Gee Creek (Washington) facts for kids

Gee Creek is a small stream located in Clark County, Washington. It flows into the mighty Columbia River. The creek was named after William Gee, an early pioneer who owned land where the stream began.

The upper part of Gee Creek's watershed, which is the area where all its water collects, covers about 8.7 square miles (22.5 square kilometers). The main stream stretches for about 11.5 miles (18.5 kilometers). It starts in the hills near Interstate 5, flows through Ridgefield, Washington, and then empties into a series of lakes on the Columbia River Floodplain.

You can visit Gee Creek at Abrams Park in Ridgefield. Since 2003, a special device has been in place there to measure how much water is flowing in the creek. The lowest part of Gee Creek, about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, winds its way through the beautiful Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Helping Gee Creek Stay Healthy

In the spring of 2006, a big project began to help Gee Creek. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and WSU Clark County Extension worked together. They called it the Gee Creek Watershed Restoration project.

This project aimed to improve the creek's health. Many groups joined in, like the Gee Creek Enhancement Committee and the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Local schools and residents also helped out. Government agencies gave advice and support. The project officially ended in December 2009. However, people are still looking for ways to keep helping the creek in the future.

Changes to the Creek's Environment

The area around the upper part of Gee Creek is mostly rural, with homes spread out. But it is also crossed by a major highway, I-5, and has some industrial buildings. The lower part of the creek flows through the fast-growing city of Ridgefield.

Recent information shows that Gee Creek is not as healthy as it should be. This is likely because of runoff from farms, developed areas, and neighborhoods. Over the past 160 years, farming and city growth have changed the creek a lot. As the area continues to grow, conditions in the watershed will keep changing.

How Gee Creek's Name is Used

The name of Gee Creek is used in a few other places too:

• Gee Creek Safety Rest Area: This is a rest stop on I-5 for travelers.
• Gee Creek Exploration Trail: You can find this trail in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. It's a great place to explore nature.
• Gee Creek Farm: This farm operates near Ridgefield. It uses organic and eco-friendly farming methods.