Kaiser Creek begins as a number of springs and seeps along the crest of Rocky Ridge at an elevation of 2,024 feet (617 m)[3][2] in the EBMUD San Leandro watershed.

After descending off of the ridge, it meanders westward through a forested valley for approximately 2 miles to its confluence with Buckhorn Creek at the Upper San Leandro Reservoir.

Kaiser Creek has its source on Rocky Ridge in the Inner Coast Ranges, one of the highest and most prominent points in Contra Costa County, California.

[3] Its catchment exhibits a character typical of many other headwater streams in the Inner Coast Ranges, with steep ridge topography intersected by numerous small valleys.

A number of springs are created by the active geologic setting and porous rock, which increase the flow of Kaiser Creek and sustain it through the dry season.

[8] The steep valleys cut by Kaiser Creek and its tributaries are heavily filled with alluvial gravels and clays washed down from the surrounding hills.

In the late 19th century, the Kaiser Creek watershed was subdivided and sold to homesteaders who used the small areas of alluvial soil along the valley bottom to farm fruits and vegetables.

In the early 20th century, in response to a rapidly-growing population, EBMUD began land acquisitions in Kaiser Creek and adjacent watersheds in order to begin work on the Upper San Leandro Reservoir.

The town of Valle Vista as well as former Native American habitation and food processing sites along Kaiser Creek were submerged following the construction of the dam.

[14][3] As a result of rapid urbanization, drastic land use changes and a lack of understanding of local ecosystems in the 20th century, rainbow trout were extirpated from the majority of watersheds across the Bay Area.

Kaiser Creek maintains ample flow through the dry season in most years, making it an exceptionally valuable resource for native trout.

Though studies have shown that Kaiser Creek is able to harbor mature trout over the summer dry period from May to November, persistent drought conditions and human interference in their habitat continue to threaten the population.