Return Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Return Creek |
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 Location of Return Creek in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Nevada 11,938 ft (3,639 m) 38°04′51″N 119°21′18″W / 38.08083°N 119.35500°W |
| River mouth | Tuolumne River 6,204 ft (1,891 m) 37°55′55″N 119°27′58″W / 37.93194°N 119.46611°W |
| Length | 12.96 mi (20.86 km) |
Return Creek is a stream located in the northeastern part of Yosemite National Park in Tuolumne County, California. It is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, known as a tributary, of the Tuolumne River.
This creek is about 13 miles (21 km) long. It is the first major tributary to join the Tuolumne River after it leaves Tuolumne Meadows.
Contents
Where Return Creek Begins and Flows
Return Creek starts at a place called Return Lake. This lake is high up on the Sierra Crest, close to Virginia Pass.
From there, the creek first flows towards the east. Then, it turns southwest. Along its journey, it meets and joins with two other creeks: McCabe Creek and Spiller Creek.
Virginia Canyon's Formation
As Return Creek flows towards the Tuolumne River, it has carved out a deep valley. This valley is called Virginia Canyon. It is about 2,000-foot (610 m) deep.
Long ago, glaciers helped make this canyon even bigger and gave it its current shape. After joining with Matterhorn Creek, Return Creek flows south-southwest. It then meets the Tuolumne River about 400 meters (a quarter mile) below Waterwheel Falls.
Pacific Crest Trail Connection
The famous Pacific Crest Trail follows part of Virginia Canyon. This trail is a very long hiking path that goes from Mexico to Canada. Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail cross Return Creek just above where it joins McCabe Creek.
Different Names for Return Creek
On some older maps, Return Creek was sometimes called the North Fork of the Tuolumne River. However, this can be confusing! There is an actual North Fork Tuolumne River, but it is located much further to the west. Return Creek is a separate stream.
