Sherwood Creek

Sherwood Creek is a creek in Mason County, Washington fed by Mason Lake. It runs through the small town of Allyn, Washington, just before releasing into the Case Inlet at the base of the Kitsap Peninsula.

Geography

• Source: 47°21′14″N 122°55′19″W / 47.35398°N 122.92181°W^[1]
• Mouth: 47°22′35″N 122°49′54″W / 47.37648°N 122.83153°W^[1]

Sherwood Creek varies widely in its geography, for example, one minute its one inch deep rock bottom, and the next, its three feet deep sand bottom. The creek is fed by Mason Lake, which in turn is fed by another creek. The creek, in places, is rock bottom; the rocks are generally smooth and dark in color. In other places of the creek, it is sand bottom, in these areas it is usually deep. Sherwood Creek has one known tributary.

The depth of the creek ranges much as in the example, though it can get much deeper than three feet. In some places, the depth has been recorded to be around ten feet, but the creek has hardly been explored. The creek usually has a seasonal flood usually around fall and winter when it rains the most. The creek is also ridden with small to large pools of deep slow moving water. In the sand bottom areas, sometimes the walls of the creek are small cliffs, dropping straight down into the creek. The creek itself lies within its own valley, which is very wide and steep, thus making the creek hard to access. In some places of the valley, it is so steep, it could be considered as a cliff. If you are ever wanting to attempt to access the creek, never go alone, and bring rope. It can be very dangerous in the creek, because when walking in the sand bottom areas, it cause the water to become murky, making it impossible to see the bottom. When the water is murky, there are many dangers present, such as swift currents, sudden drop offs (which the creek is greatly composed of), etc. Later down in the creek, houses line its side, this goes for about a mile or two. But before that, it slows and splits, and then rejoins in what is known as Mill Pond.

Mill Pond is a large reservoir of water, not much is known about it. It is affected by the tide as it is close to the outlet of the creek. It is believed to have been created in the 1950s by Native Americans within the area for fishing. But it is now inaccessible to the public. It is scarcely viewable, though the best view is at a residence along Washington State Route 3. There, you can see the small lake (referred to as a pond) and how the creek used to be. You can see a dark area running through the center of it, which is where the creek used to be. A way to tell if your near it, is when on Route 3, you will see a small lake to your left if heading towards Shelton, Washington. This lake is known as Catfish Lake.

History

The small town of Allyn was settled in 1853, but it would not be until 1889 when it was official. By 1890, Allyn had become a large lumber exporter, with railways going along the creek. This meant that Allyn had to have its own sawmill, which it did. The sawmill was set at the creek. The operator of the mill was Joe Sherwood, who died from an accident at the mill in 1873. After Joe's death, they named Sherwood Creek after him. Later, in the 1950s, it is believed that Mill Pond was formed. The local Indian tribe created it, most likely for fishing. Currently, a group known as the ASEG (Allyn Salmon Enhancement Group) is working on protecting and helping the salmon in the creek. They do numerous projects at the creek, from the delta to the start. Also currently, there is a Naval railway running alongside the unpopulated side of the creek's valley. The railway, at a point, crosses over the creek near its start. You can also find ruins from an old logging site, and possible parts of the old State Route 3. These are located on a small hidden road near a residence.

Wildlife

Part of the creek is considered an estuary, as the whole creek is full of life. During October through November, salmon swim up the creek in order to reproduce.Crayfish are a rare sight, but do live in the creek. On land, Deer, Coyotes, Bears, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Rabbits, and possibly Bigfoot plus numerous types of birds, flora, fungi, rodents and insects are all present. At night, spiders come out to hunt, it seemingly rains spiders from the trees. Also at night, other creatures come out to hunt, such as the Coyotes, which are a hazard to other animals and people. They come up to peoples' houses to try to get their animals, which can be a nuisance. There is also many beavers within the creek, their neatly chewed sticks can be found all around.

References

1. • "Sherwood Creek". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2013-12-29.

• www.allynaca.com/id38.htm