Sycamore Creek

Eocene rock layers in this area control the routes of the stream-cut valleys. The East and West Forks of Sycamore Creek flow in the softer rocks in the valleys parallel to the harder rocks forming the riges that trend approximately northwest to southeast. At some time in the distant past, the creek began to flow southward down the slopes of the rock layers and carved Sycamore Canyon, through which the creek still flows today. The stream pattern shown in this diagram is termed a trellis drainage system. Stream-cut valleys typically contain a riparian (streamside) plant community. Riparian plants require more water and shade than those inhabiting open, sunny slopes. Plants near the creek include California Buckeye, Western Sycamore and California Bay Laurel trees, Blackberry and Wild Grape vines, California Wild Rose, Poison Oak, and various ferns and mosses.