Fish Creek (Larimer County, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fish Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lily Lake 8,927 ft (2,721 m) 40°18′26″N 105°32′17″W / 40.30722°N 105.53806°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Big Thompson 7,484 ft (2,281 m) 40°22′14″N 105°29′35″W / 40.37056°N 105.49306°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Big Thompson South Platte—Platte Missouri—Mississippi |
Fish Creek is a small but important stream located in Larimer County, Colorado, USA. It is a tributary, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. Fish Creek eventually joins the Big Thompson River. This creek plays a role in the local environment, providing water and habitat for various plants and animals in the area.
Contents
Where Fish Creek Starts and Ends
Fish Creek begins its journey high up in the mountains.
The Source: Lily Lake
The very beginning of Fish Creek is at Lily Lake. This beautiful lake is found within the Roosevelt National Forest. The water from Lily Lake flows out to form the creek. The source of the creek is quite high up, at about 8,927 feet (2,721 meters) above sea level.
The Mouth: Lake Estes
From Lily Lake, Fish Creek flows generally towards the northeast. It travels a short distance before it reaches its end, or mouth. The mouth of Fish Creek is where it meets the Big Thompson River. This meeting point happens in Lake Estes, a reservoir near the town of Estes Park, Colorado. At this point, the creek is much lower, around 7,484 feet (2,281 meters) above sea level.
Part of a Bigger River System
Even though Fish Creek is small, it's connected to a much larger network of rivers across the United States.
From Creek to Ocean
When Fish Creek flows into the Big Thompson River, its water then becomes part of that larger river. The Big Thompson River eventually joins the South Platte River. The South Platte River then flows into the Platte River. The Platte River is a major river that flows across the Great Plains.
The Platte River eventually empties into the mighty Missouri River. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America! Finally, the Missouri River flows into the even larger Mississippi River, which then empties into the Gulf of Mexico. So, a single drop of water from Lily Lake in Fish Creek could travel thousands of miles all the way to the ocean!
Wildlife and Environment
Fish Creek and the areas around it are home to different types of wildlife.
Living in the Creek
As its name suggests, Fish Creek likely provides a home for various fish species. These fish depend on the clean, cool water of the creek to survive. Other small aquatic creatures, like insects and amphibians, might also live in or near the water.
Surrounding Nature
The creek flows through parts of the Roosevelt National Forest. This forest is a protected area with many trees, plants, and animals. You might find deer, elk, bears, and many kinds of birds living in the forest near the creek. The health of Fish Creek is important for the entire ecosystem around it.
