Volcanic springs, aquatic plant nirvana. Hat Creek, CA, USA

[Plantbrain]

Why say much?










There are a few places like this in CA, unlike TX, and FL, SEA and other regions where truly lush aquatic plants exist(Pupu springs in NZ is an exception), this is volcanic based geology for the source, not Krast(limestone).

The lush growth, really wide diversity, density of plants, clarity of the water, rich CO2 content, intense fast flow........

Really something to behold.

The water is about 38F or slightly less, bone chilling. I can handle cold water, this was near shock level since it's flowing really fast. Monkey flower growing permanently submersed, Crow's foot, several species of moss and about 4-5 species of other plants I've got no clue as to what they are.

Blew me away, just right by the road.
Faster than heck water, something you'd love to fish for trout in maybe.

Similar to the headwaters of Burney Mc Arthur Falls but even nicer and more accessible.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[dkk08]

Truly breath taking Mr Barr! Any fauna there?

[Aquanoob]

Amazing! I wonder how they survive the winter period?

[Plantbrain]

Trout, it's a well known trout fishing hot spot, plenty of species, it's stocked

Regards
Tom Barr

[ranmasatome]

Trout Fishing and water plants...!! omg.. what could be better!!

[Plantbrain]

Amazing! I wonder how they survive the winter period?

The water is the same temp and flow all year long, it never changes.
Like most springs..........they can stay the same for hundreds or more years.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[Plantbrain]

Trout Fishing and water plants...!! omg.. what could be better!!

Dried hot Elk jerky?
Beer?

I've never seen water flowing this fast and aquatic plants.
One of the coldest springs I've ever found/seen.

We also have one of the rarest native species, farther south the Infamous golden trout, the State fish of CA.

Here's another spring fed volcanic system with a nice 40 meter water fall, temps are 42-48F, not as bad:



and just upstream is this:






Regards,
Tom Barr


Regards,
Tom Barr

[barmby]

This is really pleasant. Thank you for sharing.

[madans]

Aquatic Plant Reef ! Wow !