Middle Fork American River Rafting
The Middle Fork American River is one of the most reliable Class 4, all summer California whitewater rafting trips. It is a suitable raft trip for the active, fit and adventurous first-timer or a great choice for those seeking a step-up from the South Fork American River. Set in a beautiful wilderness canyon in the beautiful Gold Country foothills. Though you can take a 1 day 17 mile trip, the 2-3 day Middle Fork American River rafting trips are some of our guides favorite summer rafting trips. They appreciate escaping into this pristine road-less area.
Middle Fork American River rafting trips are in full swing with consistent water levels (dam controlled) and we are looking forward to a great season through September. You can also consider the easier Class 3 South Fork American River. Check out rafting hot deals for all our special discounts and book soon for any weekends!!
This Class 4 rafting adventure on the Middle Fork American River is close to civilization, and yet it is possible to feel that you are the only people on the river. From its headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness, the Middle Fork American River flows through steep, rugged and forested canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation area. It is eligible for Federal Wild & Scenic status.
The infamous "Tunnel Chute" rapid is one of the 
first big rapids encountered, but clients have the option of walking around this fierce looking cataract. There are numerous Class 3-4 rapids in the first 6 miles, such as Last Chance, Submarine Hole and Kanaka. For the next 7 miles, the pace is mellower, allowing time to appreciate the solitude and beauty of the lush, forested canyon. You may get a glimpse of some wild-life (including bears) and spot trout swimming in the incredibly clean & clear Sierra mountain water (originating from the snow pack on the back side of Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows). We stop for lunch and possible side-hikes and plenty of excitement lies ahead.
The Ruck-a-Chucky rapids start just below the entrance of Canyon Creek (a possible lunch spot). A 20' drop through a sieve of huge boulders makes the middle of these 3 rapids a mandatory portage, but the Class 4 drops of Upper & Lower Ruck-a-Chucky can usually be rafted. Following this, is a 2 mile gorge laced with Class 3-4 rapids such as Parallel Parking and Catapult.
Photographs of your rafting trip on the Middle Fork American River are taken by professional photographers at major rapids, and are available to view online and order within a few day of the trip. See White Water Rafting Photos for more information.
The Middle Fork American River - pre-trip:
All trips on the Middle Fork American River begin with an early rendezvous in Auburn, usually at 8 or 8:30 am. Make sure you get a good breakfast before meeting us. If you are lucky enough to be scheduled for a 2 or 3 day Middle Fork American River wilderness camp-out, you will transfer your overnight gear into waterproof bags. Usually, your vehicle is left at the meeting location and we transport you through Foresthill to the put-in location just below Oxbow Reservoir. The guides will ensure that you are correctly equipped with life jackets and helmets and a safety talk will be given. You will be told about what you may expect to happen on the river and also any necessary environmental protection procedures.
Middle Fork American River Rafting - 1 day trip:
Its a long but satisfying day. Our rafting finishes after 17 miles, at the old Greenwood Bridge site. The bridge was demolished in the 1954 floods by a 50' wall of water that surged down the canyon after the old Hell Hole Reservoir failed. Cold beverages are available at the take-out and you should be on the road home by 5:00 pm.
Middle Fork American River Rafting - 2 day trip:
You get the chance to enjoy the beauty of this river canyon in a more leisurely way. Many outfitters' only offer the Middle Fork American in combination with the South American, due to the logistics of offering a wilderness camp-out. The only option on the Middle Fork American River is to take all the gear down the river by raft and set-up camp, so facilities are very basic. On the plus side, we have the choice of some incredible and truly get-away-from-it-all camps spots, and great side-hikes. You are likely to be the only group in the area, and our favorite spots afford the luxury of smooth, sculptured plunge pools and cascading waterfalls. On these multi-day trips, there is time to swim, play, hike, fish (need a license!) or simply relax in seclusion. On the 2 day trip, you should be back in Auburn around 4:30 pm. During the spring, you can also combine any one of these trips with another exciting day on the North Fork American River.
Middle Fork American River Rafting - 3 day trip:
On the 3 day trip, you will spend a 2nd night 
in the American River canyon and may have the option of using inflatable kayaks on the 3rd day. This is a pretty unique offering and one of the few companies that offers 3-day trips on the Middle Fork American River and the option of running the little traveled section of river downstream from the Greenwood Bridge take-out. Though only Class 2 rapids are found in the 7 miles to Mammoth Bar, there is a wonderful hike up the American Canyon to some incredible waterfalls and cool and shady pools. You have to know the river to find the spot and this hidden treasure is particularly welcome in the hot summer months. We usually share this part of the river with just a few kayaks and the resident wildlife. Very occasionally we may run an additional 2 miles from Mammoth Bar to the confluence of the North Fork American. This is only suitable for very adventurous & experienced paddlers who are capable of tackling the Class 5 Murderers Bar rapid.
Meals on the Middle Fork American River:
Though they cannot be officially claimed as gourmet, our meals always consist of plentiful, fresh and wholesome ingredients. Clients often comment on the great spread that the guides rustle up on the banks of the river, even though on these trips, they pack & carry the food on the river.
On our 1 day rafting trips we serve lunch only, but on 2 trips you are served dinner in the evening, breakfast on the 2nd morning and lunch again on the 2nd day. A 3 day trips includes all meals from lunch on first day to lunch on the last day.
Middle Fork American River - Summary/Location:
Class: 3 - 4
Length: 17, 23 or 25 mile trips in 1-3 days, May-Sept.
Elevation: 1100 ft
Location: Meeting in Auburn, California. Off I-80, between Sacramento and Truckee
Please click on map on left for a detailed map and directions to the Middle Fork American River area.
The Auburn Dam project has been threatening the Middle Fork American River canyon for more than 20 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 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.
Distances/Times for travel to Middle Fork American River rafting:
21 mins NE of Roseville (17 miles) 30 mins NE of Folsom (23 miles) 46 mins NW of Placerville (28 miles) ¾ hr E. of Sacramento (36 miles) 50 mins E. of Davis (48 miles) 1 hr SW of Truckee (68 miles) 1 hr 24 mins N. of Stockton (84 miles) 1 hr 24 mins SW of N. Lake Tahoe (81 miles) 1 hr 40 mins SW of Reno (99 miles) 1 hr 52 mins N. of Modesto (105 miles) 2 hrs W of South Lake Tahoe (87 miles) 2 hrs SE of Chico (96 miles) 2 ¼ hrs NE of San Francisco (120 miles) 2 ½ hrs NE of San Jose (149 miles) 3 ¼ hrs SE of Redding (159 miles) |
PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME ON BUSY HOLIDAY WEEKENDS
Other California Rafting trips to Consider:
- Rafting trips for adventurous first time or intermediate rafters
- North Fork Yuba River (spring & early summer)
- North Fork American River (spring and early summer, 1/2 day and 1 day options)
- South Fork American/Middle Fork American River Combo (2-5 days)
- Middle Fork American/North Fork American River Combo (2-4 days)
