South Fork Big Butte Creek

General data

Name: South Fork Big Butte Creek
Water system: Rogue River (Oregon)
Water type: River
Progression: Big Butte Creek -> Rogue River (Oregon) -> Pacific Ocean -> Planet Earth
Climates: Temperate
Continents: North America
Countries: United States of America

South Fork Big Butte Creek rises high in Oregon’s Cascade Range near Mount McLoughlin and flows through the forested landscapes of Jackson County before joining the North Fork near Butte Falls. Draining roughly 138 square miles, this cold, clear freestone stream is typical of Cascade mountain creeks and provides important habitat for both resident and migratory fish species.

The creek forms at the meeting of Twincheria Creek and Rancheria Creek, initially flowing southwest before turning westward through rugged terrain. Along its course it is joined by tributaries such as Fourbit Creek and Willow Creek, the latter connected to the well-known Big Butte Springs system that helps stabilize flows throughout the year.

South Fork Big Butte Creek descends from the higher elevations of the Cascades to about 2,244 feet at its confluence with the North Fork, eventually becoming part of the larger Rogue River drainage. Near Butte Falls, average discharge is around 151 cubic feet per second, although seasonal conditions can produce dramatic fluctuations, from powerful winter floods exceeding 12,000 cubic feet per second to late-summer lows near 31 cubic feet per second.

South Fork Big Butte Creek

General data

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