Willow Creek (formerly China Flat) is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. The population was 1,720 at the 2020 census, up from 1,710 at the 2010 census. The town is located around 30 miles (48 km) from county seat and harbor city Eureka. The dense forests provide exceptional wildlife viewing of elk, deer, river otters, black bears, mink, bald eagles and peregrine falcons.