossing the creek. This is between the towns of Crabtree to the south and Scio to the north. This crossing is about 8 miles (13 km) from where the creek joins the South Santiam River. Another small town, Lacomb, is located south of the creek.
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Cool Bridges Over Crabtree Creek
Crabtree Creek is special because it flows under two historic covered bridges! These bridges are like tunnels made of wood.
Larwood Bridge
The Larwood Bridge carries Fish Hatchery Road. It crosses the creek at Larwood Wayside Park. This park is about 3 miles (5 km) north of Lacomb. By water, it's about 16 miles (26 km) from the creek's end.
Hoffman Bridge
Further downstream, you'll find the Hoffman Bridge. This bridge carries Hungry Hill Drive over the creek. It's about a mile (1.6 km) north of Crabtree. This bridge is only about 5 miles (8 km) from where the creek meets the South Santiam River.
Fun Things to Do at Crabtree Creek
Crabtree Creek offers some great ways to enjoy nature!
Larwood Park Fun
Larwood Park is a lovely place to visit. It's where the Roaring River flows into Crabtree Creek. This spot is about 16 miles (26 km) upstream from the creek's mouth. The park is about 6 acres (2.4 hectares) big.
- You can have a picnic at the tables.
- Enjoy beautiful views of the creek.
- Walk across a footbridge.
- See an old waterwheel that used to power a mill.
- It's a great spot for fishing and swimming!
Did you know? The famous Ripley's Believe It or Not! once said this was the only place in the world where a stream called a "river" (Roaring River) flowed into a stream called a "creek" (Crabtree Creek). But that wasn't quite right! There's another example in Colorado.
Fishing in the Creek
If you like fishing, you can try to catch wild cutthroat trout here. But remember, you must release them back into the water. This is called "catch-and-release" fishing. It helps keep the fish population healthy. Fishing for steelhead is not allowed. The creek is not stocked with fish from hatcheries.
Whitewater Adventures
For those who love adventure, parts of Crabtree Creek are great for kayaking or other small boats.
- There's a 10-mile (16 km) section from the North Fork Bridge to Larwood Park. This part is for experienced paddlers. It's rated as intermediate or advanced.
- Another section, about 15.5 miles (25 km) long, is a bit easier.
Be careful though! There are rocks, logs, and branches hanging over the water. A dangerous barbed-wire fence crosses most of the river a few miles downstream from the Route 226 bridge. Always be aware of your surroundings!
Smaller Streams Joining Crabtree Creek
Many smaller streams flow into Crabtree Creek along its journey. These are called tributaries. Some of them include Bonnie, White Rock, Dorgan, South Fork Crabtree, Bald Peter, Rock, Green Mountain, Hunter, Church, Roaring River, and Beaver creeks.
