Piru Creek

1) Upper

Reach banner
DifficultyIV-V
Length31.2 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugePiru Creek Blw Buck Cr Nr Pyramid Lake
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
20 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedSeptember 9, 2025

River Description

This wilderness run is typically available for short periods after large winter rain storms.

Other Information Sources:

Somewhere Out There, by Charles Foster   Descriptions by 1st descent party.

Video by DiscosVideos  at youtube.

Video by Aquaaevum at Youtube.

Los Padres National Forest

Forest Service Road Map

MT. PINOS

RANGER DISTRICT

34580 Lockwood Valley

Frazier Park, CA 93225

VOICE: (661) 245-3731

CampOne.com manages the campground and recreation facilities at Pyramid Lake


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Gold Hill Road

Distance: 15 mi (approx.)
Access Point
Gold Hill Road

Access Gold Hill Road from I-5 at the Gorman exit.  Travel through the Hungry Valley OHV area.

Road

Distance: 20 mi (approx.)
Access Point
Road

A dirt road or trail comes down the Smith Fork to Piru Creek from Hungry Valley OHV area.  It is not clear if this road is open during the winter or spring when the creek could be runnable.

Buck Creek Road

Distance: 24 mi (approx.)
Access Point
Buck Creek Road

It is not clear if this road is open during the winter or spring when the creek can be runnable.

Hard Luck Gorge

Class: IIIDistance: 26 mi (approx.)
Hazard
Hard Luck Gorge

The creek bends left from south east to north east and enters a spectacular gorge.    The rapids in the gorge are generally class 3.

The Piru Creek gauge at the beginning of the gorge presents a serious hazard.  The gauge structure is on river left, but a low head dam spans the river.  This weir is reported to have very sharp metal edges on the top which could damage a boat.  Scout river right.

Take Out

Distance: 28 mi
Take Out

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