Indian Cave Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Cave Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | mountain in Jefferson Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania between 1,960 and 1,980 feet (600 and 600 m) |
| River mouth | White Oak Run in Archbald, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania 1,319 ft (402 m) 41°29′51″N 75°31′00″W / 41.49756°N 75.51666°W |
| Length | 1.9 mi (3.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | White Oak Run → Lackawanna River → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 1.59 sq mi (4.1 km2) |
Indian Cave Creek is a small stream, also called a tributary, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, USA. It flows into another stream known as White Oak Run. The creek is about 1.9 miles (3.1 km) long. It travels through places like Jefferson Township and Archbald. The land area that drains water into this creek is about 1.59 square miles (4.1 km2). Indian Cave Creek is known for being very clean. It also has many trees growing along its banks. A cool waterfall, called the Forty Foot Falls, is found where the creek ends.
Contents
The Journey of Indian Cave Creek
Indian Cave Creek starts its journey high up on a mountain. This mountain is located in Jefferson Township. The creek first flows towards the northwest. After a short distance, it enters the town of Archbald.
Creek's Path and Direction
Next, the creek turns to flow south-southwest. It runs close to the border between Archbald and Jefferson Township. Then, it makes another turn, heading west-northwest for a bit. Finally, it turns southwest. After flowing for a while longer, Indian Cave Creek meets White Oak Run. This meeting point is about 1.27 miles (2.04 km) upstream from where White Oak Run itself ends.
Water Quality and Health
Indian Cave Creek is considered a very healthy stream. This means its water is clean and safe. It is not listed as an "impaired waterbody." This term means the water is not polluted or damaged.
Land and Rocks Around the Creek
The area around Indian Cave Creek has interesting features. The place where the creek flows into White Oak Run is about 1,319 feet (402 m) above sea level. Where the creek begins, its source, is much higher. It is between 1,960 and 1,980 feet (600 and 600 m) above sea level.
The Forty Foot Falls
A special waterfall is found on Indian Cave Creek. It is called the Forty Foot Falls. This waterfall is in Archbald. It is located right at the end of the creek's journey. The waterfall gets its name because it is 40 feet (12 m) tall!
Creek's Land Area and Nature
The total land area that collects water for Indian Cave Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 1.59 square miles (4.1 km2). The mouth of the creek is shown on a map called the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Olyphant. However, the creek's source is on the Waymart quadrangle map. The creek also flows through the Carbondale quadrangle map area.
Tree Coverage Along the Creek
A large part of the Indian Cave Creek watershed is covered by trees. About 94 percent of this area has a tree canopy. This is one of the highest amounts of tree cover for small watersheds. It is especially high for areas around the Scranton Metro Area. This dense tree cover helps keep the creek healthy and cool.
History of Indian Cave Creek
Indian Cave Creek was officially added to a list of geographic names on August 2, 1979. This list is called the Geographic Names Information System. Its special ID number in this system is 1199884.
In the early 2000s, a plan was made to protect the Lackawanna River watershed. This plan suggested that Jefferson Township should protect Indian Cave Creek. They were asked to include this protection in their local planning. On July 18, 2011, a company called White Stone Quarry, LLC received permission to release stormwater into Indian Cave Creek. This permission came with rules to make sure the water stayed clean.
