Sycamore Creek (Kings River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sycamore Creek |
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Map showing the course of the Kings River, and Pine Flat Lake
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Fresno County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pine Ridge, about 2 miles SW of Sierra Cedars, California, near Shaver Lake 5,540 ft (1,690 m) 37°03′53″N 119°19′46″W / 37.06472°N 119.32944°W |
| River mouth | confluence with Pine Flat Lake, Kings River 968 ft (295 m) 36°55′12″N 119°16′39″W / 36.92000°N 119.27750°W |
| Length | 24 mi (39 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 56.5 sq mi (146 km2) |
Sycamore Creek is a stream located in Fresno County, California. It flows into the Kings River, acting as one of its smaller branches.
This creek begins high up on the south side of Pine Ridge. This area is part of the Sierra National Forest. The creek's starting point is about 5,540 feet (1,689 meters) above sea level. It is also near Shaver Lake and the community of Sierra Cedars, California.
From its source, Sycamore Creek flows downhill very steeply. It joins with its north branch at an elevation of just under 2,000 feet (610 meters). The creek then continues south until it reaches Pine Flat Lake. This lake is formed by the Kings River and is about 968 feet (295 meters) above sea level.
Sycamore Creek is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) long. It generally flows towards the southeast. Other smaller streams, like North Fork Sycamore Creek and Watts Creek, add water to it along its path. Before the Pine Flat Dam was built, Sycamore Creek flowed directly into the Kings River. This was near the original location of a town called Trimmer, California.
What is the History of Sycamore Creek?
The area where Sycamore Creek meets the Kings River was once an important place. In 1850, a pioneer named William Mayfield built a cabin and farm there. He was one of the first settlers in the San Joaquin Valley.
William Mayfield's son, Thomas Jefferson Mayfield, grew up near the creek. He also spent time across the river in a village of the friendly Choinumni, a group of Yokut people. Today, the sites of both the cabin and the village are covered by the waters of Pine Flat Lake.
