Streams & Shorelines - Mission Creek Watershed

Mission Creek is a small stream that originates at a large wetland located in-between Ethridge and Pine Streets in Northeast Olympia. The drainage for the upper watershed begins along a portion of State Avenue and continues northward curving to the west towards Budd Inlet. The stream flows from the wetland, crosses Bethel Street, winds down a ravine alongside Reeves Middle School, and ultimately through the southern portion of Priest Point Park. The stream crosses under East Bay Drive and discharges to Budd Inlet.

Watershed Characteristics 

Unique Natural Features:

Both the mouth and the headwaters of Mission Creek are protected within City parks. Mission Creek begins in a large forest and wetland in northeast Olympia. Thirty-seven acres of this land is protected within Mission Creek Park. The creek continues towards Budd Inlet through a marvelous ravine as it makes its way through the southern portion of Priest Point Park. The mouth of Mission Creek can be accessed from the Ellis Cove beach trail where it meets the Budd Inlet shoreline. An old road bed crosses the mouth and has created a wetland behind the road fill. This area is slated to be restored in the coming years to a full tidal area.

Special Considerations:

English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, holly, and other invasive plant species are found along Mission Creek stream corridor. These plants take over the native vegetation and make areas unsuitable for native wildlife. If you are a streamside property owner, please help us keep these plants in control. The City can provide technical assistance to manage these plants. Please contact us for more information.