Cache Creek Upper Day Use Park Site

The Upper Site on Cache Creek in Yolo County provides access to a major river system with significant flow and gradient. Cache Creek is a substantial waterway with a stream order of 8, indicating it is a major river comparable in classification to rivers like the Mississippi or Missouri. The creek drops 1323 feet over its 87-mile length, creating an average gradient of 15.2 feet per mile with an average velocity of 3.46 feet per second and substantial average flows of approximately 1431 cubic feet per second. This is an active whitewater access point suitable for experienced paddlers and boaters familiar with river conditions.

The site's location in the upper reaches of Cache Creek's extensive 1062 square mile drainage basin means water conditions can vary significantly based on seasonal flows and upstream conditions. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for fast current, potential whitewater sections, and the dynamic conditions typical of a major river system. The elevation differential across the waterway creates consistent downstream flow that requires appropriate skill levels and equipment. Water levels and conditions should be checked before launching, as this is a working river system subject to seasonal and precipitation-driven variations.