Cascade Creek (San Anselmo Creek tributary) facts for kids

Cascade Creek is a small stream in Marin County, California. It starts on White Hill and flows south. Then it turns southeast. The creek joins San Anselmo Creek near Fairfax.

Wildlife and Nature in Cascade Creek

Cascade Creek is an important home for different kinds of fish. Even though it doesn't have much water in late summer, it's a good place for certain fish species.

Steelhead Trout in the Creek

Experts believe Cascade Creek has great places for Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to live. Steelhead trout are a type of rainbow trout that spend part of their lives in the ocean. They swim up rivers to lay their eggs.

However, there's a problem for these fish. A natural waterfall called Cascade Falls blocks their way. This means steelhead trout cannot swim past it to reach all the good spots for laying eggs.

Challenges for Young Trout

The creek's steep slope and low water levels are tough for young trout. Baby trout, called juveniles, usually need to stay in freshwater for about a year. After that, they swim out to San Francisco Bay. But the conditions in Cascade Creek make it hard for them to grow up there.

Coho Salmon Sightings

There have also been reports of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Cascade Creek. Coho salmon are another type of fish that lives in both fresh and saltwater. They are similar to steelhead trout in their life cycle.

Scientists think that Cascade Creek and other nearby streams have good areas for coho salmon to live. These sightings show that the creek is part of a larger natural system that supports different fish species.