Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs title bar with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead

California Segments, A-M

Steve Bowes
NPS RTCA
1111 Jackson Stree
Suite 700
Oakland, CA 94607
510-817-1451

Click for segments N-Z

Aerial videos of selected segments are available from the
Water Resources Center, University of California at Berkeley.

Photo of large waterfall in California

River
County
Reach
Length
Year Listed/ Updated
Potential Classification
ORVs
Description
Other States
American River, South Fork El Dorado Folsom Lake State Recreation area boundary to Chili Bar Dam
19
1982   R, H Most popular whitewater boating stream in California. Also attractive for fishing, swimming, camping, and gold panning. Flows through Marshal Gold Discovery State Historic Park, site of the 1848 discovery that sparked the California Gold Rush.  
Antelope Creek, North Fork Tehama From Section line between Sections 17 and 18, T.28N., R.2E., below Ponderosa Way, to McClure Place 3 1993 W F    
Antelope Creek, North Fork Tehama From McClure Place to boundary between National Forest and California Department of Fish and Game land
4
1993
W
F    
Antelope Creek, South Fork Tehama From South Fork Antelope Campground along Ponderosa Way to 1/4 mile above the North Fork Antelope Creek
7
1993
W
F    
Atastra Creek Mono Aspen grove in Sec. 32, T.5 N., R.27 E. to Sec. 20, T.5 N., R.27 E.
2
1993
S, R
F, W High capability for supporting excellent quality Lahontan cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout. Biological diversity.   
Battle Creek Shasta, Tehama Ponderosa Way Bridge to Sacramento River
5
1993
R
S, R, F, W, H, O Anadromous fish spawning. Float tubing. Classic old-growth riparian ecosystem in Sacramento River flood plain.   
Bear Creek Shasta North and South Forks of Bear Creek to State Highway 44 bridge crossing
4
1993
W, S
R Secluded, undeveloped, physically demanding primitive types of outdoor experiences.  
Beegum Creek Shasta, Tehama Trinity National Forest boundary to Highway 36
4
1993
W
S, R Natural primitive type of outdoor experience to hiker willing to scramble over rugged terrain in canyon bottom.  
Big Chico Creek Butte, Tehama Powerline crossing east of Horseshoe Lake in Chico to source
29
1982
  S, R, F Narrow, rugged stream bed flows in a deep, scenic volcanic canyon and through a series of caves in Iron Canyon area; lower reaches support good riparian habitat and oak-woodland vegetation, upper reaches are extensively forested; supports good trout and anadramous fisheries, particularly spring-run chinook salmon; heavy recreation use, especially in Bidwell City Park area in Chico.  
Big Chico Creek Butte Source downstream to power line crossing east of Horseshoe Lake
3
1982/ 1993
W, R
R Remote, rugged, natural setting, offering user outstanding opportunities for primitive types of recreation.  
Big River Mendocino Mouth to source
39
1982
  S, R, F, W, H Flows through a series of terraces with 100 year old second growth redwood forest as dominant vegetation; mouth empties into ocean at Mendocino, a National Historic District; unique, pristine example of coastal redwood stream; tidal estuary proposed as unique wildlife ecosystem by FWS; links two units of State Park System; extensive canoeing; significant fish runs with prime salmon and steelhead spawning habitat.  
Big Sycamore River Los Angeles Entire segment within Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
8
1993
  F, W Upper watershed contains active golden eagle nesting sites and selected for reintroduction of the peregrine falcon.  
Boles Creek Modoc Confluence of Willow Creek to Sally's Camp
12
1993
S
C Exceptionally rich in archaeological and cultural values. Potentially eligible for nomination to National Register of Historic Places.  
Bourland Creek Tuolumne Headwater to Reed Creek
11
1993
W, R
H, C, O    
Buck Meadow Creek Tuolumne Headwater to West Fork Cherry Creek
8
1993
W
S    
