It rises on the upper Resurrection Peninsula from various glaciers on Santa Ana Peak in the Chugach Mountains and flows 5 miles (8.0 km) to empty into Resurrection Bay near Seward.

[1][2] Fourth of July Creek formed some time after 1850, when Godwin Glacier retreated from the shores of Resurrection Bay, uncovering the stream and the broad valley it flows through.

[4] Fishing for salmon is not permitted in the Fourth of July Creek.

However, its delta remains a popular fishing spot, as Resurrection Bay has a very productive silver salmon fishery.

[5] This delta is at a rocky and sandy coastal area known as Fourth of July Beach, and is publicly accessible by going around the adjacent shipyard's private property.