Sherwood Creek

Sherwood Creek
Sherwood Creek outlined in orange
Location
Country	United States
State	Washington
County	Mason County
City	Allyn
Physical characteristics
Source	Mason Lake
• location	47°21′14″N 122°55′19″W
Mouth
• location	47°22′35″N 122°49′54″W

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

Geography

• Source: 47°21′14″N 122°55′19″W
• Mouth: 47°22′35″N 122°49′54″W

Sherwood Creek originates from Mason Lake, which in turn is fed by Schumocher Creek. The creek is approximately eight miles long, and drains into a Case Inlet estuary. It has one known tributary, Anderson Lake Creek, and a mill pond.

History

The town of Allyn was settled in 1853, but it would not be officially founded until 1889. 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. The sawmill was set at the creek. The operator of the mill was Joe Sherwood, who died in an accident at the mill in 1873. After Sherwood'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 source at Mason Lake. 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 source. 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

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 are also many beavers within the creek, and their neatly chewed sticks can be found all around.