Redwood Creek

with dropping flows and good weather forecast (for January) some boating friends suggested we do a little self-support trip on something new. After a check of Ca Creeks we decided on this run. (the trip report on Ca. Creeks is excellent and accurate in every regard. If you plan on getting on this run , read it) Flows at Blue Lake were approx. 270cfs when we put-on and 240cfs when we took off. Flows at Orick were approx. 1,500 and 1,250 cfs put-in/take-out. We put on just above Stover Ranch where the creek is very close to the road with no problem. We came prepared (dressed and packed) and made quick and quiet work getting the gear from the road to the creek. Flow at the put-in was more than
enough to float both kayaks and the small raft we had with us and seemed to be much more than 270 cfs. the whitewater section on this run is short but fun and satisfying. At our flow we had no problem spotting the lead-in to the portage/class 5. If class 3 boaters are in the group; Send the best boater down first to the eddy above the portage. Give him some time to get out and get the rope ready, then take your time coming down to the eddy one by one leaving plenty of space between boats in case something goes wrong. the portage isn't easy but it's fairly short. We lined the raft through and all went well.