Orestimba Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orestimba Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Arroyo de Orestimba |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Stanislaus County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | mouth at the San Joaquin River, about 7 1/2 miles north of Newman, in Stanislaus County 46 ft (14 m) 37°25′19″N 121°00′12″W / 37.42194°N 121.00333°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | San Joaquin River |
Orestimba Creek, originally called Arroyo de Orestimba in Spanish, is a stream in California. The name "Orestimba" comes from a Yokutsan word meaning "Meetingplace." This creek is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, the San Joaquin River. It helps drain the eastern parts of the Diablo Range mountains, located within California's San Joaquin Valley.
The creek starts where two smaller streams, the North Fork Orestimba Creek and the South Fork Orestimba Creek, join together. It then flows until it reaches the San Joaquin River. This meeting point is about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) north of a town called Newman, in Stanislaus County.
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Exploring Orestimba Creek's Path
Orestimba Creek begins high up in the Diablo Range. This mountain range runs through a large part of California. As the creek flows, it collects water from the hillsides. It travels down into the San Joaquin Valley, which is a very large and flat area.
Where Does the Water Go?
The creek is a "tributary" to the San Joaquin River. Think of a tributary as a small branch that feeds into a bigger river. The San Joaquin River is one of California's most important rivers. It flows north through the San Joaquin Valley. Eventually, its waters reach the San Francisco Bay. So, the water from Orestimba Creek makes a long journey!
A Glimpse into History
Orestimba Creek has been important for a long time. In the past, it was known as Arroyo Orestimba. It served as a vital watering spot along an old road called El Camino Viejo. This road was a major route through the San Joaquin Valley.
The Rancho Orestimba y Las Garzas Connection
The creek was also the main water source for a large ranch called Rancho Orestimba y Las Garzas. This ranch was located near the northern part of the creek. The ranch house itself was built on a spot above a grove of sycamore trees. These trees grew right along the banks of Arroyo de Orestimba. This shows how important the creek was for people living and traveling in the area many years ago.
