The Middle Fork American 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.
Your trip is set in a beautiful wilderness canyon that is eligible for Federal Wild & Scenic status. From its headwaters in the Granite Chief Wilderness, it flows through steep, rugged and forested canyons within the Tahoe National Forest and into the Auburn State Recreation Area.
This is one of your guides' favorite California white water rafting runs, as they appreciate escaping into this pristine road-less area. This American River Rafting Class 4 adventure is close to civilization, yet it is possible to feel that you are the only people on the river.
The infamous "Tunnel Chute" is one of the first big rapids encountered and there are numerous Class III-IV rapids in the first 6 miles, such as Last Chance, Submarine Hole and Kanaka. For the next 7 miles, the pace is more mellow, allowing time to appreciate the solitude and beauty of the lush, forested canyon. You may get a glimpse of some wildlife, perhaps a bear, or spot a trout swimming in the incredibly clean and clear Sierra mountain water. We stop for lunch and possible side hikes while plenty of excitement lies ahead.
The Ruck-a-Chucky rapids start just below the entrance of Canyon Creek. A 20-foot drop through a sieve of huge boulders makes the middle of these 3 rapids a mandatory portage, but the Class IV drops of Upper and Lower Ruck-a-Chucky are usually runnable. A 2-mile gorge laced with Class III-IV rapids such as Parallel Parking and Catapult follow.
It's a long but satisfying day. Your rafting finishes after 17 miles, at the old Greenwood Bridge site. The bridge was demolished in the 1954 floods by a 50-foot wall of water that surged down the canyon after the old Hell Hole Reservoir failed.
Our vans shuttle you up a rough dirt road to your awaiting vehicles where you can review photos taken earlier. You should be on the road by 5:00pm reminiscing about your day all the way home!
