Walnut Creek (Lake Erie) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walnut Creek |
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![]() Fishermen on Walnut Creek during the winter
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Location of the mouth of Walnut Creek in Pennsylvania
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Country | United States |
State | Pennsylvania |
County | Erie |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Hammett, Erie County, Pennsylvania 1,460 ft (450 m) 42°2′24″N 80°0′3″W / 42.04000°N 80.00083°W |
River mouth | Lake Erie Manchester Beach, Erie County, Pennsylvania 572 ft (174 m) 42°4′37″N 80°14′23″W / 42.07694°N 80.23972°W |
Length | 22.6 mi (36.4 km) |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 38.1 sq mi (99 km2) |
Walnut Creek is a stream in Erie County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows for about 22.6-mile (36.4 km) before joining Lake Erie. This creek is an important part of the Lake Erie Watershed.
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Where Walnut Creek Flows
Walnut Creek starts in a place called Hammett, which is in Erie County. The water begins its journey at an elevation of about 1,460 ft (450 m) above sea level. From there, it flows downhill.
Journey to Lake Erie
As Walnut Creek travels, it collects water from a large area. It eventually reaches Lake Erie at a spot called Manchester Beach. This is where the creek's journey ends, at an elevation of about 572 ft (174 m).
What is a Tributary?
Walnut Creek is known as a tributary of Lake Erie. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake. So, Walnut Creek helps feed water into Lake Erie.
Understanding the Walnut Creek Basin
Every stream or river has a drainage basin, also called a watershed. This is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into that specific stream or river.
Size of the Basin
The drainage basin for Walnut Creek covers about 38.1 square miles (99 km2). This means all the water that falls on this area will eventually flow into Walnut Creek.
Part of a Bigger System
Walnut Creek's basin is part of the much larger Lake Erie Watershed. This bigger watershed includes all the land that drains into Lake Erie. Taking care of Walnut Creek helps keep Lake Erie healthy.
Why Walnut Creek is Important
Walnut Creek is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy visiting the creek, especially for fishing.
Fishing in the Creek
The creek is well-known for its fishing opportunities. During certain times of the year, different types of fish, like steelhead trout, swim up the creek from Lake Erie. This makes it a favorite place for fishermen.