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River runs

California river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in California with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in California
362
Runnable now
-
Class mix
-
Updated
Oct 31
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Paddle briefing · Oct 31, 2026

California river runs today

What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.

53 of 362 California runs are in their runnable range right now, 301 are too low. 8 more have no live reading.

Best bets in range today — Class V: Clear Creek (293 cfs) and Upper Pit River Canyon (978 cfs); Class IV: North Fork Cottonwood Creek (293 cfs) and Begins Immediately Southwest Of Fall River Mills, Ca To I… (978 cfs); Class III: Fish Slough (36 cfs) and Beegum Creek (390 cfs).
California is a whitewater enthusiast's paradise, with a variety of rivers offering thrilling runs for kayakers and rafters of all skill levels. One popular destination is the South Fork American River, known for its exciting Class III rapids and stunning scenery. The best time to visit is in the spring when snowmelt creates higher streamflow levels, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience. Another must-visit spot is the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park, offering challenging Class IV rapids and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is recommended to check streamflow levels before embarking on your adventure to ensure optimal conditions for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the Russian River in Sonoma County is a great option with its gentle Class II rapids and opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the way. Safety is paramount when engaging in whitewater activities, so it is important to always wear a helmet and life jacket, and to be aware of potential hazards such as rocks and strong currents. Additionally, it is advisable to go with a experienced guide or group, especially on more challenging runs. Overall, California offers a diverse range of whitewater experiences that are sure to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast's craving for adventure and excitement.

California paddle report

362 runs
River run Streamflow Status Runnable range Class
Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument To Rainbow Falls 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Outlet Of Martha Lake (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Northwestern Boundary Of Kings Canyon National Park 1 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Wilderness Boundary (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Boundary Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park 1 cfs Too low 9–59 cfstypical III-IV
9,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To 8,000 Ft Contour Line 1 cfs Too low 9–59 cfstypical III-IV
Sounthern Boundary Of Redwood National And State Parks To Northern Boundary Of Redwood National And State Parks 5 cfs Too low 32–245 cfstypical IV-III
Headwaters Near The Tuolumne And Mariposa County Lines To Western Boundary Of Yosemite National Park 12 cfs Too low 314–1,019 cfstypical III-IV
Lake 10,559 (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III-IV
8,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To The Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~ 5,800 Ft 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III-IV
Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Confluence With The Middle Fork Kaweah River 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III-IV
Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~5,800 Ft (Boundary Extends 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of The River.) To Boundary Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III
Confluence Of Lone Pine And Hamilton (Deer) Creeks (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wildernes Boundary 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical ·
Outlet Of Green Meadows North Of The Windy Gap And Windy Ridges (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Bridge Above South Fork Campground 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III-III+
Headwaters To Ends One Quarter Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 1: Ends 1/4 Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 2: Caltrans Corporation Yard At Point Reyes Staton. 9 cfs Too low 22–406 cfstypical ·
Headwaters To Mouth 1 cfs Too low 5–77 cfstypical III-V
One Half Mile Downstream From Hole In The Ground To Sec Line Between 29/20 T28n, R3e, Below Big Bend 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs ·
Sec Line Between 29/20, T28n, R3e To Sec Line Between 14/23, T27n, R2e, Just East Of Black Rock 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs ·
Sec Line Between 14/23, T27n, R2e To One Mile Downstream From Black Rock 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs ·
