Silver Creek (Harney County, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Creek |
|
|---|---|
Flowing through fields north of Riley
|
|
 Location of the mouth of Silver Creek in Oregon
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Harney |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blue Mountains near Snow Mountain between Burns and Paulina in, Harney County, Oregon 5,830 ft (1,780 m) 43°56′28″N 119°33′25″W / 43.94111°N 119.55694°W |
| River mouth | Harney Lake downstream of Riley, Harney County, Oregon 4,101 ft (1,250 m) 43°15′47″N 119°11′21″W / 43.26306°N 119.18917°W |
| Length | 87 mi (140 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,670 sq mi (4,300 km2) |
Silver Creek is a long stream in Oregon, about 87 miles (140 km) long. It flows into Harney Lake and helps drain a part of the Harney Basin. This area is an endorheic basin, which means its water does not flow out to the ocean. Silver Creek starts in the Blue Mountains and generally flows towards the southeast. However, parts of the stream can sometimes dry up, making it an intermittent stream. The area around the creek is also known for the Silver Creek Volcanic Field, which is linked to the creek's water system.
Contents
Where Silver Creek Flows
Silver Creek begins high up in the southern Blue Mountains. As it flows south, it passes through the Ochoco National Forest. Many smaller streams and large natural springs join the creek, adding to its water.
The creek then winds its way through a wide, flat area made of alluvial plain (soil and rock deposited by flowing water). Near Chickahominy Reservoir, it turns southeast. It flows through the small town of Riley, where it goes under Highway 20 and Highway 395.
After Riley, Silver Creek enters a canyon with tall walls, about 200 to 300 feet (60 to 90 meters) high. These walls are made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock. A few miles downstream, the creek is blocked by a dam, forming Moon Reservoir. From there, the creek splits into two parts. One part goes southwest towards Silver Lake, which is usually dry. The other part flows southeast through Warm Springs Valley, entering the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and finally reaches Harney Lake.
Plants and Animals of Silver Creek
The areas higher up along Silver Creek are covered in forests. The most common trees are coniferous trees, which have needles and cones. These include Ponderosa Pine, White Fir, Douglas-fir, and Western Juniper. As you go lower down the creek, the land changes to mostly desert rangelands, which are open areas with grasses and shrubs.
Fish in Silver Creek
Many types of fish live naturally in Silver Creek and its smaller streams. These include Tui Chub, Speckled Dace, Redside Shiner, Mottled Sculpin, and Great Basin redband trout. Other fish, like Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch, were brought to the creek by people.
Other Wildlife
Large mammals can also be seen in the lower parts of Silver Creek, especially during winter. These animals include Deer, Elk, and Antelope.
