Elk Creek (Gasconade River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| Region | Wright County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 1,480 ft (450 m) 37°20′59″N 92°33′23″W / 37.34972°N 92.55639°W |
| River mouth | 1,001 ft (305 m) 37°27′34″N 92°25′21″W / 37.45944°N 92.42250°W |
Elk Creek is a cool stream located in the middle and northeast parts of Wright County, Missouri. It's like a smaller helper stream that flows into a bigger river called the Gasconade River. Streams like Elk Creek are important because they carry water across the land and help support local wildlife.
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Where Does Elk Creek Start and End?
Every stream has a beginning and an end. Elk Creek starts in a place called its headwaters. This is where the stream first begins to flow.
The Beginning of Elk Creek
Elk Creek's headwaters are found about eight miles north-northwest of a town called Hartville. This starting point is located between two small communities, Loring and Durbin. Imagine tiny trickles of water coming together to form the start of the stream!
The Journey and End Point
From its beginning, Elk Creek flows mostly towards the north and northeast. As it travels, it passes under some roads, like Route H and Route Z. Its journey ends when it meets the Gasconade River. This meeting point is called a confluence. For Elk Creek, this happens in northern Wright County, about 1.5 miles southeast of Competition, which is in southern Laclede County. So, Elk Creek is a tributary – a stream that flows into a larger river.
How Elk Creek Got Its Name
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? Elk Creek was named for a very simple reason! Long ago, there were many elk living in the area around the stream. People saw these majestic animals often, so they decided to name the stream after them. It's a reminder of the wildlife that once roamed freely in that part of Missouri.
