The Oak Creek laboratory was established in the late 50s in the McDonald Forest. It was initially a collaboration involving OSU researchers, the Public Health Service, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The lab was initially called the Oak Creek Laboratory of the Pacific Cooperative Water Pollution and Fisheries Research Laboratories, before the name was changed to the Oak Creek Laboratory of Biology. Research at the lab focuses on stream conditions and their effects on plant and animal life.

Oregon Digital: Includes photographs and textual documents detailing the history and research of the Oak Creek Laboratory.

SCARC: Includes maps and information relating to Oak Creek, where the laboratory was built.