Dry Creek (Steelhead Creek tributary) facts for kids

Dry Creek, once known as Linda Creek, is a stream about 15 kilometers (9 miles) long. It flows through Placer County, California. This creek eventually joins the Sacramento River through Steelhead Creek. Dry Creek is important because it can sometimes cause local flooding, but it's also a fun place for outdoor activities.

Where Does Dry Creek Flow?

Dry Creek starts in the western part of Placer County, near the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many smaller streams come together in the city of Roseville. When Antelope Creek and Miners Ravine meet, the combined stream becomes known as Dry Creek.

Through Roseville

Dry Creek first flows southwest through Royer Park in downtown Roseville. Then, it meets another stream called Cirby Creek. The creek continues west, passing a large train yard and a water treatment plant. After that, it flows into an area of Placer County that isn't part of a city. It then heads southwest again, towards the city of Sacramento.

Into Sacramento County

After crossing into Sacramento County, Dry Creek flows south-southwest. It passes between Gibson Ranch County Park and the city of Antelope. Then, it flows southwest through the community of Rio Linda. In this area, the creek often splits into two parallel branches. These branches surround a long, narrow piece of land called Cherry Island.

Finally, Dry Creek enters the city of Sacramento. It flows west-southwest and forms a small delta, which is a landform created when a river deposits sediment. Here, Dry Creek merges with Steelhead Creek. Steelhead Creek then flows south into Discovery Park and west into the Sacramento River.

Smaller Streams Joining Dry Creek

Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Dry Creek. These include:

• Antelope Creek
  • Clover Valley Creek
• Miners Ravine
  • Secret Ravine
    • Boardman Canal
    • Sucker Ravine
  • False Ravine
  • Whites Ravine
• Cirby Creek
  • Linda Creek
    • Strap Ravine
    • Swan Stream
• Goat Creek (also called Sierra Creek)

Keeping Dry Creek Healthy

In the past, Dry Creek and its smaller streams were home to fish that swim from the ocean to fresh water to lay eggs. Some chemicals were used in the soil around Dry Creek many years ago, between 1945 and 1965. Traces of these chemicals can still be found in some of the soil. Also, there have been times when fuel accidentally leaked into the ground. People are working to keep the creek clean and healthy for everyone.

38°39′52″N 121°28′36″W / 38.6643477°N 121.4766217°W / 38.6643477; -121.4766217