Elam Creek Campground To Deer Creek Highway 32 Junction 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs ·
Deer Creek Highway 32 Junction To Sec 26, T27n, R3e, West Of Deer Creek Crossing 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Chicago Ravine 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical II-IV
North Fork From Nf Boundary At Section Line Between 17/18, T28n, R1e. To Mcclure Place 109 cfs Runnable 100–933 cfstypical ·
Mcclure Place (North Fork) To Nf Boundary At Payne Place (Dept. Of Fish And Game Land) 109 cfs Runnable 100–933 cfstypical III-IV
South Fork From Antelope Campground To One Quarter Mile Above North Fork Antelope Creek 109 cfs Runnable 100–933 cfstypical III-IV
Sally's Camp To Confluence With Willow Creek 156 cfs Runnable 66–902 cfstypical III-IV
Wilcox Spring To Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boundary 156 cfs Runnable 66–902 cfstypical III-V
Headwaters In Sec 27, T26n, R10w To Confluence With Middle Fork Eel River 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical III
Headwaters In Sec 27, T26n, R10w To One Mile North Of Fern Point, At Boundary Of Designated Eel River 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical III-IV
Road 24n01 Crossing At The "Slab" To Nf Boundary 6 cfs Too low 22–304 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters In Sec 28, T18n, R8w To One Third Mile Beyond Snow Mt. Wilderness Boundary At Private Property Boundary Near Paradise Creek 16 cfs Too low 29–374 cfstypical III-IV
Deer Creek Crossing To Just Below Confluence With Beaver Creek 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs III-IV
Just Below Confluence With Beaver Creek To Sec 35, T26n, R2e, Ishi Wilderness 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs IV-V
Headwaters To Middle Fork Feather Wsr 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence Of Morrow Creek And Third Water Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather River 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III-IV
Chicago Ravine To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical ·
Headwaters To Bear Gulch 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical III-IV
East Branch Nelson Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Nelson Creek 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical ·
West Branch Nelson Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Nelson Creek 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical II-IV
National Monument Boundary To Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs ·
Olema Ranch Campground To Caltrans Corporation Yard At Point Reyes Station 0 cfs Too low 11–198 cfstypical II-III
Rainbow Falls To National Monument Boundary 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary To Camp Wishon 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical V-V+
Camp Wishon To Confluence With Middle Fork Tule River 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical IV
Nf Boundary With Sequoia Np To Nf Boundary 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Rancheria Creek To Forest Road 46n24x 1,270 cfs Runnable 700–8,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters In Marble Mtn. Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters In Siskiyou Wilderness To Confluence With Ten Mile Creek 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs IV-III+
Confluence With Ten Mile Creek To Confluence With Daggett Creek 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs III
West Fork Clear Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Clear Creek 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs III-V
Ten Mile Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Clear Creek 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs ·
Agnew Meadows To Soda Springs Footbridge 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Convict Lake 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Nf Boundary To Table Meadows Creek 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical IV-V
Table Meadow Creek To Kern River 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical IV-V
Hell Hole Dam To Ellicotts Bridge 1 cfs Too low 4–46 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence With North Fork San Joaquin River To Hells Half Acre 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs ·
Northwest Boundary Of Nf/Kings Canyon Np To Hot Springs Area 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical ·
Hot Springs Area To West End Of Blarney River 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III
Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs II
Nw 1/4 Sec 23, T14n, R4e To Near Center Of Sec 3, T12n, R3e 2,620 cfs Too low 8,370–36,884 cfstypical ·
Headwaters In Marble Mountains Wilderness To Pre 1984 Wilderness Boundary 20 cfs Too low 4,500–8,000 cfs III
