Matilija Creek

Matilija Creek
Arroyo Matilija
Matilija Creek in the Matilija Wilderness
Location
CountryUnited States of America
StateCalifornia
Physical characteristics
Source 
  locationSanta Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara County
  coordinates34°35′45″N 119°27′31″W / 34.59583°N 119.45861°W / 34.59583; -119.45861
  elevation5,200 ft (1,600 m)
MouthVentura River
  location
Ventura County
  coordinates
34°29′06″N 119°18′01″W / 34.48500°N 119.30028°W / 34.48500; -119.30028
  elevation
915 ft (279 m)
Length18 mi (29 km)
Basin size54.6 sq mi (141 km2)
Discharge 
  locationnear Matilija Hot Springs
  average43.3 cu ft/s (1.23 m3/s)
  minimum0.03 cu ft/s (0.00085 m3/s)
  maximum8,780 cu ft/s (249 m3/s)
Basin features
Tributaries 
  leftMiddle Fork Matilija Creek, Upper North Fork Matilija Creek, North Fork Matilija Creek
  rightOld Man Canyon, Murietta Canyon

Matilija Creek (/məˈtɪlɪhɑː/ mə-TIL-i-hah) is a major stream in Ventura County in the U.S. state of California. It joins with North Fork Matilija Creek to form the Ventura River. Many tributaries feed the mostly free flowing, 17.3-mile (27.8 km) creek, which is largely contained in the Matilija Wilderness. Matilija was one of the Chumash rancherias under the jurisdiction of Mission San Buenaventura. The meaning of the Chumash name is unknown.