User:Gbashore/Aptos Creek

Aptos Creek emerges into northern Monterey Bay at Seacliff State Beach which is located about 10 kilometers east of the nearby city of Santa Cruz. At the mouth of the creek, beaches host 30 meter high cliffs. The creek's drainage basin includes Valencia Creek, Bridge Creek, Mangles Gulch, and Trout Creek is similar to those of its size that are typically located in central California in the respect that they have a limited areal extent yet conversely have high relief. The lower part of the Aptos Creek basin is characterized by its location in an area of low-density residential developments. On the other hand, the upper basin extends 11 kilometers inland and ventures through Nisene Marks State Park, a location that is largely protected from urban development.

Aptos Creek serves as a drain in the Soquel-Aptos area along with Branciforte Creek and Soquel Creek along with its tributary West Branch Soquel Creek. All three are perennial streams that have a component of base flow discharge across the year. There are gaging stations for the Soquel-Aptos Area both in Aptos Creek in Aptos itself and in Aptos Creek, just outside Aptos. The former is located at 36°58'33"N and the drainage area is 31.9 kilometers squared. The latter can be found at 121°54'05"W and has a drainage area of 26.4 kilometers squared.

Aptos Creek can also be described as an anadromous fish stream, meaning that it serves as a passageway for fish migrating up rivers from the sea in order to breed. The fish found in these sort of environments are known to have subtle cranial depressions as well as vertebral column and lower jaw anomalies which may have been prompted by both natural and human causes such as fires, droughts, floods, and impoundments.

Recreational fishing for steelhead is permitted in Aptos Creek.

DESCRIPTION: The Aptos Creek watershed is found inside the Coast Range Ecoregion that runs almost completely from the border of Oregon to the southernmost boundary of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It includes every stream south of San Francisco that originates from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

SECTION: HUMAN IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES OVER TIME

A concrete dam was built across the mouth of Aptos Creek in March of 1928. The purpose was to create a bathing pavilion, the Rio Del Mar Pavilion and Dam, that upon completion was publicized as "the world's largest freshwater swimming pool". The midstream floating diving platform and canoe rentals attracted visitors to the pool that was complete with steps and handrails.

There was also an island in the creek that was known as Lover's Retreat. It housed nine honeymoon cottages, barns and stables, and an outdoor dance pavilion surrounded by live oaks. However, soon the logging industry gained prominence and the area grew rugged causing it to loose its aesthetic appeal. Today, Lover's Retreat is no longer an island and it is now known as Treasure Island.