Middle Fork American
"We had the time of our lives on the Middle Fork of the American River... It was the best vacation I've ever taken" T. Q., Atlanta, GA.
For the Adventuresome First-Time Rafter & Experienced Rafters ready for the Next Challenge...
Central California, One hour east of Sacramento near Auburn
Difficulty: Class II-V, Intermediate/some advanced
Available most days, Late May through Mid-September
Minimum Age: 14 years old
This river is a great choice for those individuals and groups who wish to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip and enjoy the challenge of many exciting whitewater rapids. An adventuresome first-time rafter in good physical condition, as well as the more experienced intermediate rafter will love the Middle Fork. Isolated from civilization in the Auburn State Recreation Area, this dam controlled river offers spectacular scenery, crystal clear water, great rapids, excellent fishing, and the possibility of a side hike up a picturesque creek to a waterfall.
The rapids on this river range from Class II to Class V. Overall we rate this river an an adventuresome Class III/IV experience with one Class V rapid - the famous Tunnel Chute. Here the river drops through a narrow, churning whitewater chute leading down to a flat water tunnel through a narrow ridge blasted by miners in the 1850s. The result is an exciting, roller coaster ride, adrenaline rush rapid. We stop to scout this rapid first; walking around the Tunnel Chute is always an option.
The thrill of the Tunnel Chute sets up the rest of our Middle Fork trip to be fully savored and enjoyed. Class II, III, and IV rapids follow, as well as a portage around a waterfall/boulder garden. There are also several long, lazy calm stretches where paddling is necessary as the current slows, and we enjoy the serenity and beauty of a remote river canyon.
The Middle Fork is a legendary California Gold Rush river. In the 1850's mining towns sprang up along its banks, and miners diverted the river at mile 2.5, Horseshoe Bend, creating the Tunnel Chute in order to glean riches from the exposed dry stream bed. More gold has probably been found in the Middle Fork canyon than in any other California river. Today you might even see a few hardy miners still panning for gold alongside the riverbanks as we float by.
Two-Day Trips
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
18 miles; 2 days rafting, 1 night camping, 4 meals
"I loved the serenity of the canyon, and our overnight campsite. The Tunnel Chute was super!" A.B., July 30.
The two-day Middle Fork trip is a delightful combination of exciting intermediate level whitewater rafting and time to relax and truly enjoy this remote and beautiful river canyon environment. We either meet you the night before your trip at our South Fork camp in Coloma or, alternately, you can hook up with us in the town of Auburn for the 60 minute drive to our put-in where yhour boats and guides will be waiting for you.
One-Day Trips
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
18 miles, with lunch
"This day was awesome! I can't wait to do it again!" K.S., July 30.
This 18 mile trip is a Middle Fork extravaganza for those of you wanting a lot of excitement in one, very full day. We meet you in the town of Auburn after breakfast (on your own) and head for put-in. We'll be on the river early, running the Tunnel Chute and lots of other exciting rapids as well as floating and paddling the calmer stretches of the river. We stop for a picnic lunch along the way and at take-out in the late afternoon, you can look forward to cold drinks at the end of a long and very exciting day.
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
South/Middle Fork Two-Day Combo
Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 days rafting, 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
"An exceptional rafting experience! The trip, staff, and meals were superb. I would recommend this trip to those of all ages and ability levels." K.T. SF/MF Combo, August 6-7.
This combo gives you the opportunity to get in a lot of river miles while experiencing both beginner and intermediate level rapids. Meet us at our South Fork American campsite the night prior to your trip where you will camp both nights. We raft both the South Fork and the Middle Fork of the American, enjoying lots of rapids on this two-day extavaganza!
North Fork/Middle Fork Two-Day Combo
» Trip Details/Itineraries [PDF]
Difficulty: Class IV-V, May-Early June (depending on water levels)
Trip: 2 DAYS, Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 days rafting, 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
A new offering since 2004. Here is the chance to get an intermediate and advanced river in this rocking combo! Available only in May, and possibly early June, depending on water levels.
This combo gives you the opportunity to get in a lot of river miles while experiencing great intermediate and advanced level rapids. Meet us at our South Fork American campsite the night prior to your trip where you will camp both nights. We raft both the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American, enjoying the area's most challenging rapids on this two-day extravaganza!
