Oak Creek (Marys River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oak Creek |
|
|---|---|
Irish Bend Covered Bridge at Oregon State University
|
|
 Location of the mouth of Oak Creek in Oregon
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Benton |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cardwell Hills 1,715 ft (523 m) 44°37′59″N 123°20′30″W / 44.63306°N 123.34167°W |
| River mouth | Marys River Corvallis 203 ft (62 m) 44°33′17″N 123°16′41″W / 44.55472°N 123.27806°W |
| Length | 3.5 mi (5.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 13 sq mi (34 km2) |
Oak Creek is a small river, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, in Oregon, USA. It flows into the Marys River. This creek starts in the forested hills north of Corvallis and flows through the city, even crossing the Oregon State University campus.
Contents
The Journey of Oak Creek
Oak Creek begins its journey in the Cardwell Hills, which are northwest of Corvallis. From there, it flows south through the McDonald State Forest. The creek then turns southeast, moving through the western part of Corvallis.
Where Does Oak Creek Go?
The creek continues its path across the Oregon State University campus. It finally joins the Marys River near Reser Stadium and Avery Park. Before reaching the Marys River, Oak Creek flows under U.S. Route 20. This spot is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from where the Marys River meets the Willamette River.
How Dams Affect the Creek
Oak Creek is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. Its natural flow is changed by two dams. One dam is located in the forest, and the other is on the university campus. Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Oak Creek. These include Alder, Skunk, Mulkey, and Lamprey creeks. If you add up the length of Oak Creek and all its tributaries, it's about 8 miles (13 km) long!
The Oak Creek Area
The area that drains into Oak Creek, called its watershed, covers about 13 square miles (34 square kilometers). A small part of this area, about 5.5 percent, is paved. Oregon State University manages a large portion of the watershed, about 40 percent. This includes land on campus and in the forest higher up the creek.
A Look Back in Time: Oak Creek's History
In 1984, a researcher named Patricia Benner studied how Oak Creek has changed over time. She found signs that there used to be three lumber mills along the creek and its smaller streams. There was also a carding mill (for processing wool) further down the creek.
How Mills Changed the Creek
These mills likely used dams to create ponds and even a flume (a channel for water). These structures changed how the water flowed and its temperature. Closer to the mouth of the creek, people also changed the creek's path and filled in marshy areas. Even though the creek's main path is similar to how it was in the 1800s, it's now less braided (meaning it has fewer small channels). Also, the areas along its banks, called riparian zones, have less plant life and more paved surfaces. All these changes affect the fish and other living things in the Oak Creek watershed.
Animals and Plants of Oak Creek
Near the start of Oak Creek, you'll find a forest that has grown back after being cut down (called second-growth forest). Close to the creek, there are shrubs, red alder trees, and big leaf maple trees. On the hilltops, you can see Douglas fir, grand fir, oak, madrone, and Pacific yew trees.
Bald Hill Natural Area: A Special Place
The Bald Hill Natural Area covers 588 acres (238 hectares) along Mulkey Creek. Long ago, the Kalapuya people kept this area as a savanna (a grassland with scattered trees). Later, in 1845, early settlers named the Mulkey brothers started farming here.
In 2013, a group called the Greenbelt Land Trust bought this land. It includes forests with Oregon white oak trees, marshy savannas, and beaver ponds. This conservation group is working to restore damaged wildlife habitats. They also use the land for growing food, hiking trails, and education.
Wildlife in the Creek
Today, cutthroat trout live in Oak Creek. Young Chinook salmon also use the creek to spend the winter after swimming up the Marys River. In the forested areas near the creek's source, you might see deer, beaver, and sometimes even a bear or a cougar!
Fun Things to Do at Oak Creek
Oak Creek is a great place for outdoor activities!
Irish Bend Covered Bridge
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge is a special pedestrian bridge that crosses Oak Creek on the university campus. This bridge used to be over Willamette Slough near Monroe. It was moved to Oak Creek in 1989. This historic bridge is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Oak Creek Trail
The Oak Creek Trail is part of the Bald Hill Farm and Bald Hill Natural Area Trail System. This trail runs along the creek for about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) in northwest Corvallis. You can find the start of the trail along Northwest Oak Creek Drive. It's a wonderful place to walk and enjoy nature!
