Piru Creek

Timing the flow was difficult, we paddled in a light rain most of the day thru late evening when we finally reached the takeout. It's a super long day so definitely start early and keep moving. There's a ton of strainers, as well as fishermen bridges (logs all the way across the creek), so paddle cautiously and plan on many wood related portages. Wear shoes. The only rapid of significance was in the Gorge itself. The creek constricts to a powerful hole and empties into sort of a churning bowl. I got a thrilling endo and rolled up. This was class 4, the rest of the creek was 2/3, fast in some spots. It's a gorgeous remote run with evidence of gold mining near Frenchmans, Riparian habitat, the cattails are beautiful and it's an exceptionally isolated spot for Southern California ! Next time I'd plan for a self support overnight.