Guiding American River whitewater rafting trips

for 30+ years!

Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting

The Lower Middle Fork American River is a beautiful, almost wilderness rafting trip located in the Gold Country near Auburn. It is a great choice for the younger or more timid child, and kids as young as 4 years can safely raft. It is also a great trip for the grand parents or less able bodied. Inflatable kayaks can be shared for some added rafting adventure for older youths and adults, so the trip can accommodate a diverse group quite happily.

The Lower Middle Fork American rafting trip is more relaxed, mellower, and much less traveled than the nearby South Fork American river It is close to civilization, yet it is possible to feel that you are really getting away from it all. This river is a gem, though few outfitters offer this raft trip and group sizes are usually small. The river flows through the steep, rugged and forested canyons of the Auburn State Recreation Area. There are safe beach areas for picnicking and play, together side hikes up creeks into shady dells with waterfalls. Very few people are seen on this raft trip, but we often see nesting ducks, deer, heron and fish jumping. Late in the season, we also stop to pick the most incredible juicy black berries.

Schedule for Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting trips:

As water releases are minimal over night, increased in the morning and the water takes several hours to reach our put-in location, we can only offer this raft trip as an afternoon ½ day. We usually meet after lunch around 1:30 pm in Auburn, and transport the group from here to the river, which requires driving down a spectacular, winding and steep dirt road into the river canyon. We suggest you bring a snack for the kids to have as we like to stop on the river, and there is an optional side hike to a waterfall and plunge pool. We will usually not be back in Auburn until approx. 6:30 pm if we take advantage of all the canyon offers, but we do provide refreshments at take-out.

For longer trips, check out our rafting with children page for additional options or you can combine this trip with the South Fork American River (Lotus Run) with a night of camping. There are very few trips suitable for 4-6 year olds, and this is great trip to start them on, particularly if you are not sure if they will be comfortable on a multi day adventure.

The Auburn Dam project has been threatening this Middle Fork American River canyon for many years; otherwise it would have rightfully received its wild & scenic status. Though the growth of our foothill communities is un-avoidable, there is obviously a demand for these recreational areas to remain unspoiled for us and our future generations. We can provide further information and we encourage you to become members of Friends of the River or Protect American River Canyons so we all may continue to enjoy its beauty.

Class: 2
Length: 7 miles, ½ day, May-October
Elevation: 900 ft
Location: Meeting in Auburn, California. Off I-80, between Sacramento and Truckee

Lower Middle Fork American River Rafting , Distances/Times for travel:

American River Whitewater Rafting - The Lower Middle Fork American River

Lower Middle Fork American Rafting Area Information

Lower Middle Fork American Rafting Map & Directions

Printer Friendly Version of this Page