Geography
Five Creek is a west‑flowing stream located in Sonoma County, northern California, United States. Its headwaters arise within the city limits of Rohnert Park and it discharges into the Laguna de Santa Rosa, a seasonal wetland that drains into the Russian River watershed. The creek follows a largely channelized course through urban development, running parallel to several streets (e.g., Country Club Drive, Fairway Drive) before crossing under U.S. Route 101 and other local thoroughfares.
Physical Characteristics
- Source location: Rohnert Park, California – approximately 38°21′19″ N, 122°41′22″ W.
- Mouth location: Laguna de Santa Rosa near Stony Point Road – about 38°21′00″ N, 122°43′56″ W.
- Elevation at mouth: ~85 ft (26 m) above sea level.
The creek has been heavily modified; much of its length is confined within artificial channels that give it a rectilinear appearance.
Ecology
Five Creek provides potential habitat for several native species, notably the California red‑legged frog (Rana draytonii) and the Western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata). Its status as “waters of the United States” subjects it to federal water quality regulations.
Name Origin
The name “Five Creek” likely derives from a historical misreading of “Fire Creek,” which appeared on older maps of the area. Over time, the corrupted spelling persisted and became the official designation.
Historical Context
Topographic maps from the early 20th century (e.g., a 1916 USGS quadrangle) show an unnamed creek following a course similar to today’s Five Creek. Original headwaters extended further north into the Sonoma Mountains, but urban development in Rohnert Park has altered its flow and diverted portions of the stream.
Related Watercourses
- Hinebaugh Creek: Joins Laguna de Santa Rosa near the historic mouth coordinates of Five Creek.
- Crane Creek: Historically connected to the headwaters area of Five Creek.
References: United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps; Geographic Names Information System (GNIS); environmental impact reports for the City of Rohnert Park.
