Stony Creek (Sacramento River tributary)

Stony Creek is a major tributary of the Sacramento River, located in Northern California. It originates in the Mendocino National Forest, flowing eastward through Glenn and Tehama counties before converging with the Sacramento River near the town of Hamilton City.

The creek's watershed encompasses a diverse landscape, ranging from mountainous, forested areas in its upper reaches to agricultural lands in the valley floor. Stony Creek is an important source of irrigation water for agriculture in the Sacramento Valley, supporting the production of crops like rice, almonds, and walnuts.

Stony Creek is also known for its recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and hiking. The creek supports populations of various fish species, including salmon and steelhead, though their numbers have been impacted by water diversions and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts are ongoing to restore fish populations and improve water quality in Stony Creek. The creek's flows are highly variable, with significant seasonal fluctuations influenced by rainfall and snowmelt in the Mendocino Mountains.