Issaquah Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Issaquah Creek |
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Upper dam on Issaquah Creek
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Location of the mouth of Issaquah Creek in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | King |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Issaquah Alps 47°26′41″N 121°59′28″W / 47.44472°N 121.99111°W |
| River mouth | Lake Sammamish 47°33′43″N 122°3′52″W / 47.56194°N 122.06444°W |
| Length | 13 mi (21 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 61 sq mi (160 km2) |
Issaquah Creek is a small river in Washington, a state in the United States. It flows through the city of Issaquah and nearby areas. The creek starts high up in the Issaquah Alps, on the sides of mountains like Cougar, Squak, and Tiger.
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Issaquah Creek. These include Holder Creek, Carey Creek, and McDonald Creek. The creek eventually flows into the south end of Lake Sammamish. From there, the water travels through the Sammamish River to Lake Washington, and finally reaches Puget Sound.
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Issaquah Creek's Home: The Drainage Basin
The area of land where all the rain and melted snow drain into Issaquah Creek is called its drainage basin. Most of this basin, over 75%, is covered by forests. Less than 10% of the land is developed or cleared.
This basin is very important in King County. The upper and middle parts of the basin are known for having amazing places for fish to live. They are also mostly untouched by human development.
Salmon and Other Fish in the Creek
The entire Issaquah Creek basin is a vital area for salmon. Salmon travel upstream from the ocean to lay their eggs here. Holder Creek and Carey Creek, which flow into Issaquah Creek, are especially good places for salmon and other fish to live.
Every October, people gather along the creek's banks. They come to watch the incredible journey of the salmon as they swim upstream. Fishing in Issaquah Creek is usually only allowed for kids under 15. Local Native American communities also fish here.
Types of Salmon and Trout
Issaquah Creek and its smaller streams are home to several types of fish. You can find Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon here. There are also coastal cutthroat trout and steelhead.
The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
The state runs the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, which is about three miles upstream from where the creek meets Lake Sammamish. This hatchery helps raise Chinook and coho salmon. It has been releasing Chinook salmon into Issaquah Creek since 1936. In the early 2000s, about two million young Chinook salmon were released each year.
