Salt Creek (Des Plaines River tributary)

Salt Creek is a 41.4-mile-long (66.6 km) stream located in northeastern Illinois, United States. It is a major tributary of the Des Plaines River. The creek originates in Cook County, near Elk Grove Village, and flows generally southward through DuPage County before joining the Des Plaines River near Lyons.

The watershed of Salt Creek is heavily urbanized and suburbanized, containing numerous residential areas, commercial developments, and industrial sites. This has significantly impacted the creek's water quality and ecological health. The creek's flow is also influenced by stormwater runoff.

Several forest preserves and parks are located along Salt Creek, providing recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Popular locations include Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve) in Cook County, and various DuPage County Forest Preserve locations along the Salt Creek Trail.

Efforts have been made to improve the water quality and restore the ecological integrity of Salt Creek. These efforts include stormwater management projects, streambank stabilization initiatives, and habitat restoration programs. However, the creek continues to face challenges due to urbanization and other anthropogenic factors. The Salt Creek Watershed Network is one organization involved in promoting the health of the watershed.