Middle Fork American River
Auburn /
Level: Intermediate /
Class 2-4+
- Minimum Age: 13-14
- Trip Length: 17-25 miles, 1-3 days
- Season: May-September
- Elevation: 1100 Ft
- Trip Pricing: Starting at $149
Rafting trips on the Middle Fork American River are reliable all summer long! The Class 4 whitewater run is 18 miles long and offered as a 1 day or 2 day trip. The 2 day Middle Fork American overnight wilderness camp outs are some of our guide favorites.
Our 2 day South Fork American & Middle Fork American River combo trip is another popular vacation package. Spend 2 days on the American River, Class 2-3 South Fork on day 1 and Class 4 Middle Fork on day 2. Camping is at our established camp in Lotus, CA with glamping options & tent camping. Groups welcome!
These runs are suitable for the active, fit and adventurous first time rafters, or a great choice for those seeking a step-up from the easier trips like the South Fork American River. Good swimming skills are required.
On the Middle Fork American River you will splash thru numerous Class 4 rapids including Tunnel Chute, Kanaka, Bus Crash, Cleavage and more! This trip is action packed right after put in.
Our 1 day trip is all day and includes lunch. We meet you in Auburn at the Crooked Lane Brewing Company in the morning and will take you to/from the river.
The 2 day overnight on this river is a favorite of our river guides during the summer. They appreciate escaping into this secluded and pristine road-less area. This trip allows us to show you the more unique canyons, streams and waterfalls as we explore in the rafts and on foot.
Middle Fork American River rafting trips are fed all summer long by snow melt captured in upstream reservoirs. The headwaters are in the Granite Chief Wilderness on the back side of the Squaw Valley. The river travels through steep, rugged and forested canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation Area.
The Auburn Dam project threatened the Middle Fork American River canyon for many years. This prevented it from receiving its deserved wild & scenic status. Though the growth of our foothill communities is unavoidable, there is obviously a demand for these recreational areas to remain unspoiled for future generations. We continue to work with organizations like Friends of the River and Protect American River Canyons so we can all continue to enjoy its beauty.
The Middle Fork is one of the deepest river canyons in California. Once scheduled to be under hundreds of feet of water as part of the Auburn Dam project, folks just like you discovered it’s treasures and forced the powers-that-be both here in California and back in D.C. to recognize it’s true worth as an important part of our environmental, social, economic and spiritual health. Check out this gem – it’s perhaps the most bang for your buck (in so many ways) that you can get anywhere in our fair state!
For non-swimmers and timid first timers we recommend easier Class 2 Lower Middle Fork American River (for ages 4+) or 3 rafting trips on the South Fork American River (ages 7+).
The following is for our Class 4 Middle Fork American and North Fork American River rafting trips.
We launch trips on many different rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. For questions give our main office a call – we would love to talk with you about our trips and rivers.
Our vision is to create a sustainable and equitable reality where our rivers are enjoyed and protected, a place where families and friends can be inspired and challenged.
Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running rivers since we were first founded in 1978. Since we opened 40+ years ago we have expanded to include Adventure Connection, Mariah Wilderness Expeditions, High Desert River Outfitters, Canyon Outfitters and are the parent company of Raft California and Raft Oregon. While some things have changed over the years, Tributary remains a family-run small business with the same passion for the river and the mission of leading others to experience it.
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