Butte Creek (Upper Segment) Butte Confluence with West Branch Butte Creek to Centerville Bridge
4
1993
S
S, G, H Important mining communities. Steep and rugged with shear canyon walls, abrupt rock pinnacles, and spectacular waterfalls. Hiking and boating.  
Cache Creek Colusa, Yolo, Lake Dam 1 mile above Peachtree crossing to Guinda Bridge.
38
1982
  S, R Meanders through rolling foothills with moderate canyons and large expanses of undeveloped areas; interesting geologic formations; primitive and remote with limited access; provides premium whitewater opportunities through a boulder-studded watercourse partly bordered by county parklands; popular local tubing stream. Lower portion of segment passes through orchard dominated agricultural lands.  
Carson River, East Fork Alpine (Douglas, NV) Last diversion dam approximately 1 mile above Lahonton Fish Hatchery to source
52
1982
  S, R, F, O Traversing a variety of ecosystems, the river descends east slope of Sierras through granite canyons with pine forests and alpine meadows to emerge into the sagebrush covered foothills and desert canyons of Nevada; upper reaches State designated Wild Trout Stream; large portion upper reaches proposed for wilderness designation; headwaters habitat of federally listed threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout; premium whitewater, used extensively by commercial and private rafters; provides unique opportunity for overnight float trips east of Sierras.
NV
Carson River, East Fork Alpine (CA), Douglas (NV) Source to Wolf Creek
27
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, F Pristine scenery as descends east slope of Sierra through granite canyon and coniferous forests to sagebrush covered foothills and desert canyons. Sport fishing for trout, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing.
NV
Carson River, East Fork Alpine (CA), Douglas (NV) Wolf Creek to Hangman's Bridge
9
1982/ 1993
R
S, R, F See initial comments
NV
Carson River, East Fork Alpine (CA), Douglas (NV) Hangman's Bridge to Ruhenstroth Dam
20
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, F See initial comments
NV
Cherry Creek Tuolumne West Fork Cherry Creek
15
1993
W
S    
Cherry Creek Tuolumne North Fork Cherry Creek
13
1993
W
S    
Cherry Creek Tuolumne East Fork Cherry Creek
14
1993
W
S    
Cherry Creek Tuolumne East/North confluence to Cherry Lake
10
1993
W
S, G    
Clark Fork Tuolumne Headwaters to Wilderness boundary
8
1993
W
S, H, C    
Clark Fork Tuolumne Wilderness boundary to Middle Fork Stanislaus
9
1993
R
S, R    
Clavey River Tuolumne Bell/Lily confluence to 3NO1
5
1982/ 1993
S
F, O    
Clavey River Tuolumne Cottonwood Road to Tuolumne confluence
16
1982/ 1993
W, S
S, R, F, W, O    
Clavey River Toulumne 3NO1 to Cottonwood Road
8
1982/ 1993
W, S
F, W, O    
Clavey River Tuolumne Tuolumne River confluence to source.
32
1982
  S, F, W, O Totally free-flowing, rugged channel characterized by large boulders and alternating pools and rapids; upper reaches heavily forested with granite outcroppings; lower reaches scrub-oak woodlands with steep canyons and distinctive limestone cliffs; State designated Wild Trout Stream; one of the best remaining fish producing streams on western slopes of Sierras.  
Clavey River Tuolumne Lily Creek
11
1982/ 1993
W, S
O    
Clavey River Tuolumne Bell Creek
7
1982/ 1993
W, S
S, H, C, O    
Clear Creek Shasta NRA boundary to Clear Creek Road bridge crossing
0
1993
S
S, R Unspoiled, primitive type of outdoor experience obtained by hiking or floating along the creek.  
Colorado River Imperial Gaging station below Cibola Lake to Martinez Lake (Fishers Landing)
31
1982
  S, R, W, O Traverses Cibola and Imperial National Wildlife refuges and Picacho State Recreation Area; high quality riparian habitat with excellent wildlife values; Picacho area is especially scenic; canoeing is excellent on this segment; one of few remaining unchanneled stretches of lower Colorado River.
AZ
Colorado River San Bernadino Upper end Lake Havasu (Blankenship Bend) to Interstate Highway 40 bridge crossing in Topock
