The river flows southwest from the Canadian Rockies to the mouth, which lies immediately south of Fort Steele.
[2] In late 1863, a group led by Joe Findlay were gold panning at the river mouth.
Observing either a black wild stallion or a cayuse on the hillside, which possibly showed interest in one of their mares, they called the stream Stud Horse Creek.
Worked by both European and Chinese miners, the river has been a significant BC gold producing stream.
[7] Accessible by a hiking trail, the major sources at the upper level are warm and cold springs.