Mill Creek Canyon
Map SatelliteThe long and straight Mill Creek Canyon was formed by the Mill Creek Fault, by differential movements along the fault and by intense erosion in the fault zone. It is of particular interest in that the rapid erosion of the canyon has left the valleys of Vivian, Falls and High Creeks some 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the canyon floor. These hanging valleys have created spectacular waterfalls, the foremost being Big Falls on Falls Creek, which drops more than 240 meters (800 feet).
The dominant vegetation is a mixed conifer forest, with riparian vegetation along portions of the creek. Two rare plants occur in the area, Castilleja ewanii [Ed. note: This species is not described or referred to in The Jepson Manual] and Castilleja lasiorhyncha.
Granitic intrusions and Pre-Cambrian metamorphic rocks are the dominant rock types in the area. These two rock types are found on opposite sides of the canyon, thus giving visual evidence of movement along the fault.
Integrity: There is a recreational community in the canyon which receives heavy use. The canyon is traversed by a road; however, portions are still relatively undisturbed and the geological features may be observed.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Some private.
December 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman