Tolay Creek facts for kids

Tolay Creek is a stream in southern Sonoma County, California, United States. It flows for about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) towards the south. This creek is special because it flows through Tolay Lake before emptying into the northern part of San Pablo Bay.

Exploring Tolay Creek's Past

Who Lived by Tolay Creek?

Long ago, a group of Native Americans called the Alaguali lived near Tolay Creek. They were part of the Coast Miwok community. Their homes were close to the northern edge of San Pablo Bay. A big part of their land was low, marshy ground near the mouths of Sonoma Creek and Napa Slough.

The Alaguali people had strong family ties with another group called the Petalumas. This suggests that the Alaguali controlled the entire valley of Tolay Creek. Their land stretched north from Sears Point all the way to the Sonoma Valley airport, covering about 56 square miles.

How Did Tolay Creek Get Its Name?

In 1814, Spanish authorities began moving the Alaguali people to different missions. Many were baptized at Mission Dolores and Mission San José.

A Spanish priest named Padre José Altimira founded Mission San Francisco Solano. In his diary on June 27, 1823, he wrote about "Tolay Lake so called for the Chief of the Indians." This means the lake was named after a Native American chief. Later, Tolay Creek was named after the lake it flows through.

Understanding the Tolay Creek Area

Where Does Tolay Creek Start and End?

The area of land that drains into Tolay Creek is called its drainage basin or watershed. This watershed is located between the watersheds of Sonoma Creek and the Petaluma River.

Tolay Creek begins near Stage Gulch Road, which is part of California State Route 116. This starting point is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Lakeville, California.

The creek then flows into Tolay Lake. After leaving the lake, it continues its journey south. It flows under California State Route 121 north of the Infineon Raceway. The creek then runs alongside State Route 121 until it reaches California State Route 37 at Sears Point, California.

Tolay Creek's Journey to the Bay

As Tolay Creek gets closer to San Pablo Bay, it flows into the Napa Sonoma Marsh. This marsh is a very important wetland area. Finally, the creek enters San Pablo Bay west of Tubbs Island. This area is part of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which protects many animals and their habitats.

South of State Route 37, Tolay Creek also forms part of the western border of the Sonoma Valley AVA. An AVA is a special area recognized for growing grapes for wine.