Piru Creek, California
Managing Agency:
U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest
U.S. Forest Service, Los Padres National Forest
Designated Reach:
March 30, 2009. From 0.5 miles downstream of Pyramid Dam at the first bridge crossing to the boundary between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Classification/Mileage:
Wild — 4.3 miles; Recreational — 3.0 miles; Total — 7.3 miles.
Photo Credit: Tim Palmer
Piru Creek
Piru Creek is one of two streams on the Angeles National Forest being managed for wild trout by the California Department of Fish and Game. Riparian areas provide habitat for several riparian-dependent species, including the federally listed southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell's vireo and California condor. The demand for low-elevation recreation along riparian areas can be observed at the Frenchman's Flat day use area, which is also where Piru Creek starts.
The lower segment of Piru Creek starts one-half mile below Pyramid Lake Dam and continues downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. Along this 7.3-mile stretch of the river, geological values were determined to be outstandingly remarkable, including scenic tilted layers of sedimentary rocks as well as faults and rock formations with features crucial to the understanding of geological formation of the West Coast of North America.
