Battle Creek, CA
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Manton Rd. (A6) to Coleman Fish Hatchery
Class II-III(IV)
13 Miles
Gauge Information
River Description
© 1996 by Bill Tuthill, tut@netcom.com
This surprisingly good run is located just the other side of the Sacramento
river from Red Bluff. The whitewater consists of nearly continuous class
II-III rapids and a class IV rapid, tapering off near the end. Scenery and
solitude are good, so it is surprising that this river didn't make it into
any guidebook. This run is superior in all respects to Cache Creek and Stony
Creek, although further from population centers. Rapids are numerous, water
quality is good, playspots are plentiful, and the season is long.
Hourly flow information (take-out) is available at DWR's
CDEC Web site (code BAT). The description below was compiled at 835
cfs, a common flow during spring runoff season. Runs are possible at higher
flows, and down to 800 cfs. Technical at low flows, with rough volcanic
rocks.
- Tight rapids for about 2 miles on the S Fork, where the flow was about
33% of that at take-out. Watch out for a brush-choked drop at a R bend about
1.5 miles down.
- At the confluence, the N Fork approximately doubles the flow. The
N Fork is subject to diversions, and its trees are closer to the river than
on the S Fork. It has been run at low flows and described as class III with
a few portages, but kayakers have been turned back at higher flows.
- About 1 mile below, the river curves L thru a class III+ rapid, and
then Morgan Creek (? maps disagree) comes in on the L.
- About 2 miles below that, there is an old broached dam (or bridge)
with an extant tunnel on river R. Shortly below is the only class IV on
this run (scout or portage R bank).
- Fun class III rapids continue for another 2 miles. Most have short
pools in between, although one is continuous for over 1/2 mile. Below there
is a beautiful spring-fed mini-falls on the R (probably drinkable, purify
to be sure).
- Less intense class III rapids continue for another 2 miles until a
huge horseshoe bend. Below that Spring Branch creek comes in on the L, and
rapids ease to class II. Somewhere in there a double pipeline crosses the
river. Evidence of cattle grazing becomes evident.
- After another 2 miles, an artificial-looking waterfalls with lots
of water (perhaps overflow from Coleman Forebay) comes in on the R. Shortly
below is another inlet from tubes of a power generation station. These diversions
add 200-300 cfs to the gauged flow.
- After another 1.5 miles there is a low-head dam, which at 835 cfs
can be safely run on the far L. Take out either above or below the low-head
dam.
- HAZARD: Half a mile below take-out is a two-tier concrete diversion
dam with drowning-machine reversal below. Do not go near the edge!
To reach take-out from I-5 N of Red Bluff, go E on Gas Point Rd, bear L
on Ball's Ferry Rd, turn R on Ash Creek Rd, cross the Sacramento river,
then turn R on Jelly's Ferry Rd, and soon L on Coleman FH Rd. Continue past
the Fish Hatchery to the end of the county maintained road, and park near
a square building covered with grafitti.
To reach put-in from there, return to Ash Creek Rd, turn R and go uphill,
turn R on Wildcat Rd, bear R at a junction, then descend and cross the N
Fork of Battle Creek. You could put in there, or continue to the S Fork
ahead (as in the description). AAA Feather/Yuba map recommended.
Old-timers say that higher runs on the N Fork are have generated many "horror
stories" of portage fests. Nearby Antelope Creek offers a more scenic,
slightly easier, but longer (perhaps overnight) run.
StreamTeam Status: unverified
Last Updated: 2002-03-08 07:43:28
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