Big Creek originates in the high Sierra Nevada at approximately 9,000 feet elevation near Crater Creek Diversion and flows westward through Madera and Mariposa counties before joining the South Fork Merced River. This tributary system descends dramatically through granitic terrain, dropping over 8,000 feet in its relatively short course. The creek flows through mixed conifer forests at higher elevations, transitioning to oak woodlands and chaparral as it descends toward the confluence.

The creek offers a single documented whitewater section rated Class IV-V+ covering approximately 1 mile from Chowchilla Mountain Road to the South Fork Merced River. This is an expert-only run requiring advanced technical skills and appropriate water levels. The steep gradient and challenging nature of this section make it suitable only for highly experienced paddlers with Class V capabilities. The creek's flow is influenced by seasonal snowmelt, with peak runoff typically occurring from April through June.

Access to Big Creek is limited, with the primary put-in near Chowchilla Mountain Road in the remote backcountry between the communities of Fish Camp and Wawona. The nearest developed areas include Fish Camp to the south and the Yosemite Valley region to the north, though both require significant travel on forest roads to reach paddling access points. The creek flows through Sierra National Forest lands before entering the South Fork Merced drainage.

The surrounding ecosystem supports a diverse array of Sierra Nevada species. Rainbow trout inhabit the creek's cooler reaches, while the riparian corridor provides habitat for black bears, mule deer, and various bird species including Cooper's hawks and great gray owls. The watershed features typical Sierra vegetation including ponderosa pine, incense cedar, white fir, and black oak at mid-elevations.

Big Creek is part of the larger Big Creek Hydroelectric System, one of California's most significant early 20th-century engineering projects. While the main hydroelectric facilities are located on a different Big Creek system to the north, this tributary shares the name and flows through terrain shaped by similar geological forces—primarily granitic bedrock carved by ancient glaciation.

Safety considerations include remote location, limited cell service, difficult road access, and the technical nature of the whitewater. Paddlers should be self-sufficient with wilderness rescue capabilities. The Sierra National Forest manages the surrounding lands, and standard forest regulations apply. No multi-day paddling trips are documented on this short, steep creek section, though the surrounding area offers extensive backcountry camping opportunities for those combining paddling with wilderness exploration.