Longfellow Creek facts for kids

Longfellow Creek is a small stream in West Seattle, Washington. It flows for about 3.38 miles (5.4 km). The creek starts at Roxhill Park and runs north. It eventually reaches the Duwamish West Waterway, which connects to Elliott Bay. The Duwamish, who are the native people of this area, called the creek "Smelt." This name comes from the smelt fish (Hypomesus pretiosus) that lived there. The creek was an important place for fishing as far back as the 14th century.

About Longfellow Creek

Longfellow Creek is one of the four biggest streams in the city of Seattle. Its area covers about 2,685 acres (1,087 hectares). The creek flows north from the Roxhill Park neighborhood. It winds through the Delridge neighborhoods of West Seattle. Then, it turns east to reach the Duwamish Waterway. Part of its journey is through a long pipe. This pipe is about 3,300 feet (1006 meters) long. It runs beneath the Nucor plant, which used to be called Bethlehem Steel.

Where the Creek Begins

The creek starts at a very old place called the Roxhill Bog. This bog is about 10,000 years old. It is located south of the Westwood Village shopping center. The first part of Longfellow Creek that you can see is a three-acre area. This area includes open land, wetlands, and woods. It is just east of Chief Sealth High School in Westwood.

Bringing Salmon Back

For 60 years, salmon fish were not seen in Longfellow Creek. But then, something amazing happened! Salmon started to return on their own. This happened after pollution was stopped and barriers in the creek were removed. Now, there are plans to help even more salmon. A special "fish ladder" is being built. This ladder will be at the north end of the West Seattle Golf Course. It will help salmon swim upstream to lay their eggs.

Helping the Creek and Wildlife

The city is also working to improve the creek area. They are building more ponds to hold stormwater. These ponds help prevent flooding and keep the creek healthy. They are also creating new recreation areas for people to enjoy. An outdoor education center is being built at Camp Long. This center will help teach people about nature.

Nature's Comeback

Since 1997, many plants and trees have been restored along the creek. Hundreds of volunteers from the neighborhood helped with this work. After more than ten years of effort, a restoration project was finished in 2004. A 4.2-mile (6.7-km) trail was also completed.

Plants and Animals

Harmful plants, called invasive vegetation, are now decreasing. Native plants, which belong in the area, are growing back. This helps the local wildlife. You might even see some amazing animals. Blue herons, which are large birds, can be seen near the water. Coyotes, a type of wild dog, also live in the area.