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California Rivers

Mill Creek

HOW TO GET THERE | VISITOR INFORMATION

Melting snow and thermal springs from California's last active volcano - Mount Lassen - feed Mill Creek on its 49 mile journey through the northern Sierra Nevada to the Sacramento Valley.

In reality a small river, Mill Creek is probably best known as one of the last streams in the northern Sierra that still supports threatened spring run chinook salmon and winter steelhead. Most other Sierra rivers have been blocked by dams, but Mill Creek, and a handful of other Sacramento River tributaries (Battle Creek, Antelope Creek, Deer Creek, Big Chico Creek, and Butte Creek) still provides habitat for these migrating fish.

In fact, Mill Creek provides some of the best aquatic habitat in the entire mountain range. A congressionally mandated ecosystem study in 1996 found Mill Creek to possess the highest level of biotic integrity out of the 100 major watersheds in the Sierra Nevada, primarily due to its lack of dams, extensive roadless areas, and presence of native species such as spring run chinook salmon. The Mill Creek canyon also supports some of the most extensive stands of ancient forest in the northern Sierra. These forests provide critical habitat for the California spotted owl, wolverine, pine martin, and Pacific fisher.

But Mill Creek is also a wonderful place for people too. An extensive trail system provides access to the headwaters of the creek and many thermal features in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Further downstream in the Lassen National Forest, the Spencer Meadow National Recreation Trail offers spectacular views of the Mill Creek canyon and Mt. Lassen, as the trail winds its way along a ridge heavily cloaked in old growth forest. Further downstream, an 18 mile trail follows Mill Creek through ancient forests of mixed conifers, oak woodlands, and finally the oak and grasslands that dominates the Ishi Wilderness. The canyon's spectacular lava rock formations and diverse vegetation offers incredible scenic vistas for the hiker, backpacker, equestrian, and angler. Three campgrounds and two picnic areas also provide recreational access to the creek, and ready trailheads to the backcountry.

Mill Creek was a favored route of the Yahi Indians, who migrated seasonally up and down the canyon, following the salmon and deer, and harvesting acorns. The Yahi were virtually wiped out by European settlers in the mid to late 1800's, but their culture is remembered through their last surviving member - Ishi - who was immortalized in Theodora Kroeber's book, Ishi: In Two Worlds. The Ishi Wilderness was named in his memory in 1984.

In recognition of Mill Creek's outstanding recreation, scenic, fish, wildlife, and historical/cultural values, the Forest Service recommends that 32 miles of Mill Creek be added to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The agency also recommends designation of two new Wilderness areas in the watershed, Mill Creek and Wild Cattle Mountain.

How To Get There
From Interstate 5 in the town of Red Bluff, proceed 46 miles east on Hwy 36 to its intersection with Hwy 89. Turn left on Hwy 89 to access trailheads in Lassen Park. Continue on Hwy 89/36 to reach the Spencer Meadow National Recreation Trailhead at Childs Meadows. Or turn right on Hwy 172 to reach Hole In The Ground Campround and the upper Mill Creek trailhead.

Recreation And Visitor Information
For maps and additional recreation information, contact the Forest Services Almanor Ranger Station at P.O. Box 767, Chester CA 96020, phone: (530) 258-2141.