State Park To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III-V
Headwaters To Confluence With Nelson Creek 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III
Confluence With East And West Branches Of Nelson Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Kern River 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters Tributaries To Research Natural Area Boundary 13 cfs Runnable 7–29 cfstypical III-V
Saddlebag Lake Rna Boundary To State Highway 120 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-IV
Sce Powerhouse To La Dept. Of Water And Power Diversion 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-V
Wilderness Boundary To Private Property 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical ·
Headwaters In Siskiyou Wilderness To Unnamed Trib In Sec 32, T14n, R6e 165 cfs Too low 2,500–4,500 cfs IV-V
Unnamed Trib In Sec 32 To Confluence With Klamath River 165 cfs Too low 2,500–4,500 cfs II-IV
North Fork Dillon Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Dillon Creek 165 cfs Too low 2,500–4,500 cfs III-IV
Elk Creek Headwaters In Marble Mtn. Wilderness To Confluence With Bear Creek 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Bear Creek To Bridge In Sec 19, T15n, R8e 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs ·
Cora Creek To Confluence With San Joaquin River 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs IV-V
Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV+
Rainbow Falls To Confluence With North Fork San Joaquin River 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs IV-V
Gold Lake Dam To Falls 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III-V
Little Jamison Creek Headwaters To State Park 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III
Headwaters To State Park 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters In Russian Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary 32 cfs Too low 116–1,481 cfstypical IV-V
Scott District Boundary To Confluence With Sixmile Creek 32 cfs Too low 6,000–8,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Sixmile Creek To Confluence With South Fork Salmon River 32 cfs Too low 6,000–8,000 cfs IV-V
Isabella Lake Dam To 7 Miles Downstream 28 cfs Too low 38–559 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters In Sec 8, T3s, R25 E To Hemlock Crossing 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Hemlock Crossing To Confluence With Cora Creek 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs III-IV
Bridge In Sec 19 To Bridge In Sec 25, T16n, R7e 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs ·
Bridge In Sec 25 To Confluence With Klamath River 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs ·
Headwaters To Walker Lake 6 cfs Too low 100–250 cfs IV-V
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Mill Creek 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-IV
Fish Hatchery To Nf Boundary 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Granite Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical IV
Burney Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Granite Creek 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical IV-V
Tom's Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical ·
Rainey Valley Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical IV-V
From Toe Of Dam On West End Of Ukonom Lake To Confluence With Klamath River 37 cfs Too low 700–8,000 cfs III-IV
Caribou Reservoir To Beldon 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical IV-V
Rock Creek Dam To Cresta Reservoir 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical ·
Poe Dam To Highway 70 Crossing 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Bucks Lake 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III-V
20.2 Miles Downstream Of Isabella Dam To Western Nf Boundary 7 cfs Too low 9–138 cfstypical III-II
7 Miles From Isabella Dam To 20.2 Miles From Isabella Dam 28 cfs Too low 38–559 cfstypical III-III+
Headwaters In Marble Mtn. Wilderness To Confluence With Fish Creek 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical III-IV
Nf Boundary To Confluence With North Fork Feather River 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III
Nf Boundary To Confluence With Yellow Creek 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III
Wilderness Boundary To La Dept. Of Water And Power Property 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Nw 1/4 Sec 26, T26n, R12w To Confluence With North Fork Eel River 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical ·
Confluence With Fish Creek To Confluence With Rancheria Creek 1,270 cfs Runnable 700–8,000 cfs III-V
Big Meadows To Filaree Flat 0 cfs Too low 9–165 cfstypical IV-V
Filaree Flat To Confluence With Bear Creek 0 cfs Too low 9–165 cfstypical III-IV
Big Bear Dam To Private Land In Sec 19, T1n, R1w 0 cfs Too low 9–165 cfstypical III-IV
Middle Fork Commanche Campsite To Middle Fork Trailhead 6 cfs Runnable 3–50 cfstypical IV-V
