Denniston Creek facts for kids
Denniston Creek is a small stream, about 4.4 miles (7.1 kilometers) long, located in western San Mateo County, California. It begins high up on the western slopes of Montara Mountain and flows into the Pacific Ocean at Pillar Point Harbor, which is just north of El Granada Beach. The land around Denniston Creek has sandy soil that's good at soaking up rainwater. This water then fills up underground water supplies, which provide some drinking water for people living in the area.
Where the Water Comes From
High up on Montara Mountain, where Denniston Creek begins, the ground is made of coarse, broken-up granite rock. This rock acts like a sponge, holding water in underground pockets called aquifers. This upper underground water then flows down to the flatter coastal areas. Here, the water fills up more underground pockets made of sand and soil. These underground water supplies get refilled when it rains, making sure there's always water available.
Where the Creek Ends
As Denniston Creek reaches the Pacific Ocean, it flows through a gently sloping flat area near the coast. This land is made up of sand and soil carried by the water over time. In the 1980s, scientists exploring the area found the endangered San Francisco garter snake living near the mouth of the creek. Being "endangered" means there are very few of these snakes left, and they need special protection. Denniston Creek is also part of the San Mateo County Local Coastal Plan, which helps manage and protect the natural resources along the coast.
