Canyon Creek (California) facts for kids

Canyon Creek is an important stream that flows into the South Yuba River. It's located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.

This creek starts high up at Baltimore Lake. This lake is about 7,184 feet above sea level! That's like being on top of a really tall mountain. It's also near Donner Pass in the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada County, California.

Where Does Canyon Creek Flow?

Canyon Creek begins its journey at Baltimore Lake. This is a natural lake formed by glaciers long ago. From there, it flows north for a short distance.

Journey Through Man-Made Lakes

The creek then enters French Lake Reservoir. This is a man-made lake, also called a reservoir. It was created by the French Lake Dam. This dam was first built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1948. The Nevada Irrigation District helps manage the water here.

After French Lake, Canyon Creek flows about 1.2 miles. It then reaches its second man-made lake, Faucherie Lake. The creek continues another 1.4 miles. It then enters Sawmill Lake, which is the third reservoir.

Finally, Canyon Creek flows one more mile. It then reaches Bowman Lake. This is the largest of the four man-made lakes along the creek's path.

The Steep Drop

After Bowman Lake, Canyon Creek takes a dramatic plunge! It drops almost 3,000 feet in elevation. This happens over just 9.1 miles through a very steep canyon.

The creek's journey ends when it joins the South Yuba River. This meeting point is about 2,800 feet above sea level. It's also about 2.6 miles east of the town of Washington, California.

Fun Things to Do at Canyon Creek

Canyon Creek is a great place for outdoor activities! Many people visit for whitewater kayaking, camping, and fishing.

Whitewater Kayaking Adventures

The steep, nine-mile section of Canyon Creek is popular for whitewater kayaking. This part of the creek has challenging rapids. It's known as a Class IV to V run. This means it's for experienced kayakers!

The kayaking trip starts at an old bridge on Arctic Mine Road. It goes southwest until the creek meets the South Yuba River. Kayakers can enjoy this run when the water flowing from Bowman Dam is between 250 and 350 cubic feet per second. This is a measure of how much water is moving.

Camping and Fishing

During the summer, many campgrounds are open along Bowman Road. These are perfect for families and friends to stay overnight.

Fishing is also a very popular activity. You can fish in all four man-made lakes: French Lake, Faucherie Lake, Sawmill Lake, and Bowman Lake. Baltimore Lake, where the creek begins, is also a great spot for fishing.