Elk Creek (Rogue River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk Creek |
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An aerial view of the notched Elk Creek Dam in July 2010
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 Location of the mouth of Elk Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Jackson |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, Jackson County, Oregon 4,931 ft (1,503 m) 42°53′07″N 122°35′34″W / 42.88528°N 122.59278°W |
| River mouth | Rogue River near Rogue Elk, between Lost Creek Lake and Trail, Jackson County, Oregon 1,460 ft (450 m) 42°39′44″N 122°45′20″W / 42.66222°N 122.75556°W |
| Length | 18 mi (29 km) |
Elk Creek is a river in Oregon, United States. It flows for about 18 miles (29 kilometers). The creek starts high up in the Cascade Range mountains. It then flows through forests and lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Finally, it joins the Rogue River in Jackson County.
A famous part of Elk Creek's story is its dam. This dam was built to help control floods. However, it blocked fish from swimming upstream. For over 20 years, special fish like salmon could not pass. In 2008, part of the dam was taken down. This helped endangered fish swim freely again.
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Where Elk Creek Flows
Elk Creek begins at an elevation of about 4,931 feet (1,503 meters). This is high up in the western part of the Cascade Range. As it flows, many smaller streams join it. These smaller streams are called tributaries.
Elk Creek's Journey to the Rogue River
In its first 6 miles (10 kilometers), Elk Creek gets water from several tributaries. These include Brush Creek, Swanson Creek, Bitter Lick Creek, and Button Creek. A road called Elk Creek Road runs next to the creek.
Further downstream, more creeks flow into Elk Creek. These are Dodes Creek, Sugarpine Creek, Jones Creek, Shell Creek, and Flat Creek. Middle Creek and Alco Creek also join the main stream.
About 3 miles (5 kilometers) before Elk Creek reaches the Rogue River, West Branch Elk Creek adds its water. This is just upstream from the Elk Creek Dam. After passing the dam, the creek flows past Rogue Elk County Park. It then goes under Crater Lake Highway (also known as Oregon Route 62). Finally, Elk Creek flows into the Rogue River. The Rogue River then continues for about 152 miles (245 kilometers) before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
The Story of Elk Creek Dam
The Elk Creek Dam is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from where the creek meets the Rogue River. This dam was planned as one of three dams to control floods. These floods happened along the Rogue River. The other two dams were the William L. Jess Dam on the Rogue River itself, and the Applegate Dam on the Applegate River.
Why Dam Construction Stopped
Construction on the Elk Creek Dam began, but it was never finished. When the dam was about one-third built, work stopped in 1987. This happened because of lawsuits. These lawsuits aimed to protect endangered fish, like salmon, that swim upstream to lay their eggs. These fish are called anadromous fish. The dam was blocking their path.
For many years, fish trying to swim past the dam had to be caught. Then, they were driven around the dam in trucks. This was a temporary solution.
A Compromise for the Dam
After more than 20 years of arguments and legal battles, a decision was made. Instead of finishing the dam, about 15 percent of it would be taken down. The rest of the dam would stay in place. This way, it could possibly be used again in the future.
In 2008, the United States Army Corps of Engineers used explosives to remove part of the dam. This allowed Elk Creek to flow freely in its original path again. The dam was supposed to be 240 feet (73 meters) high. However, it only reached 80 feet (24 meters) before construction stopped. The partial removal helped restore the natural pathway for the fish.
