The Johnson Creek watershed is the largest drainage basin in the city, and is important habitat for salmon, steelhead, and trout including several threatened and endangered species. The watershed spans 34,560 acres covering parts of two counties and four cities in the Portland metropolitan area.
About the Johnson Creek Watershed
Johnson Creek starts at its headwaters in Clackamas County, east of Boring, and flows 26 miles west to meet the Willamette River in Milwaukie. The watershed drains about 54 square miles, including parts of Clackamas and Multnomah counties, and the cities of Gresham, Happy Valley, Portland, and Milwaukie. Approximately 40 percent of the watershed is in Portland.
While it flows west, the creek passes through upland forests, farms, neighborhoods, wildlife refuges, and industrial properties. It goes along trails, under roads, and through golf courses. It is a natural refuge in an urban environment, and one of Portland's most important resources.
Visit our Johnson Creek Watershed Portland.gov page to learn more.
