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California
Hardscrabble Creek
Conditions: Caution
for canoeing, todayAgency 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
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.
Here's your day on the water, mapped
Hardscrabble Creek
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Photos
Directions & GPX
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
Photo: 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.
Photo: 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.