Cache Creek Wilderness Run

This used to be a favorite rainy-season run for class II-III rafters, largely for bird watching and pleasant scenery. After Indian Valley reservoir (upstream on the north fork) was enlarged and started making water deliveries to farmers in the Capay valley, boaters began to realize that upper Cache is runnable all summer long. This stretch is now beloved by many, although seldom crowded, especially compared to the section just downstream. Even without contribution from the outflow of Clear Lake, canoes and kayaks can make this run at typical releases around 250 cfs. Usually however, Clear Lake contributes another 200 cfs or more, making this stretch relatively easy to finish in one long day. Good campsites (and blackberries in season) abound, so many boaters prefer to camp along the way.

This section contains only two significant rapids, but brush hazards are considerable at high water, and a concern even at low water. At put-in flows above 1000, watch out for a bridge about one mile down the North Fork, just downstream of a residence on the left bank. Pull over, probably on the left, as soon as you see the bridge. Before proceeding, make sure you have adequate clearance under the bridge. If not, you will have to line your boat under the bridge or portage.

The pictures below were taken on standard springtime flows around 450 cfs (combined flow). When flows at Rumsey exceed 3500 cfs, this run takes about 3.5 hours, so you can combine it with the lower run, although during the shuttle you should scout the low-water bridge at mile 2.7 of the lower run. At low flows, the 18.2 mile run requires a full day in itself.

mile
0

From highway 20, drive downstream on a dirt road to a parking lot with information kiosk and toilet facilities. Carry your boats across the flood plain to a gravel beach, obscured by willow trees, near the river.

.1

Slalom, class I-II
Immediately below put-in, swift water creates many S turns against willow-lined banks. After Perkins Creek enters on the right in a wide alluvial fan around mile .3, the creek opens up a bit.

Slalom starts right below put-in	Scenic lava cliffs near the start

.9

Low bridge, no problem at typical reservoir releases, but a significant hazard at flood stage.

2.1

Confluence with main Cache Creek, which enters on the right. After a rainstorm, the main stem adds considerably to the flow. In dry weather, even if the main stem carries negligible flow, water becomes more turbid after the confluence, because Clear [sic] Lake is not clear. About 3 miles upstream of here on the main stem is The Jams, a class V or VI rapid.

View of main stem at confluence	Typical class II action

3.2

Stemple Creek enters on the left, before a horseshoe bend.

3.6

Harley Creek enters on the left, after the horseshoe bend.

4.2

Rocky Creek enters on the right, marking the start of Wilson Valley.

4.9

Jack Canyon enters on the left, .7 mile from the end of Wilson Valley.

6.2

Judge Davis Canyon enters on the left.

6.5

Brushy Creek enters on the left.

6.7

Petrified Canyon enters on the right.

7.3

Trout Creek enters on the right. Just around the bend, Cache Creek flows straight southeast for about a mile.

8.2

Big Rock in Middle, class III
Recognition: the river curves left, and cattle trails are visible. Two small creeks enter on the right during and after this rapid. At low flows this is a long boulder garden, technical for rafts. You can see the big rock below. The easiest route is to its left, although it is possible to go right if you try. The biggest waves are just below the big rock. A small rapid follows quickly, then a lull, a rapid with medium-size waves, and a smaller rapid. At high flows the Big Rock creates two pour-overs on either side, both usually runnable, and this section becomes a long class III rapid.

First section above the Big Rock	Boats negotiate drop at Big Rock

8.6

Approximate end of Big Rock in Middle rapid. The right bank seems like a good place to camp.

Big Rock visible in the distance	Good rapid at mile 9.2

9

Start of Kennedy Flats, where Cache Creek makes two horseshoe bends. Another fun rapid is at mile 9.2, near a large gravel bar on the right. Campsites abound in this area, some with good shade trees.

10.5

Crack Canyon enters on the right, marking the end of Kennedy Flats.

11.5

Road visible on left bank, announcing semi-civilization ahead. This dirt road eventually reaches highway 20 near its intersection with highway 16.

11.8

The river turns sharp right and continues curving less sharply right.

13.1

Davis Canyon enters on the right. You can see Buck Island ahead. Although it does not appear so from the river, water would have to rise only about 40 feet for Buck Island to become an actual island. After the river bends left then right around another horseshoe bend, you start to see dirt roads leading to Buck Island campground. This is a beautiful spot and an excellent place to camp, although it lacks solitude and is more than halfway down the run.

14.3

Buck Island Campground, with picnic table and restrooms. This is the standard put-in for boaters starting at Buck Island. Downstream, as you leave the dirt roads of Buck Island behind, Cache Creek begins a disorienting series of horseshoe bends with few landmarks, although gradient steepens and you can make distance quickly.

Outhouse and put-in at Buck Island	One of many horseshoe bends

17.1

Island, main channel on the right.

18.3

Mad Mike, class III
A steep drop on river left with a boulder fence on the right. Recognition: the creek bends left at a steep barren brown cliff, and pushes left again toward a big rock and dark forested wall. It looks more difficult than it is, although the waves are big. At high flows you can easily sneak it on the inside of the curve.

Blue raft dropping into Mad Mike	Kayak taking left-side sneak route

Kayaking taking the main channel	Having avoided the big-rock hole

18.7

Take out at the Bear Creek confluence, or continue downstream to one of many access points.

To continue, see the regular Cache Creek writeup.

For quiet-water paddling on nearby Clear Lake, see Konocti Water Trails.

Shuttle Directions

To access all runs on Cache Creek, take I-5 to Vacaville, then I-505 north, or if coming from the north, I-5 to Dunnigan, then I-505 south. (Boaters arriving directly from the west can take either highway 16 or 20.) About 11 miles after crossing Putah Creek, take the Woodland-Esparto exit and turn west onto highway 16. Stay on this bendy road thru Esparto, past the Brooks casino, a long ways to Guinda, then to the small town of Rumsey.

To reach take-out, continue upstream 6 miles on highway 16 to Yolo County Park. Shortly upstream of the main park entrance are several turn-out areas with plenty of parking, free in recent years, and good access down to the creek. Parking at the Bear Creek confluence is tight, and access is poor except for outfitters, who have a key to the locked gate.

To reach put-in, continue 7 miles upstream along Bear Creek on highway 16 to its junction with highway 20. Turn left (west) and drive 13 miles to a bridge over the north fork of Cache Creek. Turn left on a dirt road. A fine BLM river access area is a short distance downstream.

In winter and spring, it is easy to find a campsite at the Yolo County campground, and fees are reasonable. If you want to finish in one day, camping there allows you to get an early start.

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