Below 2w01 Crossing To Mojave Reservoir 4 cfs Too low 29–566 cfstypical III-V
South Fork Wilderness Boundary/Sfdiversion Dam To Confluence With Mainstream · No reading 0–3 cfstypical ·
Southern Boundary Of Wsr To Nf Boundary 28 cfs Too low 38–559 cfstypical III-IV
Snow Lake To Hoover Wilderness Boundary 13 cfs Runnable 7–29 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence With Middle Fork Tuolumne River To Confluence With Tuolumne River 60 cfs Too low 119–1,810 cfstypical IV-V
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus 28 cfs Too low 31–279 cfstypical III-IV
Chorro Grande Canyon To Section Line Dividing Sec 1, T5n, R23w And Sec 6, T5n, T22w 2 cfs Too low 200–1,000 cfs V
Nelsons Crossing To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical ·
Slate Reservoir To North Yuba River 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical V-IV
Headwaters To Slate Reservoir 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III
Headwaters Kennedy Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus 28 cfs Too low 31–279 cfstypical IV-III
Relief Reservoir Outlet To Confluence With Clark Fork 28 cfs Too low 31–279 cfstypical III-V
Tributary Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical IV-V
Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence Of Spanish Creek And Indian Creek To Confluence With North Fork Feather River 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Squaw Queen Creek To Confluence With Red Clover Creek 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 17, T25n, R14e To Confluence With Last Chance Creek 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III
Pond In Sec 35, T26n, R9e To Confluence With Spanish Creek 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters, Upper Piru Creek To Wildernes Boundary 2 cfs Too low 6–126 cfstypical III-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Gold Hill Creek · No reading 17–22 cfstypical III
Confluence With Gold Hill Creek To Castaic · No reading 17–22 cfstypical III-IV
Castaic To Pyramid Reservoir · No reading 17–22 cfstypical III-IV
Lower Piru Creek (Oulet At Pyramid Reservoir) To Piru Reservoir 39 cfs Runnable 17–332 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Sportsman's Club 19 cfs Too low 200–1,400 cfs ·
Silver Lake To Meadow Valley 16 cfs Too low 95–469 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Highland Creek To One Quarter Mile Upstream Forest Road 5no2 Bridge Crossing 7 cfs Too low 8–178 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters Se 1/4 Of Sec 10, T18, R15e To Stampede Reservoir 7 cfs Runnable 4–57 cfstypical ·
Headwaters At West Branch Canyon Creek (Sec 26, T22n, R10e) To Confluence With Canyon Creek 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical ·
Headwaters Of North Fork Canyon Creek (Sec 6, T21n, R11e) To Confluence With East Fork Canyon Creek 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III-IV
0.15 Mile Downstream From Road 4n26b To Confluence With Lilly Creek 7 cfs Too low 8–178 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters Of East Fork Canyon Creek (Sec 13, T21n, R10e) To Confluence With South Fork Canyon Creek 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence With South Fork Canyon Creek To Confluence With North Yuba River 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical IV+-V
Headwaters Of North Yuba River (Sec 10, T20n, R13 E) To One Eighth Mile Downstream Of Confluence With Cherokee Creek 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III
One Eighth Mile Downstream From Confluence With Cherokee Creek To One Quarter Mile Upstream From Confluence With Slate Creek 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III-IV
Ventana Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary 19 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-IV
Lassen Np Boundary To Just Below Highway 36 Crossing 111 cfs Runnable 108–174 cfstypical III-IV
Just Below Highway 36 Crossing To One Half Mile Downstream From Hole In The Ground 111 cfs Runnable 108–174 cfstypical III-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Tom's Place 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Clavey River From Cottonwood Road To Confluence With Tuolumne 0 cfs Too low 4–99 cfstypical IV-V
One Quarter Mile Upstream From Confluence With Slate Creek To Bullards Bar Reservoir Spillway (Elevation 1902 Feet) 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical ·
Langs Crossing Bridge To One Half Mile West Of Confluence With Fall Creek (Boundary Of Nf And Private Land) 64 cfs Runnable 8–120 cfstypical III-IV
Tom's Place To Nf Boundary 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Inlet At South Lake 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical IV-V
Headwaters To Forest Road 16s02 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical IV-V
