Guadalupe River thru Downtown San Jose

In the early 1980s, everyone was surprised when salmon were discovered spawning in the Guadalupe River. Under the administration of mayor Susan Hammer, the Guadalupe became more like a creek and less like a concrete channel. Open space lining the creekbed makes this a more pleasant run than one might expect in such an urban setting.

The highest normal put-in is Blossom Hill Road or maybe Santa Theresa Road. Above that point are percolation ponds at the confluence of Alamitos Creek. Perhaps a better put-in is near Branham Road, just above the Ross Creek confluence. Recently the city built a salmon ladder with 3 steps where the creek goes under Capitol Expressway, which is fun to run. In early 1999 there were 2 strainers between there and downtown. Big concrete drops are gradually being replaced by salmon ladders. There are some good rapids in the section before the San Jose Arena. Near downtown, the Guadalupe is often lined with city parks. Past the airport, the channel becomes wilder but noisier. The normal take-out is at Montague Expressway, because after that there is nothing but flatwater to Alviso.

Other Runs Near San Jose

Below Alum Rock Park, Penitencia Creek has some nice drops and makes an interesting run after recent rains.

Below Anderson Reservoir, Coyote Creek is extremely brushy and not recommended for boating, especially when the reservoir is spilling.

Los Gatos Creek from Lexington Reservoir to the Guadalupe has been called “a good run” although it starts in a concrete channel.

The streams flowing from the slopes of Loma Prieta peak into Uvas and Chesbro Reservoirs are reportedly runnable class II.

From Loc Lomond to the San Lorenzo river at Ben Lomond, there is a creek with class II rapids, runnable when the reservoir spills.

Stevens Creek below Stevens Creek Reservoir is class I moving water, with the advantage of sometimes running in autumn as the reservoir drains. Further down it becomes steeper and more difficult, with occasional concrete-lined waterfalls and slaloms.

San Francisquito Creek from Stanford campus thru Palo Alto to the bay is usually runnable after even minor rainstorms. There is a good put-in just downstream of I-280 along Alpine Rd. This section contains several concrete-lined waterfalls, one logjam (2002), and a concrete-wall culvert amid Stanford golf course. Rapids get easier after Foothill/Junipero Serra, where there is a flow gauge reporting to the USGS site. One waterfall, named Basketball Falls, lurks below the railroad tracks. There is a good take-out just before the bridge at University Ave.

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