Chileno Creek

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Chileno Creek is a small stream in western Marin County, California. It starts at Laguna Lake near Chileno Valley and flows west for about 6 miles before joining Walker Creek, which feeds into Tomales Bay. The Chileno Creek watershed covers about 20 square miles.

The creek is named after Chilean immigrants who settled in Chileno Valley with help from Adrian Godoy. Chileno Valley Ranches are now managed as farmland by groups like the Marin Agricultural Land Trust.

Laguna Lake is a shallow natural lake at the head of the valley. It’s often called a vernal pool, but it keeps some water year‑round.

The watershed has several dams on its tributaries and the main stream. These dams trap sediment, which can affect downstream erosion and riparian recovery.

In the early 1900s, coho salmon were common in Walker Creek, but erosion and overgrazing reduced their numbers. A 1975 study found only a few salmon and steelhead in the watershed. The Soulajule Reservoir dam blocked salmon from reaching parts of Arroyo Sausal.

California fish managers began stocking coho salmon from Olema Creek into Walker Creek in 2003, with modest success. Coho returned to Walker Creek in 2008 and again in 2013, reaching nearby Salmon Creek and Frink Canyon.

Laguna Lake is an important stop for migrating and breeding waterfowl, including wintering whistling swans.