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California

South Fork Cottonwood Creek

We don't cover this water yet

No agency boundary, access route or field report is mapped to it — so there is no verdict, and we won't guess. We'll tell you the moment this water has something to say.

Covered nearby

Waters within 25 miles where we do have a current picture.

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Why you'll love it

45.0 mi run

Seasonal — can run dry

378 cfs avg flow

River facts

Water: Seasonal — can run dry
Average flow: 378 cfs
Average current: 1.5 ft/s
Gradient: 88.7 ft/mi
Drainage area: 212 sq mi

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

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South Fork Cottonwood 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

South Fork Cottonwood Creek is a 45-mile paddling stretch near Platina, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 378 cfs and a gradient of about 88.7 feet per mile.

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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive

Photo: Anna Fiorella (US Forest Service), Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Thomes Creek

~30 min drive

Thomes Creek is a 66-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 418 cfs and a gradient of about 81.4 feet per mile.

Red Bluff Recreation Area Boat Ramp

~46 min drive

A worthwhile stop near California.

Photo: US Forest Service, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

Cottonwood Creek

~33 min drive

Cottonwood Creek is a 0.1-mile paddling stretch near Cottonwood, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 624 cfs.

Photo: humboldthead, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Middle Fork Eel River

~36 min drive

Middle Fork Eel River is a 36-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 1,257 cfs and a gradient of about 115.5 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Cold Fork

~5 min drive

Cold Fork is a 29-mile paddling stretch near Platina, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 93 cfs and a gradient of about 145.9 feet per mile.

Red Bank Creek

~14 min drive

Red Bank Creek is a 24-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 87 cfs and a gradient of about 165.5 feet per mile.

Wells Creek

~14 min drive

Wells Creek is a 15-mile paddling stretch near Platina, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 42 cfs and a gradient of about 202.2 feet per mile.

North Fork Elder Creek

~15 min drive

North Fork Elder Creek is a 17-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 71 cfs and a gradient of about 278.6 feet per mile.

Dry Creek

~18 min drive

Dry Creek is a 14-mile paddling stretch near Platina, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 81 cfs and a gradient of about 90.9 feet per mile.

Buck Creek

~20 min drive

Buck Creek is a 7-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 65 cfs and a gradient of about 259.9 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Also worth it near here

Low Gap / Humbolt Tie

~18 min drive