Streams & Shorelines - Indian Creek Watershed

Indian Creek begins at a large wetland along South Bay Road, north of 12th Avenue. The small and shallow Bigelow Lake is within this wetland complex. Indian Creek crosses under Interstate-5 and is most visible and easily accessible along the Olympia Woodland Trail between Boulevard and Frederick Roads. The creek crosses under Interstate-5 again, eventually joining Moxlie Creek at the intersection of Plum and Union Streets. Both creeks are piped under Chestnut Street to East Bay.

Watershed Characteristics

Unique Natural Features:

Indian Creek (located near Eastside Street/Wheeler Avenue) flows along the Woodland Trail that joins downtown Olympia with the Chehalis Western Trail. The stream corridor, or riparian zone, has a great forest canopy and is beautiful, especially during the summertime.

Special Considerations:

Indian Creek is crossed by numerous roads, including twice by Interstate-5. At these road crossings, the stream passes through culverts (underground pipes), many of which are too small or have too much drop to allow fish, such as trout and salmon, to migrate. Resident trout still inhabit various reaches of the stream.

Indian Creek Stormwater Facility located at Wheeler and Frederick Roads, treats runoff from 10 acres of Interstate-5 before the runoff enters Indian Creek. This unique stormwater facility combines public art and water quality treatment function in a beautiful park-like setting. Tour the site online or visit in person.

Indian Creek exceeds the state water quality standards for fecal bacteria, making it unsafe to swim in the creek. Failing septic tanks, pet wastes, and wildlife are likely potential sources of the bacteria. A water quality improvement plan is under development for Indian Creek.