Rafting on the Middle Fork of the American River

A truly memorable and classic Northern California run... this class 3/4 river has some rapids and chutes (the famed Tunnel Chute) that will having you clinging to your paddles, and grinning from ear to ear! What an awesome run. Because this is a dam controlled river, there is always water flowing enough for rafters to have fun. Even though this is a class 4 run, many beginners have started on this river, and become hooked! When you're in the rapids, your heart is pumping and your adrenaline is kicking in as your boat bursts through the frothy waters. And when you're not in the rapids, you will be awed and relaxed by the incredible scenery. It is recommended that you have previous Class 3 paddling experience however adventuresome, fit first timers are welcome.

 

THE RIVER:

The Middle Fork of the American is a collection of the pristine waters flowing from the Granite Chief and Desolation Wilderness areas. Long considered a Sierra classic, the Middle Fork flows through miles of densely forested wilderness canyonlands of the Tahoe National Forest. During the Gold Rush the Middle Fork was one of the most popular areas in all of California. Miners flocked here by the tens of thousands from all over the world, seeking their fortunes in gold. In 1889 the miners actually constructed a tunnel through the hillside and diverted the entire river. The resulting dry river bed was reported to be one of the "richest diggins" ever. The resulting tunnel provides us with one of the most unique adventures in rafting. This run gets its popularity from its consistent water releases and the ever present challenge of the famous Tunnel Chute. Despite these man-made entities this run is defiantly a wilderness experience. Isolated from civilization, the river carves its way through steep canyon ridges with notorious eye-opening and adrenaline-pumping rapids like Last Chance, Sidewinder, Cathedral, Kanaka Falls, Chunder, and Ruck-A-Chucky Falls. Several creeks offer the chance of a side hike, swimming holes, your own piece of paradise, and the chance to see an abundance of wildlife such as eagles, bear, bobcat, otter, and giant native trout.

 

THE TRIP:

We will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Auburn, gear up at the meeting area and load into the shuttle vehicle for a 45 minute ride to the put-in. After the river safety talk we will shove off directly into Alarm Clock rapids. At the bottom of this rapid we are joined by the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River. We will continue through several more Class III & IV rapids as we close in on Tunnel Chute, an 18 foot drop in a narrow 80 foot chute of granite. The force of this rapid pushes us into an underground tunnel to emerge into daylight 150 feet downstream. Leaving this unforgettable experience we will enjoy more Class III & IV rapids before pulling over on a sandy beach for our gourmet lunch. The river's mood changes here, our helmets are off, and our thoughts are no longer concentrated on rapids. We are now challenged with all the beauty and seclusion the river canyon offers. After a few miles of calmer waters, we approach, with increasing intensity, Ruck-A-Chucky Falls. We run Chunder Rapid and pull over above a true Class VI cataract. Here we begin a 30 minute portage around this spectacular 30 foot waterfall. Once back in the boats we are faced with more of the river's most challenging Class III & IV rapids. All too soon the excitement ends and we find ourselves at the take-out. Time permits a brief reflection of our experiences before we head out of the canyon on a rugged dirt road. We arrive back at our cars in the late afternoon.

 

Although this day requires no previous rafting experience, your comfort level may increase if you know how to swim, and are not afraid of the water. You will be doing a lot of paddling, and may take a swim if you get tossed from the boat. You will be wearing helmets in the rapids, and life preservers for added safety, and given instruction on what to do in case you do find your self taking an unexpected swim. Our guides are professional river rafting guides, and have been guiding groups through these rapids for many years.