11
1982
  S, R, W, O Pristine stretch flows through scenic Topock Gorge and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge; outstanding scenery with premium quality riparian habitat; excellent opportunities for bird observation in fall/winter; may provide habitat for endangered Colorado squawfish, bonytail and razorback sucker; very popular river for a variety of boating activities.
AZ
Cosumnes River including North and Middle Forks Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador Confluence with Mokelumne River to sources of north and middle forks
50
1982
  R, W, O The last remaining major Sierra Nevada stream system without significant water impoundments. The sloughs and marshes at the confluence with the Molkelumne River together with the adjoining hardwood and riparian vegetation, virtually uninfluenced by flood control measures, comprise an important and unique natural area. The largest remaining stand of valley oak exists in this area, and the lower Consumnes is also an important waterfowl wintering area for many species and is of particular importance to the greater sandhill crane. The main stem provides a warmwater fishery and a small run of chinook salmon. The North and Middle Forks both possess self-sustaining wild rainbow and brown trout populations with warm water species including the Alabama spotted bass in the lowest reaches and Eastern brook trout found in the North Fork. Recreation use includes picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, and river running (there are a variety of boating runs for paddlers of all skill levels, although the length of the boating season is curtailed by the relative low flow in the summer). Overall, the recreation potential is outstanding in view of the proximity of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area, although the limited number of river access points presently discourages use.  
Cosumnes River, Middle Fork Eldorado From Dogtown Creek to National Forest boundary
3
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, Middle Fork Eldorado Headwaters east of Foster Meadow to Cat Creek
7
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, Middle Fork Eldorado Cat Creek to one mile east of PiPi Campground
4
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, Middle Fork Eldorado One mile east of PiPi Campground to two miles west of PiPi
3
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, Middle Fork Eldorado Two miles west of PiPi to Dogtown Creek
5
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, North Fork Eldorado From Cosumnes Mine Road to Steely Fork of the Cosumnes
3
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, North Fork Eldorado From headwaters at Leek Springs Valley to Van Horn Creek
14
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cosumnes River, North Fork Eldorado Van Horn Creek to Cosumnes Mine Road
7
1982/ 1993
R
R, O    
Cottonwood Creek, Middle Fork Shasta Trinity National Forest boundary downstream to Platina Road crossing
6
1993
W, R
S, R Middle segment is secluded, undeveloped, and physically demanding. Excellent for primitive outdoor experience.  
Cottonwood Creek, North Fork Shasta Misslebeck Dam to Platina Highway Bridge
2
1993
S
S, R Unspoiled, primitive setting in bottom of canyon, suitable for rugged backcountry hiking and expert kayaking.  
Cottonwood Creek, South Fork Tehama National Forest boundary to Cooks Flat
3
1993
W, S
S, R, G Very rugged, narrow sinuous, steep-walled canyon. Innumerable cascading rapids and small waterfalls. Opportunities for primitive types of outdoor experiences.  
Deep Creek San Bernardino Upstream of Running Springs
1
1993
R
R, O Scenic narrow gorge. Designated as Wild Trout Stream.  
Deep Creek San Bernardino From Running Springs to I-6 Road Crossing
2
1993
S
S, F, W, O    
Deep Creek San Bernardino From I-6 Road Crossing to Splinter's Cabin
1
1993
R
S, R, F, W    
Deep Creek San Bernardino From Splinter's Cabin to Devil's
15
1993
       
