Salt Creek runs about 40 Miles from Northwest Cook County, through DuPage County, and then into the Des Plaines River (near Lyons, IL). Though technically a river, due to the large flow and alluvium, it is still referred to as a “creek.” Salt Creek was popular with early settlers and Native Americans and was mainly used for recreation. Residences were built along the creek and sidewalks/bridges were built so people could enjoy the forest. In the 1960’s several nearby towns started dumping sewage into to creek. The creek became so polluted, it did not freeze in winter. In the 1970’s the EPA was formed and started controlling the sewage, and the water quality improved. Salt Creek is notorious for its flooding, which resulted in the nearby residences/bridges to get demolished.
Along this stretch of Salt Creek (from Cermak Rd to 31st St) you will see old sidewalk sections to the west along with a few fire hydrants. To the east you will see the remnants of a bridge and further south a “waterfall.”
Depending on water level this “waterfall” is either quite disappointing or flooded over, but it’s all we got in this area. It is about 12” tall and is a good spot to get a view of the creek and its wild life. This cache is near the main path and is accessible from Carlisle St/ Sunnyside Ave. This is a high muggle area as the path is very active. The cache is large enough of swag/trackables.