Cache Creek
About
From Clear Lake through 115 miles of Yolo and Lake County canyons, Cache Creek cuts the Coast Range at 650 CFS average flow with optimal paddling between 300–1500 CFS. The Rumsey to Guinda section delivers 12 miles of the creek's best whitewater at Class II–III, while the upper 30-mile stretch from Clear Lake to Rumsey runs through seasonal canyon country. Below the whitewater, Guinda to Capay offers an 8-mile Class I–II finish through more open terrain. The BLM Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area gained protection in 2019, preserving undeveloped canyon sections. USGS gauge 11451800 tracks flows that can swing dramatically with seasonal rains and reservoir releases. The Cache Creek Natural Area designation protects riparian corridors along key stretches of this Coast Range drainage.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.