He runs like a dry creek.

He was running like a dry creek.

He ran like a dry creek.

Lord willing and the creek don't rise

I lost my map and now I'm up shit creek without a paddle.

I lost my phone and I'm up shit's creek without a paddle.

God willing and the creek don't rise

The hikers followed the creekbeds through the forest.

We walked along the creekbed, enjoying the sound of the flowing water.

We enjoyed a picnic by the creekfront.