Cache Creek,

1) Hwy 20 to the Bear Creek Confluence (Wilderness Run)

Mad Mike Rapid

Mad Mike Rapid
Photo of Bret by Chuck Bartley taken 5-30-02 @ 850 CFS

River Description

The usual objection to paddling Cache Creek are the hordes of Kamakazee Komercial Kayakers. The Wilderness run pretty much eliminates this problem since 'the commercials' don't use that part of the river. They do use the last four miles of the wilderness run but by the time you get there, they will have most likely gone. In any case, we often do not see another person until the last two miles.

The run is very pretty if you like semi-arid mixed chaparral interesting geology kind of views (I do). We have seen Bald eagles, otters, deer swimming the river, osprey, quail, elk, herons, and wild turkey.

The big danger on this run is with trees in the water. Since this is a dam controlled stream, the water seldom gets high enough to clear the obstructions. There are several nasty spots where the less experienced members should consider walking. There are two of these in sharp right-hand bends.

There are some pretty good play spots as well. There are spots to surf, ender, cartwheel, and splat.

The shuttle takes an hour or so round-trip.

Here is the link to Bill Tuthill's California Creekin Website description of the Rumsey Run. This includes the section below this run.

Here are aerial photos of some of the rapids -- Note - you may be required to register to see these photos - It is a quick and simple process, and, as far as I can tell, it is without strings --:

This is the first of the ugly sweepers
Twist and Shout
Mad Mike Rapid
County Line Rapid

Other information sources:
cacreeks.com/cache.htm California Creekin - Cache Creek.
BRT Insights: Cache Creek guide
Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

Cache Creek Natural Area, Ukiah Field Office, BLM

Cache Creek Conservancy