Ruby Creek (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruby Creek |
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 Mouth of Ruby Creek
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Whatcom |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Granite Creek and Canyon Creek 1,880 ft (570 m)approx. 47°49′05″N 124°18′05″W / 47.81806°N 124.30139°W |
| River mouth | Ross Lake 1,604 ft (489 m)Subject to changes in reservoir water levels 48°42′43″N 120°59′11″W / 48.71194°N 120.98639°W |
| Length | 3.39 mi (5.46 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 208.86 sq mi (540.9 km2) |
Ruby Creek is a small river in the North Cascades mountains of northwestern Washington state. It flows into Ross Lake, which is part of the larger Skagit River system. The area around Ruby Creek is known for its beautiful mountain scenery.
The creek got its name in 1872 from three explorers: John Sutter, George Sanger, and John Rowley. John Sutter thought he had found a shiny red ruby in the creek. It turned out to be a different stone called a garnet, but the name "Ruby Creek" stuck!
Originally, Ruby Creek was about 11 kilometers (7 miles) long. However, when Ross Lake was created, about 6 kilometers (4 miles) of the creek's lower part became covered by the lake's water. This means Ruby Creek is now about 5 kilometers (3 miles) long.
Contents
What is the History of Ruby Creek?
Ruby Creek was likely first seen by Henry Custer in the summer of 1859. After that, it wasn't visited again until 1872, when it was named.
When Was Gold Discovered in Ruby Creek?
In 1879, a lot of gold was found in Ruby Creek. This discovery started the first "gold rush" in the North Cascades mountains. People rushed to the area hoping to find their fortune.
More than 600 mining claims were made. Between a few hundred and 2,500 people came to work along the creek. However, it wasn't very profitable for most, and much of the mining stopped by the fall of 1880.
Some smaller mining operations continued in the area. One notable mine was the Ruby Hydraulic Gold Mining Co. It operated from the late 1890s to the early 1900s. This mine was located about two miles upstream from where the creek met the Skagit River. In 1947, this mining site was also covered by the rising waters of Ross Lake.
Were There Any Settlements Near Ruby Creek?
The area around Ruby Creek never became a large town. However, during the gold rush, many small cabins and even a store were built there to support the miners.
What Are Ruby Creek's Tributaries?
Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger one. Ruby Creek has several tributaries that feed into it.
Main Tributaries of Ruby Creek
- Canyon Creek
- Granite Creek
Smaller Streams Joining Ruby Creek
- Panther Creek (on the left side)
- 5 other unnamed streams (on the left side)
- Crater Creek (on the right side)
- 2 other unnamed streams (on the right side)
