Clear Creek, flowing through the center of present-day Buffalo, Wyoming, was an important landmark and campsite on the eastern flank of the Bighorn Mountains during the West's frontier era. When the town developed along its banks in the late 1870's, the stream played an essential role in its subsequent development by providing water for the residents and irrigation to the surrounding ranches. It continues to do so today. Also, it is a good trout stream and locals and visitors alike enjoy many hours of fishing each year.

On the rolling Wyoming High Plains, prominent landmarks that are visible from a great distance are few. Thus, regional streams, in addition to providing water, taken on an added importance as travel guides. Clear Creek's Sioux name was Tu Su Wakpala meaning Lodge Pole Creek. Early European explorers termed it the Clear Fork (of the Powder River) which was changed with time to simply Clear Creek.