Historically, Cascade Creek on Orcas Island was the most significant salmon bearing stream in the San Juan Islands.  Currently the stream supports three anadromous species, coho, chum and sea-run cutthroat.  These three species spawn in the lower 200 yards of the creek downstream from a 30 foot water fall. The Cascade Creek Watershed, most of which lies in Moran State Park , is an important recreational, educational and ecological resource. Yet, one hundred years of growth on the Island has resulted in salmon without protected stream flow.

Cascade Creek is also an important domestic water source for the villages of Olga and Doe Bay and Rosario Resort on east Orcas Island. The century old Rosario Resort owned the largest and most senior water right on Cascade Creek.  In 2009 a landmark agreement was signed between Washington Water Trust and the water right holder of the Rosario water right.  Washington Water Trust purchased a portion of the water right (.25 cfs in June, July and August and .5 cfs in September and October). This amount of water will ensure that there is always water in the creek for salmon and other wildlife at the same time domestic water users who rely on Cascade Creek will have water to meet their needs. “Where salmon are concerned, a little water can go a long way,” says Amanda Cronin of Washington Water Trust.  “As we studied this system, we quickly realized that just small increases in the flows of Cascade Creek in the late summer would make a difference for the fish populations there.”  Click here for the San Juan Islander press release about this landmark deal.

Funding for this project  was provided by the Orcas Island Community Foundation and Department of Ecology