Ellis Creek is a rural stream with three headwater tributaries. The southernmost tributary has headwaters at Setchfield Lake. The lower reach (0.4 mi) used by salmonids is largely within Priest Point Park. Nearly all the natural processes in this rural stream are intact. The low impervious area and few road crossings have maintained the streams natural hydrology and biotic integrity (as measured by macroinvertebrate diversity). The intact riparian corridor in the lower reaches provides ample shade, though LWD recruitment is unknown. While the estuary is functional, a partial barrier culvert at the mouth constricts the stream and impedes adult and juvenile fish passage. Juvenile fish passage is restricted in the upper tributaries by four additional culverts.

The mouth of Ellis Creek is within Priest Point Park, a facility owned by the City of Olympia. The remainder of the creek is in rural residential ownership

Description from the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Plan for Water Resource Inventory Area 13, Deschutes. For more information see the previously stated document or the Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors Final Report Water Resource Inventory Area 13