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
ran 4-9pm 14 june 2011 first time 760-840 cfs on gauge group thinks this just a little higher than optimal but totally doable
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Permits are not required for this reach.
39.7845,-121.6595
39.869999,-121.6595
NA
We have no additional detail on this route. Use the map below to calculate how to arrive to the main town from your zipcode.
Butte
Chimney Rock
Undercut that is normally portaged
The fun stuff
Hiking in
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The California State Water Resources Control Board has ordered the decommissioning of the Centerville Powerhouse on Butte Creek to protect spring run salmon. This is part of a relicensing agreement that American Whitewater has been working on since 2003. As a result, Butte Creek, located in Northern California will be receiving more water.
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