| Put In: |
Near Dutch Canyon |
| Take Out: |
Rock Creek Road |
| Difficulty: |
Class IV
+ , Portage
|
| Gradient: |
110 fpm |
| Run Length: |
6.3 miles |
| Good Level: |
300 - 800 cfs, Optimum 600 cfs |
| Streamflow Comments: |
There is no gauge for this creek, at the take out look for a small amount of water flowing over the left side of the center bridge abutment, if there is a small trickle the creek will be low. |
| Season Comments: |
January, February, March, April, May, November, December
|
| Primary Season: |
This creek only runs in the winter and spring, usually after a few days of heavy rain or during normal snowmelt |
| Permit: |
None presently required |
| Character/Similar To: |
This creek is a great class III/IV run with a few portages. Most of the creek is class II, while the main rapids are class IV+. |
| Hazards: |
There are a few mandatory portages around boulder fields. Scout each horizon line because there are a few tall waterfalls. The 30-foot waterfall can be portaged on the river left bank. |
| Water Craft: |
kayak |
| Land Ownership: |
Public |
| Wilderness: |
No |
| Location: |
In the Pacific Region (CA), 52.2 miles (1 hour 6 minutes) Northeast of Sacramento |
| Shuttle Logistics: |
Take Out: In the town of Placerville cross over the Highway 193 bridge at Chili Bar. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road about 1 mile past the bridge. Drive about 6 miles to the concrete arch over Rock Creek.
Put In: From the take out return to Highway 193 and turn right. In about 4 miles turn right onto Spanish Flat Road and go another 1.3 miles to Traverse Creek Road. Turn right and go 2.5 miles and then turn right onto Bear Creek Road. In 2.1 miles stay right onto Darling Ridge Road and follow this for .3 miles. At the “Rock Creek 2 Miles” sign turn right and go .8 miles. On the left side of the road there will be a locked gate, from here it is about a 1 mile hike to river level. |
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