Deer Creek Tehama Just below confluence with Beaver Creek to near private land in Sec. 35, T.26 N., R.2 E.
2
1982/ 1993
  F See initial comments   
Deer Creek Tehama Western edge of Ishi Wilderness down to Deer Creek Irrigation Ditch in Sec. 23, T.25 N., R.1 W.
0
1993
W
S, G, W, H Descends through long series of rapids in deep rough canyon. Camps and caves of Yahi Indian tribe. Peregrine falcon nesting area.  
Deer Creek Tehama Near private land in Sec. 35, T.26 N., R.2 E. to western National Forest boundary
8
1982/ 1993
W
S, F, C See initial comments  
Deer Creek Tehama Junction of Deer Creek with highway 32 to just west of Deer Creek crossing, Sec. 26, T.27 N., R.3 E.
2
1982/ 1993
S
S, F, C See initial comments  
Deer Creek Tehama Deer Creek irrigation ditch to source.
49
1982
  S, G, F, H, C Headwaters in rugged, forested mountains, passes through deep canyons with spectacular geologic formations; noted for being one of the most rugged areas in the State; portion proposed for wilderness designation; culturally significant nationwide as home of Ishi, last survivor of a stone age Indian Tribe; premium salmon and steelhead fishery; one of a few remaining Central Valley streams where spring-run salmon can reach ancestral spawning grounds; upper reaches provide excellent trout fishing and receive heavy recreational use; important raptor nesting area.  
Deer Creek Tehama Elam Creek Campground to junction of Deer Creek with Highway 32
8
1982/ 1993
R
S, F Deep canyons, falls and cascades, and rugged, forested mountains. Spring and fall runs of chinook salmon and steelhead. Associated with Ishi's habitation as the last Yahi-Yana Indian in early 1900's.  
Deer Creek Tehama Just west of Deer Creek crossing, Sec. 26, T.27 N., R.3 E. to just below confluence with Beaver Creek
10
1982/ 1993
W
S, F, W, C See initial comments  
Disaster Creek Tuolumne Headwater to Clark Fork
5
1993
W
O    
Dog Creek Mono Sec. 15, T.3 N., R.25 E. to Virginia Creek in Sec. 35, T.4 N., R.25 E.
3
1993
R
F, W, H Historic mining shelters. Naturally, reproductive population of brown trout. Biological diversity.  
Eagle Creek Tuolumne Headwater to Middle Fork Stanislaus
7
1993
W, S
O    
Eagle Creek Tuolumne Long Valley Creek
4
1993
S
O    
Eel River, Middle Fork Mendocino, Trinity Eel River confluence to source
75
1982
  R, F, W, C Headwaters in Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area; well scoured, rugged river channel flows through deep, steepsided canyons with numerous large, deep pools and extensive stands of coniferous forest in upper reaches, mountainous, grasslands downstream; premium salmon and steelhead stream; provides outstanding habitat for spring-run steelhead; outstanding white water boating stream; provides important habitat for two endangered species of raptors; significant, high densities of prehistoric sites.

