Little Cow Creek is a tributary of the Sacramento River system in Northern California's Shasta County. This modest waterway originates in the foothills of the Cascade Range and flows generally southwest before joining Cow Creek, which then empties into the Sacramento River near the town of Millville. While Little Cow Creek offers limited paddling opportunities for most of the year due to low water levels, it comes alive for experienced whitewater enthusiasts during the winter months when rainfall and snowmelt swell its waters.

The creek's most notable paddling section, known as the Winter Run or Winter High Flow Section, begins at the confluence with Cedar Creek and continues downstream on Little Cow Creek proper. This stretch features challenging Class IV-V rapids through a rugged, forested canyon. The difficulty and technical nature of Little Cow Creek during its paddling season make it suitable only for expert kayakers with solid whitewater skills, rescue training, and intimate knowledge of the area. Scouting is essential, as wood hazards and changeable conditions are common in this dynamic creek environment.

Access points are limited and often informal. The put-in for the Winter Run is near Cedar Creek, while various take-outs exist downstream. The towns of Whitmore and Millville are the nearest communities of note.

Little Cow Creek's watershed supports a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests typical of the region, including ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and various oak species. Wildlife in the area includes black-tailed deer, black bears, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species.

Paddlers attempting Little Cow Creek should be aware that water levels can fluctuate rapidly, especially during storm events. It's crucial to check current conditions, weather forecasts, and consult with local paddling groups or outfitters before attempting a run. As with many remote creeks in Northern California, cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent, so proper safety equipment and communication devices are essential. While Little Cow Creek may not be a marquee paddling destination, it represents the kind of ephemeral, challenging creek run that draws skilled paddlers to Northern California each winter in search of rarely-run waterways and unique whitewater experiences.