Willamina Creek


Willamina Creek is a tributary, about long, of the South Yamhill River in the U.S. state of Oregon. Beginning in the Northern Oregon Coast Range in Yamhill County, it briefly enters and exits a small part of eastern Tillamook County, then flows generally south to meet the larger stream at Willamina, near the border with Polk County.

Course

From its source northeast of Stony Mountain, the creek flows south, passing under Willamina Creek Road about above the mouth. The road follows the creek from here to Willamina. Turning west, the creek passes over Willamina Falls between river miles 17 and 16 and enters Tillamook County. Veering south again, it flows through segments of Tillamook State Forest before re-entering Yamhill County about from the mouth. It passes Buck Hollow Cemetery and then flows through Blackwell Park at about RM 5. Turning east at Willamina, it enters the South Yamhill River about from the larger stream's mouth. Named tributaries of Willamina Creek from source to mouth are Cedar, East, Coast, and Tindle creeks.

Waterfall

The Northwest Waterfall Survey describes Willamina Falls as a "veiling plunge" that is high and wide. It estimates the average discharge at this point at with the highest flows in winter and spring. The waterfall is on private land.

Recreation

Blackwell Park is a county recreational area along Willamina Road and the creek about north of Willamina. The site offers stream views, picnic sites, fishing, barbecue pits, and a public toilet. Two families named Blackwell donated the land for the park in 1957.
Fishing in Oregon calls the creek "a good little trout stream". The creek offers catch-and-release fishing for wild cutthroat up to long.