Salmon Creek is a census-designated place and neighborhood located in Clark County, Washington, just north of Vancouver. With a population of over 21,000 residents, Salmon Creek has grown into a sizable suburban community over the past few decades. But where exactly is Salmon Creek located and what is this Vancouver suburb like? Let’s take a closer look at the geography demographics amenities, and attractions of Salmon Creek, WA.
Geographic Location
Salmon Creek is situated in the southwestern part of Clark County, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Vancouver, WA. It is part of the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Salmon Creek sits just east of Interstate 5, the main north-south interstate highway running through Washington.
Some of the other communities surrounding Salmon Creek are
- Mount Vista to the northeast
- Barberton to the east
- Walnut Grove to the southeast
- Hazel Dell to the south
- Felida to the west
The Salmon Creek community encompasses about 6.3 square miles of land area. It sits at an elevation of 49 feet above sea level. The creek that gives Salmon Creek its name runs through the western part of the community before emptying into Lake River.
The major streets and roads passing through Salmon Creek include NE 117th Ave, NE 122nd Ave, NE 134th St, NE 149th St, and NE 177th Ave. Residents have easy access to I-5 via interchanges at 134th Street and 179th Street.
Demographic Profile
As of the 2020 census, the population of Salmon Creek was 21,293 residents. It has grown substantially over the past two decades, increasing over 17% from 2000 to 2010, and another 8% from 2010 to 2020.
Salmon Creek has become an attractive community for families. According to the latest census, over 28% of the population is under 18 years old. The median age is 37. Nearly 60% of households are married couples living together, and over 37% of households have children under 18.
The population is predominantly white, with over 90% of residents identified as white in the 2000 census. However, the community has diversified somewhat since then. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 4.8% of the population as of 2000.
Salmon Creek is considered to be a solidly middle-class community. The median household income was $53,917 as of 2000. Most residents are well-educated, with 92% having a high school degree or higher and 33% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Schools & Education
Most of Salmon Creek falls within the Vancouver School District, while a small portion in the east is part of the Battle Ground School District.
Vancouver Public Schools operating in Salmon Creek include:
- Skyview High School
- Alki Middle School
- Chinook Elementary
- Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary
- Hough Elementary
- Salmon Creek Elementary
Battle Ground Public Schools include Chief Umtuch Middle School and Maple Grove K-8, both located near the eastern edge of Salmon Creek.
There are also several private schools in the area, including Alliance Christian School, Vancouver Adventist Elementary, and Columbia Adventist Academy.
Clark College, a large community college, has its main campus just a few miles south in Vancouver.
Parks & Recreation
One of the most popular outdoor recreation sites in Salmon Creek is the Salmon Creek Regional Park. Operated by Clark County, this 134-acre park contains walking trails, a playground, sports fields, and access to the Salmon Creek riverbank.
Other notable parks and green spaces in Salmon Creek include Ralf L. Clark Park, a 25-acre community park, and Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, a 17-mile trail corridor with access points at 149th and 177th Streets.
For indoor recreation, the closest facility is the Marshall Community Center, just over the border in Vancouver. This large public recreation center has an indoor pool, gyms, exercise rooms, and recreation programs.
Golfers can play at the 18-hole Home Course golf facility located within Salmon Creek’s boundaries. Private health and fitness centers in the community include LA Fitness, River’s Edge Fitness, and ClubSport.
Shopping, Dining and Services
Being a suburban community, most of the commercial development in Salmon Creek consists of retail strip malls and shopping centers. The biggest concentration of retail is along the main arterial roads like 117th and 134th Avenues.
Major shopping plazas include:
- The Plaza at Salmon Creek (Walmart, Ross, Michaels)
- Salmon Creek Town Center (Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls)
- Legacy Plaza (Rite Aid, Dollar Tree, Grocery Outlet)
While lacking a true downtown, Salmon Creek does have a variety of chain and local restaurants. These include family-friendly options like Chili’s, Applebee’s, MOD Pizza, and Twilight Pizza.
For grocery shopping, residents can choose between Winco Foods, Walmart Supercenter, Safeway, and Fred Meyer.
Medical clinics and healthcare facilities in Salmon Creek include Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, Vancouver Clinic, and numerous dental and specialist offices.
Attractions
Most of Salmon Creek’s attractions are based around outdoor recreation, shops, and restaurants. Within the community itself, the Salmon Creek Regional Park is the highlight. The historic Broughton House, built in 1856, provides a glimpse into early pioneer life in the region.
The larger city of Vancouver offers more extensive attractions, from the Pearson Air Museum and Fort Vancouver to the Vancouver Waterfront. The drive into Portland takes around 30 minutes, providing access to big city attractions.
For family-friendly activities, other destinations near Salmon Creek include Pump It Up indoor playground, Tree to Tree Adventure Park, and Get Air Trampoline Park.
Living in Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek provides a pleasant suburban atmosphere with easy access to schools, parks, shopping, and services. It serves as an affordable alternative to living directly in high-priced Vancouver and Portland. Homebuyers can choose from a mix of older neighborhoods towards the center of Salmon Creek or new construction subdivisions on the outskirts.
The easy access to both I-5 and I-205 freeways makes Salmon Creek a convenient base for commuting into Portland or other parts of the metro area. The community maintains a relaxed, family-friendly vibe while also allowing residents to enjoy urban amenities minutes away.
FAQ
Is Salmon Creek, WA a good place to live?
Salmon Creek Reviews
It has great schools and a lot of trails. The only drawback is that it is not bike/pedestrian friendly. Salmon Creek is a newer area surrounding Vancouver Washington. There are many grocery stores nearby, as well as fast food or fast-casual.
Is Salmon Creek a city in Washington?
Salmon Creek CDP, Washington is a city, town, place equivalent, and township located in Washington.
Why is Salmon Creek called Salmon Creek?
Salmon Creek is named for the salmon runs noted along the stream by early pioneers who settled in the area. The unincorporated community of Salmon Creek is named for the stream.
Is there salmon in Salmon Creek, Washington?
Salmon, yes
“We have pretty good data on coho. Coho in Salmon Creek are actually doing quite well.”