Willow Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 1,710 at the 2010 census, down from 1,743 at the 2000 census. Residents of this small mountain town are commonly referred to as "Willow Creekers". The town is located around 30 miles (48 km) from county seat and harbor city Eureka, with the two places differing vastly in climate.