Thompson Creek, which flows through the northern part of Seaside, is an important part of the area’s ecological makeup. Known for its pristine headwaters, it is one of the most productive streams for Coho salmon in Seaside and, along with the adjacent Stanley Marsh, provides critical habitat for local and migrating wildlife.
As of December 2025, North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) is supporting the Necanicum Watershed Council (NCW) on a long-term planning effort to explore options and opportunities to enhance the habitat along Thompson Creek in an effort to restore natural channel flows, floodplain connections, and wetland functions in the area.
“What we really want to determine is what’s best for the fish and the community and make it a positive project,” NCLC Stewardship Director Melissa Reich says.
As part of this planning effort, which is anticipated to take place through the end of 2026, the groups want to connect with neighbors and get their insight and feedback. “The Necanicum Watershed Council is eager to engage Thompson Creek neighbors and stakeholders in this study so that we can gather meaningful input, consider local and historical knowledge, and work towards community-driven solutions,” NWC Executive Operations Director Sarah Walker says.
Historically, Thompson Creek flowed through Stanley Lake before reaching Neawanna Creek. After decades of development, Thompson Creek has been diverted from its natural path several times. It now flows through a channelized ditch along the Lewis and Clark Road—passing below neighbors’ driveways and across the road—and then winds into NCLC’s Thompson Creek Habitat Reserve.
Thompson Creek’s current path has created new challenges for salmon and people, from roadside flooding to fish passage and pollutant concerns. Meanwhile, there is also valuable beaver habitat and activity in the area, which supports the salmon population.
“It’s such a unique site,” Melissa says. “There is so much infrastructure, but we’re trying to work together to create really good habitat that functions effectively within this human-developed area.”
NCLC and the NWC held an initial outreach meeting about the planning project for the community in early February. They are planning to hold additional meetings and work parties related to restoration of Thompson Creek in the coming months.
The NWC is grateful for funding from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), which has made it possible to bring in the Wolf Water Resources team for their landscape-scale restoration expertise. To stay up to date with the project, visit necanicumwatershed.org/thompsoncreek.
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