Backbone Creek

French Gulch, California

Blocked todayCalifornia
Blocked today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Conditions: Blocked

for canoeing, today

An agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 9 h ago · oldest 9 h

  • problem: Agency alerts

    20 active alerts in Shasta-Trinity National Forest; most severe: Mud and Ash Creek Area and Road Closure

    USFSPosted May 2, 2025 · checked 9 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clear, high 80°F / low 53°F, 0% precip — 95/100 for canoeing

    OpenWeather9 h ago

Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.

Why you'll love it

5.7 mi run
Seasonal — can run dry
99 cfs avg flow

River facts

Water
Seasonal — can run dry
Average flow
99 cfs
Average current
1.2 ft/s
Gradient
156.3 ft/mi
Drainage area
25 sq mi

Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.

Here's your day on the water, mapped

Backbone Creek

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Photos

Directions & GPX

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Permits & access

No permit or access details on file for this water — check with the local land manager before you go.

About this water

Backbone Creek is a 5.7-mile paddling stretch near French Gulch, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 99 cfs and a gradient of about 156.3 feet per mile.

Facts about this water

When to go

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Shasta Dam, CA weather station, 8.1 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan55° high40° low
  2. Feb59° high42° low
  3. Mar63° high44° low
  4. Apr70° high48° low
  5. May79° high55° low
  6. Jun88° high63° low
  7. Jul97° high69° low
  8. Aug96° high68° low
  9. Sep90° high63° low
  10. Oct78° high55° low
  11. Nov62° high46° low
  12. Dec54° high41° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Source: USFS EDW boundaries

Conditions

Active alerts for Shasta-Trinity National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

Add to a trip & share

Keep exploring — more water worth the drive

Sugarloaf Creek

~5 min drive

Sugarloaf Creek is a 3.5-mile paddling stretch near Lakehead, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 31 cfs and a gradient of about 348.3 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Sugarloaf Boat Ramp

~8 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Minersville Campground

~30 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Clear Creek

~11 min drive

Clear Creek is a 30-mile paddling stretch near French Gulch, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 673 cfs and a gradient of about 104.3 feet per mile.

Antlers Boat Ramp

~11 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Cooper Gulch Campground

~31 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Dog Creek

~13 min drive

Dog Creek is a 6.3-mile paddling stretch near Lakehead, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 84 cfs and a gradient of about 179.8 feet per mile.

Packers Bay Public Boat Ramp

~14 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Slate Creek

~22 min drive

Slate Creek is a 11-mile paddling stretch near Lakehead, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 136 cfs and a gradient of about 331.8 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Centimudi Public Boat Ramp

~14 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Guided trips nearby

Local operators near French Gulchoffering guided trips. You book directly with them — Roamze doesn’t take a cut.

Headwaters Adventure Co

Kayaking business nearby (~18 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

View operator