2026-01-03T13:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause major flooding in low lying areas along the North Coast. Up to 1.5 foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 8.6 and 8.9 feet MLLW at the Arena Cove gauge is predicted. Between 9.5 and 9.7 feet MLLW at the Crescent City tide gauge is predicted. For the Coastal Flood Watch, High astronomical tides and large surf may cause moderate to major flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood and Mendocino Coast. Up to 1.5 foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 9 AM to 1 PM PST Saturday. High tide is at 9:51 AM at the Arena Cove tide gauge. High tide is at 10:34 AM at the Cescent City tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Several coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. These impacts will include, but not limited to, impacts on sections of highway 1/101. Shoreline erosion will occur.
Summary
The Big Creek river run is a popular whitewater experience located in the state of California. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 500 and 1500 cubic feet per second (cfs), which usually occurs in the early spring months due to snowmelt. The river is rated as a Class IV-V experience, meaning that it is considered to be an advanced level of difficulty with significant rapids and obstacles. The segment mileage for the Big Creek run is approximately 7 miles.
One of the notable rapids on this river is called "Hell Hole," which is a challenging Class V rapid that includes a steep drop into a deep hole. Other notable obstacles on the river include "S-turn," "Surprise," and "Crystal." Due to the challenging nature of this river, it is recommended that only experienced whitewater enthusiasts attempt to navigate it.
In terms of regulations, the Big Creek river run is managed by the US Forest Service and requires a permit to access. Additionally, the area is subject to seasonal closures and restrictions, so it is important to check with the Forest Service before planning a trip. Overall, the Big Creek river run offers a thrilling and challenging whitewater experience for experienced paddlers.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 47 cfs (8.9 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 42% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iv-v |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 11468900 |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mattole R Nr Ettersburg Ca
|
1660cfs |
Mattole R Nr Petrolia Ca
|
3910cfs |
Bull C Nr Weott Ca
|
518cfs |
Sf Eel R Nr Miranda Ca
|
4900cfs |
Eel R A Scotia Ca
|
20300cfs |
Van Duzen R Nr Bridgeville Ca
|
3540cfs |
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Creek (sites with tree coverage)
|
||
Big Creek Camp
|
||
Kinsey Creek
|
||
Miller Loop Camp
|
||
Spanish Creek
|
||
Spanish Flats
|
River Runs
-
Big Creek
-
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 28, T3S, R1W, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean
-
Northwest 1/4 Of Sec. 33 T3S, R1W, Hm. To Southeast 1/4 Of Sec. 27 T3S, R1W, Hm
-
Northwest 1/4 Of Sec 29, T3S, R1W, Hm To To Its Junction With The Main Stem
-
From Its Headwaters In Sec. 20, T3S, R1W, Hm To To The Pacific Ocean
-
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