In this blog, we will cover the DC bodies of water in relation to the Potomac River and Carefree Boat Club DC. The Potomac River forms at the District of Colombia’s border with the state of Virginia and has two major tributaries: Anacostia River and Rock Creek. Other bodies of water include the Washington Channel and the Tidal Basin.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is located along the mid-Atlantic and flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Majority of the lower part of the river is in Maryland with exceptions to parts in DC and parts bordering Virginia.
Did you know? For over 400 years, Maryland and Virginia disputed control over the Potomac River because both state’s original constitution claimed the river as their own.
- The river is 405 miles long.
- Is the fourth largest on the East coast.
- Is the 21st largest in the United States.
- Borders the homes of over 5 million people.
Anacostia River
The Anacostia River is a river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is approximately 8.7 miles long. It flows from Maryland into Washington D.C. and empties into the Potomac River.
Did you know? On earlier maps the Anacostia River was labeled as the “Eastern Branch of the Potomac River.”
Rock Creek
Rock Creek is a free flowing tributary of the Potomac River which empties into the Atlantic Ocean via the Chesapeake Bay. Rock Creek is 32.6 miles long and flows through Rock Creek Regional Park and much of Maryland.
Did you know? Most of the creek’s tributaries are polluted, especially in parts of Washington, D.C.
Washington Channel
The Washington Channel runs parallel to the Potomac River, is 2 miles long, receives outflow from the Tidal Basin and empties into the Anacostia River.
Did you know? Carefree Boat Club DC is located along the Washington Channel at Gangplank Marina along with other marinas and waterfront dining.
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is a partially man made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. It’s also home to the National Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place each year.
Did you know? The Tidal Basin is designed to release up to 250 million gallons of water captured at high tide twice a day. The inlet and outlet gates are located on the Potomac side of the basin and the Washington Channel and are governed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Images and sources: World Atlas, Wikipedia – Tidal Basin, Wikipedia – Rock Creek, Wikipedia – Washington D.C.
