Schneider Creek is an urban spring-fed creek discharging into Budd Inlet. The filling and development of the headwater wetlands of the mainstem and the estuary at the mouth happened in the early history of the City of Olympia. The entire upstream half of the stream and the mouth of the creek are now underground. The long history of development along this urban creek has impaired the natural processes that influence instream structure and overall stream health. Stormwater inputs increase the winter storm event flows causing excessive spawning gravel scour and fill. Good groundwater flow in the summer helps to maintain year-round flows, which help rearing conditions. Seasonally high instream flows also contribute to bank erosion and fine sediment input. Although the wide riparian areas provide good shade, low LWD recruitment has created low pool habitat for juvenile rearing. The moderate biotic health as measured by macroinvertebrate diversity is reflective of the stream hydrology and water quality conditions. Two culverts that restrict adult passage at the mouth and one under Bowman road is the only barrier in the creek system. The estuary at the mouth where the culvert discharges into Budd Inlet has been greatly degraded by filling and past industrial activities.

The level of existing development in Schneider Creek warrants enhancement and protection actions rather than restoration and protection[1].

The predominant land use in the subbasin consists of multifamily residential development and commercial development.

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