Rivers in Washington DC

One of the lesser known rivers of Washington DC, Rock Creek is a tributary of the Potomac River that eventually drains into Chesapeake Bay. This river flow through most parts of the Rock Creek Park, while also acting as a source for the man-made Lake Needwood, located north of Rock

Tiber Creek was formerly a free flowing tributary of the Potomac River, that was formerly named Goose Creek. The mouth of the creek is where the Lockkeeper’s House, one of the oldest buildings in the National Mall, now lies. Nowadays, a major part of the Tiber Creek flows under the streets of Washington DC, including under Constitution Avenue.

Sights to see above the creek : The Lockkeeper’s House, Bistro Bis, National Mall

States it flows through: : District of Columbia

The Anacostia River gets a name from history of being a settlement of the Anacostan Native Indians. Combining with the Northwest and Northeast branches, this river eventually drains into the Potomac.

The Potomac River originates from two sources. The north branch originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia, while the south branch originates in northern Virginia. It combines in West Virginia and eventually drains into Chesapeake Bay. The river is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, while also providing water for almost 5 million people.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed by 1850, providing a crucial water route for coal to be transported from the mountains to the DC area. After ceasing operation in 1924, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the construction of a national park in 1961 to protect its remains.

One of the smallest rivers of Washington DC, the Piney Branch is amongst the few tributaries of Rock Creek that lies entirely within the limits of Washington DC. The valley formed by the creek led to the first road through the modern day Rock Creek Park area. The most iconic landmark along this river is the 16th Street Bridge, built in the early 20th century.

Oxon Creek is a creek that lies within the Oxon Creek National Park. Also known as Winkle Doodle Run, it starts within the DC region before flowing into the Potomac in Maryland. This creek flows under the Anacostia Freeway and the Oxon Hill Farm Trail bridges, with the former lying along the Interstate 295.