Battle Creek
Manton to Coleman Fish Hatchery
| Difficulty | II-III(IV) |
| Length | 11.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Battle C Bl Coleman Fish Hatchery Nr Cottonwood Ca |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 251 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 20, 2025 |
An alternative put-in is possible on the North Fork at Wildcat Road when the South Fork is too low to boat.
© 1996 by Bill Tuthill, tut@netcom.com
This surprisingly good run is located just the other side of the Sacramentoriver from Red Bluff. The whitewater consists of nearly continuous classII-III rapids and a class IV rapid, tapering off near the end. Scenery andsolitude are good, so it is surprising that this river didn't make it intoany guidebook. This run is superior in all respects to Cache Creek and StonyCreek, although further from population centers. Rapids are numerous, waterquality is good, playspots are plentiful, and the season is long.
Hourly flow information (take-out) is available at [DWR's
CDEC Web site](http://cyclone.water.ca.gov/queryQuick.html) (code BAT). The description below was compiled at 835cfs, a common flow during spring runoff season. Runs are possible at higherflows, and down to 800 cfs. Technical at low flows, with rough volcanicrocks.
This is the one stand out Class IV rapid on this run. The first part is tricky move between two large boulders, moving right to left. At 1000 cfs this can be snuck on teh left. The second part of this rapid is a long technical affair. The run mellows out considerably after this rapid.
A flat bedrock bench at river level. Nice place to have lunch.
Jan 4, 2026
We paddled this run at 2,800 and it was great! Big waves, splashy, bouncy, and continuous (with a couple noteable holes). There are still some eddies to be had. The difficulty of the run probably does bump up to class IV at this level just because of the continuous nature. The line remains more or less the same in the class IV rapid. No wood that we could see. Great option for when other things are too high!
Apr 29, 2023
2023 has been the biggest snow year on record for many parts of California. The snow has been good for Battle Creek. This run often needs a rain event to make it boatable, but this year the snow has made for weeks of good flow. I would describe the 1000 cfs that we had on this run as optimal. I have run it at a little lower flows, and this was better. Two of us put-in on the North Fork, a great little Class IV creeking addition to this run. Just be advised that it starts with a bang right below the put-in. Would be pretty tight to get a raft down. The put-in is just under the bridge that crossed the North Fork.