THE SEGMENT FROM THE EEL RIVER CONFLUENCE TO THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE YOLLA BOLLY WILDERNESS AREA WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 1/19/81.

 
Eel River, North Fork Mendocino, Trinity Eel River confluence to source.
32
1982
  S, F Rugged and primitive stream flows through rockfaced canyons and mountainous terrain; oak chaparral, grassland vegetation; spectacular cataracts in lower portion; supports important anadromous fish runs, especially outstanding winter-run steelhead fishery; offers scenic whitewater runs in a remote, primitive setting.

THE SEGMENT FROM THE EEL RIVER CONFLUENCE TO THE OLD GILMAN RANCH WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 1/19/81.

 
Eel River, South Fork Mendocino Mouth to source.
105
1982
  S, F Source arises from a profusion of small creeks; boulder strewn channel marked by riffles and pools flows through the virgin redwood groves of Humboldt Redwood State Park and giant old-growth Douglas fir stands of Elder Creek National Natural Landmark; supports important anadromous fish runs; upper portions provide extensive chinook salmon habitat.

THE SEGMENT FROM THE EEL RIVER CONFLUENCE TO SECTION FOUR CREEK CONFLUENCE WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 1/19/81.

 
Fall River Shasta Pit River intake dam to source.
21
1982
  F The Fall River is noted as one of the State's and Nation's outstanding trophy wild trout fisheries and is managed by the State as a wild trout stream. The river flows through a pastoral setting with views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and other volcanic formations.  
Fall River Butte, Plumas Lake Oroville State Recreation Area in NE 1/4 of Sec. 34, T.21 N., R.6 E. to Nelsons Crossing at SE 1/4 of Sec. 20, T.21 N., R.7 E.
7
1993
W
S, R, F Feather Falls has vertical drop of 640 feet, sixth highest waterfall in U.S. In rugged box canyon heavily vegetated with mixed conifer species and hardwoods. Excellent trout fishing.  
Feather River Sutter, Yuba, Butte Southern Pacific railroad crossing north of Yuba City to Highway 162 crossing in Oroville.
33
1982
  R, F, W, O River channel characterized by low wooded banks and clear, slow moving water flowing through marsh and agricultural fields downstream; outstanding wildlife and riparian habitat; outstanding salmon and steelhead fishery; State maintained 9,000 acre wildlife management area and salmon hatchery near Oroville provides significant spawning grounds for fall chinook salmon, American shad and stripped bass; provides good flat water recreation opportunities.  
George Creek Inyo Inyo National Forest boundary in Sec. 6, T.15 S., R.35 E. to City of Los Angeles land in Sec. 27, T.14 S., R.35 E.
4
1993
R
F, W, O Contrast of seasonal variation of riparian vegetation color with dark shrublands. Good population of wild brown trout.  
Green Creek Mono Sec. 33, T.4 N., R.25 E. to Sec. 28, T.4 N., R.25 E.
1
1993
R
F, W Excellent, naturally, reproducing population of brown trout. Biological diversity.  
Gualala River including South Fork Gualala River Mendocino, Sonoma Mouth to source of South Fork Gualala River
37
1982
  S, R, F River mouth distinguished by a broad tidal estuary culminating in a large sand bar often closed in summer months; stream banks characterized by 2nd growth conifers and oak-grass-lands in upper reaches and dense redwood stands along lower stream banks; course parallels San Andreas Fault; supports fall and winter steelhead and coho salmon runs; resident rainbow trout found in upper reaches; popular sports fishery for nearby metropolitan areas and local fishermen.  
Gualala River, Wheatfield Fork Sonoma South Fork Gualala River confluence to source.
31
1982
  S, F Scenic, relatively undeveloped, boulder-strewn stream flowing from source area covered with grasses and scrub vegetation to lower reaches offering intermittent forest corridors including coast redwood. Some canoe and kayak use from Clark's Crossing to confluence with the South Fork Gualala. The Wheatfield Fork and its tributaries provide important spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout and coho salmon. There is also a self-sufficient resident rainbow trout fishery in the upper reaches and main tributaries.  
Hot Creek Mono Inyo National Forest boundary in Sec. 30, T.3 S., R.29 E. to Sec. 19, T.3 S., R.29 E.
1
1993
R
G, F, W, O Good example of surface thermal flow and thermal features in eastern Sierra. Excellent naturally, reproducing brown trout population.  
Independence Creek Inyo Inyo National Forest boundary in Sec. 26, T.13 S., R.35 E. to City of Los Angeles land in Sec. 19, T.13 S., R.35 E.
2
1993
R
R, F, W, O Excellent quality riparian vegetation scenically enhanced by large, old-growth Jeffrey pine. Naturally reproducing wild brown trout population.  
Kaweah River, Marble Fork Tulare Entire segment within Sequoia National Park
17
1993
W, S, R
S, G One of most spectacular water-courses in California. Drops 9,000 feet in estimated 17 miles with cascades and falls.  
Kaweah River, Middle Fork Tulare Entire segment within Sequoia National Park
18
1993
W, S, R
S, G Plunges through a very rugged and spectacular canyon. In lower reaches has riparian oasis character owing to dry surroundings.  
Kern River, Lower Kern Below Lake Isabella Dam at Borel Powerhouse downstream to Democrat Dam
13
1993
S
S, R, W Has diversity of recreation opportunities. Scenic contrast of canyon gorge to adjacent valley. Provides only known habitat for unique species of slender salamander.  
Kern River, South Fork Kern, Tulare Lake Isabella to source.
84
1982
  S, F, C, O Totally free-flowing, descends through deep gorges with large granite outcroppings and domes interspersed with open meadows; numerous waterfalls and rapids in gorges; majority within existing or proposed wilderness areas; dramatic diversity in vegetation; outstanding riparian habitat; existence of several rare species; premium trout fishery in upper reaches; ancestral home of golden trout, the State fish of California; numerous historic and prehistoric sites, significant cultural resource area.

