The life of a Steelhead Trout begins in streams and creeks. After growing in the ocean, when they reach sexual maturity, they return to the places of their birth to spawn. Unlike Salmon, the Steelhead Trout returns to the ocean after spawning, and may later repeat their visits to their freshwater habitat. In some areas, such as around Santa Barbara County, the Steelhead is listed as an Endangered Species.

"Riparian Corridor" is the biological term defining a stream habitat, which includes the stream itself, the delicate streamside plants, and the trees whose roots extend into the permanent below-ground stream. Riparian corridors are able to support a complex food chain and a high level of biological productivity. They provide animals with a covered pathway to migrate from the mountains to the ocean and/or back. Bears, mountain lions, great blue herons, steelhead trout, and many other wild animals use these corridors.

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