Why is it that I see rivers, streams, and creeks smaller than I think they are?

Question

The river where I live near is very shallow and is not that wide. Then I went to Mt. St. Helens. There was a creek there and it was only about a foot wide, yet its so popular and famous. How come these physical features are remarkable when its only a little stream of water?

Answer 1

Hi. Rivers, streams, creeks, etc. are at the low point between land features. They take on a boundary-like significance due to this. I have a stream as one of the boundary lines on my property, so even though it's a small brook it has great significance to me. And the town I live in.