THE SEGMENT FROM ITS HEADWATERS IN THE INYO NATIONAL FOREST TO THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE DOMELANDS WILDERNESS IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 11/24/87.

 
Kings River Fresno From Pine Flat Reservoir to the confluence of the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River.
18
1982
  S, R, F, H, C One of the largest rivers flowing down western slopes of the Sierras: wooded streambank line boulder-studded watercourse with premium whitewater and several cataracts; State designated Wild Trout Stream; numerous Native American village sites; remnants of one of the longest logging flumes in the world and other historic artifacts create an area of historic and cultural significance; outstanding whitewater rafting in the lower reaches.  
Klamath River Siskiyou Copco Lake to California-Oregon border.
6
1982
  R, F This reach of the Klamath is managed by the State of California as a wild trout fishery and is the last six miles of an outstanding rafting run beginning at John Boyle Dam in Oregon. This run offers exciting Class III, IV, and V whitewater over an extremely long boating season.  
Klamath River, Upper Siskiyou Oregon-California stateline to slackwater of Copco Reservoir in California
5
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, F, W, H High quality and diversity in wildlife habitat. Whitewater boating and fishing. Pit house villages, fishing, hunting, and gathering camps.  
Lytle Creek San Bernardino Middle Fork Lytle Creek from source within Cucamonga Wilderness to Wilderness boundary
3
1993
S
S Vegetation ranges from coniferous trees on slopes at high elevations to sycamores and cottonwoods in riparian areas at lower elevations.  
Lytle Creek San Bernardino South Fork Lytle Creek in its entirety
5
1993
S
S, F, W Scenic, fish, and wildlife values.  
Mattole River Humbolt, Mendocino Mouth to source.
69
1982
  F Upper portion in redwood forest; flows through steep fir-covered canyons that have been heavily logged in places; lower reaches flow into an open alluvial plain with large meandering loops leading to a broad tidal estuary; flows parallel to east boundary of King Range Conservation Area; supports important anadromous salmon spawning and nursery habitat.  
McCloud River Shasta, Siskiyou McCloud Reservoir to source.
27
1982
  R, F Upper reaches meander through a gentle forest plateau with interspersed meadows and several popular campgrounds; then descends into a heavily forested canyon below a series of picturesque waterfalls; Big Springs, a unique geological feature, increases river flow ten fold below falls; excellent opportunities for camping and picnicking and some swimming above falls; premium trout stream.  
McCloud River Shasta Lake Shasta to McCloud Dam.
24
1982
  S, F, H, C One of most natural looking streams in northern California; flows through beautiful old growth Douglas fir forests in a series of riffles, pools and rapids; State designated Wild Trout Stream; only known population of Dolly Varden Trout (bull trout) in State; excellent rainbow trout fishery with eggs shipped all over world beginning in 1872 for 65 years; numerous well preserved Indian Village sites and a National Historic District occur along the river.  
McCloud River Siskiyou, Shasta Bartle in Sec. 3, T.39 N., R.1 E., to National Forest boundary near Lower Falls in Sec. 12, T.39 N., R.2 W.
18
1982/ 1993
R
S, G, F High quality trout fishing. Seg. 1 meanders through gently sloping volcanic terrain. Downstream are numerous waterfalls, including Upper and Middle Falls.  
McCloud River Siskiyou, Shasta Lower Falls downstream to confluence with Angel Creek
5
1982/ 1993
S
S, G, F See initial comments  
McCloud River Siskiyou, Shasta Angel Creek confluence to confluence with Huckleberry Creek, at northern tip of McCloud Reservoir
2
1982/ 1993
R
S, G, F See initial comments  
Merced River Mariposa Lake McClure to South Fork Merced River confluence.
20
1982
  S, R, G, W, H Segment flows through rugged mountain and foothill country in a series of rapids and over one waterfall; parallels historic Yosemite Railroad grade and remnants of wooden trestles still remain; borders highway into Yosemite National Park in upper reaches; oldest rock formation in Yosemite region visible along river bed; in spring one of most challenging and outstanding whitewater streams in State; habitat of State listed rare limestone salamander.

