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California

Hardscrabble Creek

Conditions: Caution

for canoeing, today

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

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 22 h ago · oldest 22 h

  • caution: Agency alerts

    4 active alerts in Six Rivers National Forest; most severe: Limited Sale Hours

    USFSPosted Jun 2, 2025 · checked 22 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clear, high 67°F / low 50°F, 0% precip — 100/100 for canoeing

    OpenWeather22 h ago

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

Why you'll love it

6.3 mi run
Seasonal — can run dry
66 cfs avg flow

River facts

Water
Seasonal — can run dry
Average flow
66 cfs
Average current
1.1 ft/s
Gradient
194.2 ft/mi
Drainage area
11 sq mi

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

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Hardscrabble Creek

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Photos

Directions & GPX

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Permits & access

Managing agency
Forest Service

About this water

Hardscrabble Creek is a 6.3-mile paddling stretch near Crescent City, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 66 cfs and a gradient of about 194.2 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive

Smith RiverPhoto: BigT67, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Smith River

~7 min drive

Smith River is a 0.1-mile paddling stretch near Crescent City, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 1,628 cfs. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Grassy Flat Campground

~12 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Winchuck RiverPhoto: United States Forest Service, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Winchuck River

~21 min drive

Winchuck River is a 6.3-mile paddling stretch near Brookings, Oregon. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 315 cfs and a gradient of about 18.3 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Copper Creek

~8 min drive

Copper Creek is a 3.6-mile paddling stretch near Smith River, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 42 cfs and a gradient of about 320.6 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

South Fork Rowdy Creek

~8 min drive

South Fork Rowdy Creek is a 3.3-mile paddling stretch near Smith River, California. It is ephemeral and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 37 cfs and a gradient of about 418.1 feet per mile.

Stony Creek

~9 min drive

Stony Creek is a 6.7-mile paddling stretch near Gasquet, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 62 cfs and a gradient of about 370.7 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Craigs Creek

~10 min drive

Craigs Creek is a 9.8-mile paddling stretch near Gasquet, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 99 cfs and a gradient of about 238.1 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Rowdy Creek

~11 min drive

Rowdy Creek is a 11-mile paddling stretch near Smith River, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 167 cfs and a gradient of about 104.7 feet per mile.

Coon Creek

~14 min drive

Coon Creek is a 11-mile paddling stretch near Gasquet, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 77 cfs and a gradient of about 221.6 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Mill Creek

~14 min drive

Mill Creek is a 6.1-mile paddling stretch near Crescent City, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 173 cfs and a gradient of about 22.8 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the state park agency.