Forest Road 16so2 To La Dept. Of Water And Power Property 6 cfs Too low 6–102 cfstypical III-IV
Ladwp Property To Wilderness Boundary 28 cfs Too low 38–559 cfstypical II-III
Wilderness Boundary To Intake 28 cfs Too low 38–559 cfstypical III-IV
Clavey River At Confluence Of Bell And Lily Creeks To 3n01 7 cfs Too low 8–178 cfstypical IV-V
Headwaters To Forest Road 94 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical IV+
Forest Road 94 To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical IV-V
Clavey River From 3n01 To Cottonwood Road 23 cfs Too low 340–1,881 cfstypical IV-V
One Half Mile West Of Confluence With Fall Creek To Confluence With Jefferson Creek 15 cfs Too low 53–821 cfstypical ·
Confluence With Jefferson Creek To Confluence With Kentucky Creek 15 cfs Too low 53–821 cfstypical III-IV
Dam Outlet At South Lake To Habeggers Rv Park 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Source Sec 24, T6n, R21e To Centerville Flat 0 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs III
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 7, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Junction With N. Fork In Sec. 32, T3s, R1e, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
Southeast 1/4 Sec.32 T3s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The East Fork Honeydew Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Green Valley At The Nf Boundary To Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster · No reading 17–22 cfstypical III-IV
West Fork Headwaters (Se 1/4, Ne 1/4, Sec 14, T2n, R12w) To Cogswell Reservoir (Ne 1/4, Sw 1/4, Sec 24, T2n, R9w 0 cfs Too low 4–99 cfstypical ·
Falls To Gold Lake Highway 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III
Gold Lake Highway To Nf Boundary 120 cfs Too low 250–3,378 cfstypical III-V
Headwaters In Sec. 27., T2s, R2w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 18, T3s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 19, T3s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Confluence Of Soldier And Coldbrook Creeks (Se1/4,Sw1/4, Sec) 5, T2n,,R9w To Conflluence With West Fork Of San Gabriel (Sw 1/4,Sw1/4, Sec 17, T2n, R8w) 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical ·
East Fork Confluence Of Vincent Gulch And Prairie Fork (Nw 1/4, Sw 1/4 Sec 16 ) To Laurel Gulch (Nw 1/4, Sw 1/4, Sec 17, T2n, R8w) 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical ·
Laurel Gulch To Confluence With Mineo Canyon (Se 1/4, Sw 1/4, Sec 17, T2n, R8w) 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical ·
Gaging Station Below Spillway Of Cogswell Dam (Ne 1/4, Se 1/4, Sec 19, T2n, R10w) To Confluence With Nf San Gabriel River (Sw 1/4.Sw 1/4, Sec 15, T2n, R9w) 0 cfs Too low 113–1,651 cfstypical ·
Bluff Lake To Confluence With Bear Creek 0 cfs Too low 9–165 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With East Carsonriver 28 cfs Too low 31–279 cfstypical IV-V
Begins Immediately Southwest Of Fall River Mills, Ca To It Flows Into Shasta Lake And The Sacramento River. 978 cfs Runnable 600–5,000 cfs III-IV
From Private Land Boundary Between Sec. 8 And 17, T2s, R2w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical IV-V
From The Reserve Boundary Just Downstream Of The Elk River Trailhead In Sec. 35 T4n, R1w, Humboldt Meridian (H.M.) To To The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical III-IV
Bear Gulch To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical III-IV
Private Property To Lundy Lake 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III
Northeast 1/4 Of Sec. 29 And Northwest 1/4 Of Sec. 21, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northwest 1/4 Of Sec. 33 T3s, R1w, Hm. To Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 27 T3s, R1w, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
(1)Southwest 1/4 Of Sec 25 And 26 T3s, R1w, Hm (2)Southwest 1/4 Sec 8, T3s, R1e, Hm To To Their Junctions With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Within Tunnison Wsa To Within Tunnison Wsa 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-III
Headwaters To Confluence With New River 1,710 cfs Too low 2,543–25,290 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Hoover Wilderness Boundary 13 cfs Runnable 7–29 cfstypical IV-V
Southwest 1/4 Of Sec. 36 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction Woth Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Southwest 1/4 Sec. 14 T4s, R1e, Hm To Northeast 1/4 Sec. 14 T4s, R1e, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 32, T2s, R2w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec 27, T2s, R2w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical IV-V
Crouch Ranch To Morena Reservoir 0 cfs Too low 6–141 cfstypical III-IV
Mainstream Confluence With Cooper Canyon To Confluence Wit South Fork Little Rock Creek 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical III-IV
