Spanish Creek

Quincy, California

Caution todayCalifornia
Caution today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Conditions: Caution

for canoeing, today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 21 h ago · oldest 21 h

  • caution: Agency alerts

    2 active alerts in Plumas National Forest; most severe: Stage I Fire Restrictions - Plumas National Forest

    USFSPosted Sep 4 · checked 21 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clear, high 82°F / low 61°F, 0% precip — 100/100 for canoeing

    OpenWeather21 h ago

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

Why you'll love it

17.8 mi run
Flows year-round
369 cfs avg flow

River facts

Water
Flows year-round
Average flow
369 cfs
Average current
1.1 ft/s
Gradient
137.1 ft/mi
Drainage area
160 sq mi

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

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Spanish Creek

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Directions & GPX

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Permits & access

Managing agency
Forest Service

About this water

Spanish Creek is a 18-mile paddling stretch near Quincy, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 369 cfs and a gradient of about 137.1 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Facts about this water

Where it is

Managed by
Forest Service

Source: USFS EDW boundaries; USGS PAD-US 4.1

Conditions

Active alerts for Plumas National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

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

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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive

Onion Valley Creek

~20 min drive

Onion Valley Creek is a 12-mile paddling stretch near Strawberry Valley, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 85 cfs and a gradient of about 283.9 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Sandy Point Boating and Day Use Site

~16 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Milk Ranch Creek

~20 min drive

Milk Ranch Creek is a 3.7-mile paddling stretch near Belden, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 30 cfs and a gradient of about 1,084.9 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Canyon Dam Boat Launch

~27 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Nelson Creek

~23 min drive

Nelson Creek is a 6.6-mile paddling stretch near Downieville, California. It is ephemeral and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 176 cfs and a gradient of about 125.0 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Black Rock (Boating)

~27 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Wolf Creek

~24 min drive

Wolf Creek is a 13-mile paddling stretch near Greenville, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 133 cfs and a gradient of about 109.0 feet per mile.

Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area Boating Site

~28 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Hopkins Creek

~28 min drive

Hopkins Creek is a 5.1-mile paddling stretch near Downieville, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 50 cfs and a gradient of about 318.3 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Tooms (Boating)

~28 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.