Gauge Conditions

BUTTE Creek Near CHICO CA Downstream Primary

Runnable: 100.0 – 1,000.0 CFS

Range for best boatability uncertain. Please help your fellow boaters by adding a comment or report.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

CDEC Flow Data California

BUTTE CREEK BCK Primary

Elevation: 300 ft

BUTTE CREEK BPD Primary

Elevation: 269 ft

BUTTE CREEK BCD Primary

Elevation: 190 ft

BUTTE CREEK BBW

Elevation: 2,882 ft

Data from California Data Exchange Center (CDEC)

Run Map

Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

Select put-in and take-out to estimate time.

Plan This Trip

See wind-adjusted speed maps, forecast planning, and detailed time estimates.

Create Free Account

Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

Flowing during the spring, Upper Butte is a classic backyard creek for Chico residents, and paddlers passing through should take the chance to kayak this fun creek. After a two mile downhill hike in, Upper Butte Creek flows through a volcanic canyon and generally has 2-3 portages. Holbek & Stanley "The Best Whitewater in California" Other Information Sources: Darin McQuoid's Jefferson State Creeking Jonathon Blum's Blog report

Difficulty

Class IV-V

Length

6.6 mi

Gradient

95 ft/mi

max 190

Rapids