West Hemlock Creek and its unnamed tributary are considered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to be impaired.

It then leaves the valley and almost immediately reaches its confluence with Hemlock Creek near the community of Buckhorn.

[3] 3.7 miles (6.0 km) of West Hemlock Creek is considered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to be impaired.

0.5 miles (0.80 km) of an unnamed tributary of the creek also experience the same impairment for the same reason.

[3] The elevation of West Hemlock Creek near its mouth is 567 feet (173 m) above sea level.

The upper reaches are on rock of the Irish Valley Member of the Catskill Formation.