West Union Creek facts for kids

West Union Creek is a stream about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long. It starts on the east side of Kings Mountain. This mountain is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County, California.

The creek flows east into a valley. This valley was formed by the San Andreas Fault. Near the Phleger Estate, the creek turns. It then flows southeast on a very flat path for a mountain stream. It reaches Adobe Corner in Woodside. There, it joins Bear Gulch Creek. Bear Gulch Creek then flows into San Francisquito Creek. Finally, the water reaches San Francisco Bay.

What is the History of West Union Creek?

In August 1840, the Governor of Spanish California gave land to John Coppinger. He was an Irishman who became a Mexican citizen. This land was later called Rancho Cañada de Raymundo. It was about 12,545 acres.

Part of this rancho, about 973 acres, is now Huddart County Park. The redwood trees in this area were very important. They were used for lumber and shipped out. In 1841, Mexican records show that 100,000 board feet of wood were ready. This wood was at the port near Mission Santa Clara. It was shipped to the Hawaiian Islands. This timber likely came from Coppinger's Rancho.

Willard Whipple was a lumberman in the area. He used to drag logs to the port in Redwood City. His road, Whipple's Mill Road, is now known as Whipple Avenue. Whipple supported the Union during the American Civil War. He named the creek where his mills operated West Union Creek. In late 1852, Whipple built his steam-powered Upper Mill. It was located where the Phleger House is today. This site is now owned by Intel founder, Gordon E. Moore.

What is the West Union Creek Watershed?

The watershed of West Union Creek covers about 7 square miles (18 square kilometers). A watershed is the area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or stream. Many steep valleys drain the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These valleys feed West Union Creek.

Some of the named streams that flow into West Union Creek are McGarvey Gulch, Squealer Gulch, Tripp Gulch, and Appletree Gulch. McGarvey Gulch joins West Union Creek inside Huddart County Park. West Union Creek often dries up in the summer. However, it has pools that stay full of water all year. These pools are important for steelhead trout. Steelhead trout are a type of rainbow trout that swim from the ocean to freshwater to lay eggs.

What Animals Live in West Union Creek?

Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) travel from the Bay to lay their eggs. They spawn in Bear Creek and its smaller streams. These smaller streams include West Union Creek and Bear Gulch Creek. Steelhead trout are listed as a threatened species. This means their numbers are low and they need protection.

Young steelhead trout, called smolt, live in freshwater for their first two years. They need streams that flow all year or at least have permanent pools. The path of West Union Creek is unusually flat. This is because it follows the San Andreas Fault. This flat path creates excellent living areas for steelhead trout. Many natural springs along the fault also create permanent pools. These pools are very important for the survival of young steelhead.

In 2001, a report found 34 obstacles for trout. These barriers were in Bear Creek and its smaller streams. These streams included West Union Creek, Bear Gulch, Squealer Gulch, and McGarvey Gulch. The report said that a culvert for McGarvey Gulch creek was a big problem. A culvert is a tunnel carrying a stream under a road. This culvert was at the Richards Road crossing in Huddart County Park. It made it hard for adult and young steelhead to move. This culvert was rebuilt using money from a special fund. This fund helps restore salmon and trout habitats in the San Francisco Bay.

How Can You Enjoy West Union Creek?

You can explore West Union Creek by hiking. The Miramontes Trail follows the creek. This trail starts in Huddart County Park. You can also get to the area from the Crystal Springs Trail. This trail begins at Edgewood County Park.