Can you swim here today?
Bear Creek Falls
California · Waterfall
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of August 23, 2026, USGS gauge 11376550, 14 miles away, reports a streamflow of 220 ft³/s near Bear Creek Falls but no water-temperature reading.
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 11376550, as of Aug 23, 10:30 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 235 ft³/s over 64 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 23, 10:30 AM gauge-local time
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 23 (median 235 ft³/s over 64 years).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge BATTLE C BL COLEMAN FISH HATCHERY NR COTTONWOOD CA (14 mi away), as of Aug 23, 10:30 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.