Confluence and mainstem

You are now approaching the confluence of the South and North Forks of Strawberry Creek! The confluence is a magical spot, in the urban park sense. You might see a bit of garbage on the ground, but you will also find some amazing natural history. Locate the dense patch of creek dogwood (Cornus sericea) that covers the confluence of the two forks of Strawberry Creek. Duck inside this leafy hut and experience the confluence directly. Follow the North Fork upstream, and you will find California rose (Rosa californica), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), and other members of the original riparian plant community. Look for water striders (Aquarius remigis) on the creek surface, as well as the crayfish that ply the creek bed (Pacifastacus leniusculus). If you would like to do so, you can follow the North Fork up to its source under Little Grizzly Peak. The North Fork is visible in a beautiful, shady grove at the top of Leconte Avenue near Kingman Hall. It then runs under Euclid and Hearst Avenues to emerge in the Chancellor’s Garden (inaccessible to the public). The water then follows the redwood forest through the Wickson Natural Area and meanders across the grassy glade between Wellman Hall and the Valley Life Sciences Building. The North Fork dives below the West Circle with its giant eucalyptus tree, and it re-emerges here before its merger with the South Fork.