Pass Creek (Elk Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pass Creek |
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Looking downstream from a bridge in Drain
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Map of the Umpqua River watershed
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 Location of the mouth of Pass Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Douglas, Lane |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Divide, Lane County 735 ft (224 m) 43°45′06″N 123°07′37″W / 43.75167°N 123.12694°W |
| River mouth | Elk Creek Drain, Douglas County 282 ft (86 m) 43°39′41″N 123°19′06″W / 43.66139°N 123.31833°W |
Pass Creek is a small stream in Oregon, United States. It flows into Elk Creek, which then joins the larger Umpqua River.
The creek starts near a place called Divide in Lane County. This area is special because it's a "divide." This means it's where waters split to flow into different river systems. Here, the water goes either to the Coast Fork Willamette River or the Umpqua River.
Pass Creek flows west into Douglas County. It continues generally southwest until it meets Elk Creek. This meeting point is in the city of Drain. From there, Elk Creek flows about 24 miles (39 km) before it joins the Umpqua River.
Along its upper parts, Interstate 5 (I-5) runs next to Pass Creek. This is true from Divide through Curtin to Anlauf. Further downstream from Anlauf, two other highways follow the creek. These are Oregon Route 38 and Oregon Route 99, which go all the way to Drain.
Several smaller streams flow into Pass Creek. These are called tributaries. From where Pass Creek starts to where it ends, its named tributaries include Ward, Bear, Pheasant, Buck, Rock, Sand, and Fitch creeks. Further down, Johnson, Krewson, and Hedrick creeks also join Pass Creek.
Camping at Pass Creek
Pass Creek Park is a fun place located along the creek. It's near Curtin and close to I-5 exit 163. Douglas County manages this park.
The park is great for both day visits and overnight stays. You can bring recreational vehicles (RVs), pickup campers, or tents to camp there. The park has many useful things for visitors. These include fire rings for campfires and special spots for fishing. There's also a pavilion, picnic tables, and a play structure for kids. Restrooms and showers are available too.
The Historic Covered Bridge
The Pass Creek Bridge is a famous covered bridge that once crossed Pass Creek in Drain. Long ago, it carried stagecoaches. Later, it was used by cars and trucks.
In 1987, the bridge was moved a short distance from its original spot. It was put back together behind the Drain Civic Center. Until 2014, people could walk across it. However, the bridge started to get old and damaged. Because of this, the city decided to close it completely for safety reasons.