THE SEGMENT FROM ITS SOURCES IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TO A POINT 300 FT UPSTREAM OF THE CONFLUENCE WITH BEAR CREEK WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 11/2/87.

 
Merced River, North Fork Mariposa Headwater to Forest boundary
11
1993
W, S
G, H, C, O    
Merced River, North Fork Mariposa From its headwaters to its confluence with the Merced.
0
1993/ 1995
  G, H, C, O This river is under Congressional study for designation to the Wild and Scenic River System. It is currently under the full protection of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act pursuant to Section 7 (b) of the Act.  
Mill Creek Tehama Diversion Dam immediately downstream from powerline crossing (approximately 4 1/2 miles above Sacramento River confluence) to source.
49
1982
  S, F, H, C Headwaters in Lassen Volcanic National Park, spectacular canyon bordered by steep lava and basalt cliffs; flows near scenic thermal area and descends rapidly through meadows and dense forests before entering Sacramento Valley; excellent rainbow trout fishery; supports important anadromous fish runs; provides highest spawning elevations and longest tributaries ascended by spring run chinook salmon in California; culturally significant as home of Ishi, last survivor of a stone age Indian tribe.  
Mill Creek Tehama Just below Highway 36 crossing to 1/2 mile downstream from Hole-in-the-Ground
4
1982/ 1993
R
F Spectacular canyon bordered by steep basalt cliffs. Supports highest elevation run of Chinook salmon. Raptor and river otter habitats. Archeological and cultural significance associated with ancestral home of Ishi.  
Mill Creek Tehama 1/2 mile downstream from Hole-in-the-Ground to just east of Black Rock
13
1982/ 1993
W
F See initial comments  
Mill Creek Tehama Just east of Black Rock to one mile downstream of Black Rock
2
1982/ 1993
S
S, G, F, W, C, O See initial comments  
Mill Creek Tehama One mile downstream of Black Rock to western National Forest boundary
8
1982/ 1993
W
S, G, F, W, C, O See initial comments  
Mill Creek Tehama Entire segment within Lassen Volcanic National Park
36
1982/ 1993
S
S, F, H, C Meanders through mountain meadows and heavily forested areas. Highest spawning elevations and longest tributaries ascended by spring-run chinook salmon in CA..  
Mill Creek Tehama Lassen NF boundary to gauging station above power line in Sec. 6, T.25 N., R.1 W.
0
1982/ 1993
W
S, W, H, C, O Spectacular gorges with caves in walls, small waterfalls and pools. Nesting area for several species of raptors. Village, camps, petroglyphs, and caves related to Yahi Indian tribe.  
Mokelumme River, North Fork Amador, Calavaras, Alpine Salt Springs Reservoir to source.
27
1982
  S, F, W High alpine setting with volcanic peaks and formations along major ridges in source area; glaciated granite river canyon of outstanding beauty with sheer canyon walls, bluffs and rocky prominence in lower reaches; lower 18 miles within Mokelumne Wilderness Area; premium trout fishery; excellent wilderness recreation opportunities in lower reaches.  
Mokelumne River, North Fork Amador, Calaveras Salt Springs Reservoir downstream to Bruce Crossing
10
1993
R
H, C Well over 100 prehistoric sites in Mokelumne Canyon, ranging from simple food processing stations, to complex village sites. Rock slides and petroglyphs.  
Mokelumne River, North Fork Amador, Calaveras, Alpine Wilderness Boundary to Salt Springs
18
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, G, F    
Mokelumne River, North Fork Amador, Calaveras, Alpine Highland Lake to Wilderness boundary
9
1982/ 1993
R
S, R    
Mokelumne River, North Fork Amador, Calaveras Bruce Crossing to Forest boundary at Sec. 19, T.7 N., R.14 E., M.D.M.
7
1993
W
H, C See initial comments