Elk Creek (Gasconade River tributary)

Elk Creek is a stream located in south-central Missouri, USA. It is a tributary of the Gasconade River, emptying into it in Pulaski County.

The creek's watershed drains a rural, primarily forested area characterized by the rolling hills and karst topography typical of the Ozark Highlands. Land use within the watershed is primarily agricultural, with a mix of pastureland and some cultivated crops, alongside extensive areas of woodland.

The creek's name likely originates from the presence of elk in the area historically, although the original elk population was extirpated from Missouri in the 19th century. Efforts have been made to reintroduce elk to select areas within the state, but they are not currently known to inhabit the immediate Elk Creek watershed.

Elk Creek supports a variety of aquatic life, including various species of fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. Like many Ozark streams, it is vulnerable to impacts from agricultural runoff and sedimentation.