Redwood Creek - Home Stream of the Salmon

A stop on Muir Woods, a free self-guided tour.

Lean on the bridge rail and look down at Redwood Creek, the stream that carved this canyon and the reason it nearly disappeared. In 1907, a water company wanted to dam it and flood the valley for a reservoir. The Kents' gift to the nation stopped that plan.

Today the creek runs freely to the Pacific at Muir Beach, a few miles downstream, and it is one of the few places near San Francisco where wild coho salmon still return. In winter, after heavy rains, the fish swim up from the ocean to lay their eggs in the gravel, and steelhead trout follow. Both are protected, and their numbers are fragile from year to year.

Fallen logs and pools in the creek give young fish places to hide, so they're left in place. If you visit in winter, scan the water quietly for flashes of red. Then walk the last few steps back to the entrance and the end of the loop.

Getting here: Continue on the Bohemian Grove Trail to Bridge 1, just before the visitor center.

Did you know?: No coho salmon returned to spawn in Redwood Creek in the winter of 2014, raising fears the run could disappear.

Photo op: From Bridge 1, shoot upstream with the creek leading your eye into the redwoods; overcast days give soft, even light under the trees.

Nearby: Restrooms, the visitor center and the Muir Woods Trading Company cafe and gift shop are steps away at the entrance.

More on Wikipedia: Redwood Creek · Coho salmon

Redwood Creek - Home Stream of the Salmon

Stops on this tour