Sharps Creek (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sharps Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of Sharps Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Lane |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bohemia Mountain Cascade Range, Umpqua National Forest 5,317 ft (1,621 m) 43°34′10″N 122°39′39″W / 43.56944°N 122.66083°W |
| River mouth | Row River Culp Creek 958 ft (292 m) 43°41′44″N 122°50′17″W / 43.69556°N 122.83806°W |
Sharps Creek is a cool stream located in Lane County, Oregon, in the United States. It's a branch, or tributary, of the Row River. The creek starts its journey near Bohemia Mountain and the Calapooia Divide, which are part of the Cascade Range. From there, it flows generally northwest.
A large part of Sharps Creek runs through the beautiful Umpqua National Forest. The creek finally joins the Row River in a small community called Culp Creek. This spot is about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Cottage Grove.
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How Sharps Creek Got Its Name
Sharps Creek was named after a local miner and road builder from the 1800s. His name was James H. "Bohemia" Sharp. He was known for his work in the area.
The nickname "Bohemia" actually came from another miner, James Johnson. In 1863, Johnson discovered gold deep in the rocks of Bohemia Mountain. Before that, in 1858, other gold seekers had already found gold in the creek's streambeds. James Johnson was called "Bohemia" because he grew up in Bohemia, a region in eastern Europe. In 1867, he and other miners created the Bohemia Gold and Silver Mining District. This area later became known as the Bohemia mining district.
Fun at Sharps Creek Recreation Site
Along Sharps Creek, you can find the Sharps Creek Recreation Site. The Bureau of Land Management takes care of this area. It's about 18 miles (29 km) from Cottage Grove.
This recreation site is usually open from mid-May until the end of September. It's a great place for a day trip or even camping!
- There's a special area for day use.
- You can find 11 campsites if you want to stay overnight.
- The site has clean drinking water and toilets.
- There are picnic tables and fire rings for cooking and relaxing.
- You can even enjoy a refreshing swim in the creek's swimming hole!
Near the recreation site, there are many fun activities to do. You can go fishing, enjoy hiking on nearby trails, or try to spot local wildlife. Some people even enjoy gold panning in the creek, just like the miners did long ago!
What Are Tributaries?
A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake. Think of them as branches joining a main tree trunk. Sharps Creek has several smaller streams that flow into it along its path.
Streams Joining Sharps Creek
Here are some of the streams that flow into Sharps Creek, listed from where Sharps Creek starts to where it ends:
- Bohemia Creek
- Judson Rock Creek
- Fairview Creek
- Sailors Gulch
- Martin Creek
- White Creek
- Walker Creek
- Buck Creek
- Lick Creek
- Staples Creek
- Pony Creek
- Table Creek
- Damewood Creek
- Boulder Creek
