[5] Formerly named Squaw Creek, considered derogatory in the 21st century,[2] it was renamed in 2006.

Robert S. Williamson, a surveyor who camped there in 1855, said its Indian (Native American) name was Why-chus.

[2] Whychus Creek begins about 7,600 feet (2,300 m) above sea level[1] at the base of Bend Glacier on Broken Top in the Cascade Range.

[7] Flowing generally north through the Three Sisters Wilderness, the stream plunges over 200-foot (61 m) Upper Chush Falls before receiving Park Creek from the left and plunging over 50-foot (15 m) Chush Falls.

[9] Flowing by the southeast side of the city of Sisters, Whychus Creek passes under U.S. Route 20 and Oregon Route 126, which overlap in this vicinity, before receiving Indian Ford Creek from the left.