Washoe Creek
| Washoe Creek | |
|---|---|
Channelized lower reaches of Washoe Creek, in spring. | |
| Etymology | Washo language |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| City | Cotati |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | 3 mi (5 km) southwest of Cotati, California |
| • coordinates | 38°18′25″N 122°44′58″W / 38.30694°N 122.74944°W |
| • elevation | 400 ft (120 m) |
| Mouth | Laguna de Santa Rosa |
• location | west of Rohnert Park, California |
• coordinates | 38°21′0″N 122°43′59″W / 38.35000°N 122.73306°W |
• elevation | 85 ft (26 m) |
| Length | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Gossage Creek |
Washoe Creek is a perennial stream located in Sonoma County, California. It is about 2 mi (3 km) long and discharges to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
Washoe Creek rises in the low lying Meacham Hills southwest of the city of Cotati. It descends to the northeast, flowing under Roblar Road and Stony Point Road. It then turns northward and parallels Stony Point Road, crossing under West Sierra Avenue and Madrone Avenue. Gravenstein Highway (State Route 116) crosses the creek, which then enters an artificial channel. Gossage Creek enters from the west, and shortly thereafter the creek ends at a confluence with the Laguna de Santa Rosa just west of Rohnert Park.
The original native riparian vegetation was likely riparian woodland, with Valley Oak savanna and grassland on the upland east and west. The native habitats have been largely altered or replaced, due to the modern uses of grazing, agriculture, and urban development. In stream nitrate concentrations are noticeably higher for Washoe Creek than other watercourses within the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed. The lower reach is under consideration for a restoration project.