Mainstream Confluence With South Fork Little Rock Creek To Little Rock Creek Reservoir 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical III-IV
Mainstream Headwaters To Confluence With Cooper Canyon 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical III-IV
Headwater Deadman Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus River 28 cfs Too low 31–279 cfstypical IV
Cooper Canyon Near State Highway 2 (Sw 1/4, Ne 1/4, Sec 16, T3n, R10w To Confluence With Little Rock Creek 7 cfs Runnable 5–69 cfstypical ·
One Mile Downstream From Black Rock To Western Nf Boundary 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs II-III
1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50 To Avalanche Lake 16 cfs Runnable 15–154 cfstypical ·
Hoover Wilderness Boundary To Leavitt Meadows Campground 28 cfs Too low 600–1,000 cfs III-V
West Sec Line Of Sec 6, T28n,R9/10w To Nf Boundary With Blm 390 cfs Runnable 260–1,353 cfstypical ·
Private Land In Sec 1, T21n, R9w To Confluence Of Cold Creek And Black Butte River 25 cfs Too low 579–5,889 cfstypical IV
Centerville Flat To Hangman's Bridge 49 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs III-IV
Hoover Wilderness Boundary To Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Boundary 13 cfs Runnable 7–29 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters, Includes East Fork And West Fork To Hoover Wilderness Boundary 13 cfs Runnable 7–29 cfstypical III-V
Nine Mile Bridge To Confluence With South Fork Trinity River 76 cfs Too low 480–5,376 cfstypical ·
Highway 4 To Salt Springs Reservoir 49 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs III-IV
From Junction With North Fork And South Fork In Sec. 9, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Private Land Boundary In South 1/2 Of Sec. 11, T4s, R1e, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Southwest 1/4 Sec. 36 T3s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Southwest And Northwest 1/4 Of Sec. 36 T4s, R1e, Hm. To To Its Junction With Big Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
From Its Headwaters Just North Of The Humboldt Co./ Mendocino Co. Line To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 19 And 30, T5s, R2e, Hm To To The Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
From Its Intersection With Chaparral Creek In Sec. 9 T3s, R2w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
Highway 70 Crossing To Lake Oroville 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical III-IV
Cresta Dam To Poe Reservoir (Camp Creek) 105 cfs Too low 147–1,420 cfstypical IV-V
Begins Near Muck Valley To Ends Two Miles From The Fall River Valley 978 cfs Runnable 600–5,000 cfs III-IV
Begins 2.5 Miles West Of Little Valley, California To Juncture With The Pit River. 111 cfs Runnable 108–174 cfstypical II-IV
Four Tenths Mile Upstream With The Confluence Of Foley Creek Four Tenths Mile Upstream With Confluence With Foley Creek To Trinity Wsr 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical III-IV
West Section Line Of Sec 28, T28n, R11w To Two Tenths Of A Mile West And Downstream Of Double Cabins Site 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical III-IV
Multiple: Sec. 13, T3s, R2w, Hm; Sec. 18, 7, 17 (Nw1/4 & Sw1/4), 9, 10, 15, 21, T3s, R1w, Hm To To Their Junctions With The Main Stem 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical ·
From The Old Town Site At Falk In Sec. 36, T4n, R1w, H.M. To To The Headwaters In Sec. 14 T3n, R1e, H.M. 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical III+-IV
Source (Tower Lake) Includes Kirkwood Creek, Cascade Creek And Tower Creek To Hoover Wilderness Boundary 13 cfs Too low 600–1,000 cfs II-IV
Headwaters In Sec 2, T9n, R18e To Confluence With Mokelumne River 49 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 28, T3s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Shelter Cove Road To To Junction With Main Stem In Sec. 9, T4s, R1e, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-V
Southeast 1/4 Of Sec 25 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northeast 1/4 Of Sec. 35 T3s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northwest 1/4 Of Aec. 28 And Southwest 1/4 Of Sec. 34, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northeast 1/4 Sec. 3, T5s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
1.5 Miles Downstream From Big Spring To Extends To Smoke Creek Reservoir 11 cfs Runnable 5–77 cfstypical III
Confluence With Glass Creek To Big Springs 20 cfs Runnable 13–26 cfstypical III-V
Northeast 1/4 Of Sec. 35 23 And 24, T3s, R2w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical ·
Northwest 1/4 In Sec. 7, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northeast 1/4 Sec. 19 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical ·
From Headwaters In Sec. 35, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
1 Mile West Of Devil's Corral To To Susanville 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Daggett Creek To Confluence With Klamath River 37 cfs Too low 450–800 cfs IV-V
