Sailor Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sailor Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of Sailor Creek in Idaho
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Counties | Owyhee County, Idaho, Elmore County, Idaho |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | southwest of Castleford, Owyhee County, Idaho 4,879 ft (1,487 m) 42°22′52″N 115°12′59″W / 42.38111°N 115.21639°W |
| River mouth | Snake River near Hammett, Owyhee County, Idaho 2,467 ft (752 m) 42°55′43″N 115°28′48″W / 42.92861°N 115.48000°W |
| Length | 64 mi (103 km) |
Sailor Creek is a river in Idaho, a state in the United States. It is about 64-mile (103 km) long. This means it flows for quite a distance! Sailor Creek is a tributary of the Snake River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
Contents
What is Sailor Creek?
Sailor Creek starts in the southwestern part of Owyhee County, Idaho. This area is near a town called Castleford. The river begins high up, at an elevation of about 4,879 feet (1,487 m) above sea level. Imagine starting your journey from a high point!
Where Does Sailor Creek Flow?
From its starting point, Sailor Creek flows generally north. It travels through a dry area known as the Bruneau Desert. Even though it's a desert, the river carves its path through the landscape. For a short part of its journey, the creek crosses into Elmore County, Idaho.
The Journey's End
After flowing north, Sailor Creek turns and flows northwest. Its journey ends when it reaches the Snake River. This meeting point is close to the town of Hammett. At this spot, the elevation is much lower, around 2,467 feet (751.9 m). This shows how much the river drops in elevation from its source to its mouth.
Geography of Sailor Creek
Sailor Creek is an important part of the water system in southern Idaho. It helps carry water from higher elevations down to the larger Snake River. The areas it flows through are mostly rural, meaning they are not heavily populated.
Counties Traversed
The river flows through two main counties in Idaho. It starts in Owyhee County, Idaho. This county is known for its wide-open spaces and desert landscapes. It then briefly enters Elmore County, Idaho before returning to Owyhee County to meet the Snake River.
The Snake River Connection
The Snake River is a major river in the Pacific Northwest. It is the largest tributary of the Columbia River. By joining the Snake River, Sailor Creek's water eventually becomes part of this much larger river system. This connection is vital for the region's water supply and ecosystems.