Headwaters To Trailhead 386 cfs Runnable 158–2,123 cfstypical IV-V
Headwaters In Marble Mtn. Wilderness To Pre 1984 Wilderness Boundary 165 cfs Too low 2,500–4,500 cfs IV-V
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 18, T5s, R2e, Hm To From Shelter Cove Road 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical II-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 21, T2s, R2w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical II-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 17, T4s, R1e To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical IV-V
Northeast 1/4 Of Sec. 35 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northwest 1/4 Of Sec 27 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
From The Reserve Boundary In Sec. 18, T3n, R1e, H.M. To To The Headwaters In Sec. 22 And 28, T3n, R1e, H.M. 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters In Sec. 28, T4s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Pcific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 18, T4s, R1e, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 1, T5s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 1 T5s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 23 T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Northwest 1/4 Of Sec 29, T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical ·
Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster To Seco Canyon At The Nf Boundary 39 cfs Runnable 17–332 cfstypical ·
Section Line To Confluence With Rock Creek 2 cfs Too low 200–1,000 cfs III-IV
0.25 Miles Downstream Of The Impoundment Of Sportsman's Lodge To Ventana Wilderness Boundary 19 cfs Too low 200–1,400 cfs III
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 6, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Junction With Main Stem In Sec. 9 T4s, R1e, Hm 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
0.25 Milesupstram Of The Impoundment At Sportsman's Lodge To 0.25 Miles Downstream Of The Impoundment At Sportsman's Lodge 19 cfs Too low 200–1,400 cfs III-IV
San Mateo Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary With Camp Pendleton 1 cfs Too low 300–5,000 cfs III-IV
Devil Canyon Tributary To San Mateo Creek 0 cfs Too low 300–5,000 cfs IV-V
Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 36 T3s, R1w, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
From The Confluence With The South Fork Elk River To To The Headwaters In Sec. 21, T3n, R1e, H.M. 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical III-IV
Starts In Sec. 8 T3n, R1e, H.M. To Ends In Sec. 15, T3n, R1e, H.M 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical II-III
From Headwaters In Sec. 21, T3s, R1w, Hm To To Private Land Boundary In The Nw 1/4 Of Se. 8, T3s, R1w, Hm 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical ·
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 20, T3s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec 1, T4s, R1w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical V-IV
From Headwaters In Sec. 11, T5s, R1e, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 14, T4s, R1e, Hm To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 13, T3s, R2w, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 15, T3s, R1e, Hm. To To Its Junction With The Mattole River 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-IV
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 9 T5s, R1e, Hm In Shelter Cove To To The Pacific Ocean 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
Two Tenth Mile West And Downstream Of Double Cabins Site To Confluence With Smoky Creek 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical ·
Headwaters (At Wilderness Boundary) To West Section Line Of Sec 28, T28s,R11w 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Smoky Creek To Four Tenths Of A Mile West And Downstream Of Double Cabins Site 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical II-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Forest Road 40n54 20 cfs Too low 151–1,966 cfstypical III-IV
Battle Creek 239 cfs Too low 800–10,000 cfs III
Salmon Creek Trib 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical ·
Palm Canyon 0 cfs Too low 5–125 cfstypical III
Mission Creek · No reading 0–3 cfstypical III-IV
Smoke Creek 11 cfs Runnable 5–77 cfstypical IV-IV
Sacramento River 6,830 cfs Runnable 3,378–18,219 cfstypical III-IV
Butte Creek Trib 72 cfs Too low 1,191–14,992 cfstypical III-IV
Big Flat Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
Cache Creek 2 cfs Too low 80–5,000 cfs III-IV
Cedar Creek Trib 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III-IV
Colman Creek 72 cfs Too low 1,191–14,992 cfstypical IV-V
South Fork Cottonwood Creek 6 cfs Too low 22–304 cfstypical III-IV
Paynes Creek 6,830 cfs Runnable 3,378–18,219 cfstypical ·
Beegum Creek 390 cfs Runnable 260–1,353 cfstypical III-III
North Fork Mission Creek · No reading 0–3 cfstypical IV/V-IV/V
Elder Creek 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical V
Pipe Creek 72 cfs Too low 1,191–14,992 cfstypical III-IV
Garcia River 2 cfs Too low 19–247 cfstypical III-IV
Bridge Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical IV-III
West Fork Mission Creek · No reading 0–3 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Cedar Creek 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical V
White Rock Creek Trib 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical III-IV
Middle Fork Cottonwood Creek 9 cfs Too low 11–143 cfstypical III
White Rock Creek 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical III
Mokelumne River 60 cfs Too low 270–4,165 cfstypical III-IV
Charlton Creek 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical IV-V
Rattlesnake Creek 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical ·
Indian Creek 25 cfs Too low 579–5,889 cfstypical IV-V
Bear Creek 239 cfs Too low 800–10,000 cfs III-V
Butte Creek 10 cfs Too low 257–3,376 cfstypical III-IV
East Branch South Fork Trib 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III+
Bell Springs Creek 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III-IV
Upper Pit River Canyon 978 cfs Runnable 600–5,000 cfs III-V
Honeydew Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-IV
Santa Margarita River 1 cfs Too low 300–5,000 cfs II-III
Shell Rock Creek Trib 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical IV-V
Colman Creek Trib 72 cfs Too low 1,191–14,992 cfstypical III-V
Edan Creek Trib 25 cfs Too low 579–5,889 cfstypical III-IV
Shell Rock Creek 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical III-IV
Big Chico Creek 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs III/IV
Mad River (Segment 2) 10 cfs Too low 257–3,376 cfstypical III-IV
Susan River 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical III-IV
Lower Rock Creek 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Mattole River 28 cfs Too low 300–3,606 cfstypical III-II
Shasta River 126 cfs Too low 200–3,000 cfs II-III
Little South Fork Elk Creek 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical IV-V
George Creek 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical V-V
South Fork Battle Creek 239 cfs Too low 800–10,000 cfs III
Mill Creek 38 cfs Too low 600–1,000 cfs IV-V
Virginia Creek 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-V
Atastra Creek 19 cfs Too low 32–483 cfstypical III-V
Dog Creek 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-IV
Hulls Creek 25 cfs Too low 579–5,889 cfstypical IV-V
Lacks Creek 6 cfs Too low 90–941 cfstypical III-IV
Fish Slough 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III+-III
Charlton Creek Trib 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III-III
Indian Creek Trib 25 cfs Too low 579–5,889 cfstypical III-IV
Lower Pit River Canyon 978 cfs Runnable 600–5,000 cfs III-IV
Rough Creek 19 cfs Too low 32–483 cfstypical III-IV
Bear Creek, Main Stem 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical IV
Lower Horse Creek Canyon 111 cfs Runnable 108–174 cfstypical IV-V
Independence Creek 1 cfs Too low 4–24 cfstypical III-IV
Bell Springs Creek Trib 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III-IV
Salmon Creek 113 cfs Too low 2,999–25,987 cfstypical III-V
Hot Creek 36 cfs Runnable 32–58 cfstypical III-IV
Willow Creek 40 cfs Too low 108–1,514 cfstypical ·
North Fork Cottonwood Creek 293 cfs Runnable 200–1,000 cfs IV
East Branch South Fork Eel 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical III-IV
Mad River (Segment 1) 10 cfs Too low 257–3,376 cfstypical III
Clear Creek 293 cfs Runnable 200–1,000 cfs III-V
Jewett Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-II
Green Creek 5 cfs Too low 8–20 cfstypical III-IV
Gitchell Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III-II
Deer Creek 100 cfs Too low 400–1,000 cfs III-IV
Casoose Creek 0 cfs Too low 71–870 cfstypical IV-V
Tenmile Creek 1 cfs Too low 6–73 cfstypical III-IV
Cedar Creek 17 cfs Too low 191–2,577 cfstypical IV-V
North Fork Cache Creek 1 cfs Too low 80–5,000 cfs III-IV
Bear Creek, North Fork 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical IV
Bear Creak, South Fork 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Bear Creek, North Fork, Trib 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical ·
Big Creek 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical IV-V
Bear Creek, Main Stem, Trib 7 cfs Too low 111–1,467 cfstypical III
River runs FAQ

About California river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the California streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each California paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a California paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.