The Middle Fork American is Unforgettable!
Prepare to be amazed at the power and beauty of this wilderness river canyon on a Middle Fork Full Day adventure!
The Middle Fork of the American is a stunning and thrilling full-day Class IV whitewater rafting experience because it is the perfect marriage of adrenaline, scenery, and togetherness.
Welcome to an incomparably stunning and thrilling full day experience. Be prepared to be overwhelme and be prepared to escape. The modern world is distant. Thoughts of your daily life will disappear thanks to the shear onslaught to your senses.
Middle Fork Full Day Itinerary
You will meet us bright and early in Auburn, CA where we will transport you to the put-in for your adventure. Your guides will offer a safety briefing and issue your personal safety equipment, and then it’s time to get on the river!
The Middle Fork of the American River is class III out of the gate, plunging your boat into the surging current and first rapid before you even have time to think! Thirty minutes into your Middle Fork full day trip, you will encounter Tunnel Chute, one of the most famous Class IV rapids in California whitewater. Tunnel Chute is a man-made falls blasted out of the bedrock by hopeful miners long ago, resulting in one of the most exhilarating rafting experiences to be had in the whitewater world.
But the excitement does not stop with Tunnel Chute. There are many more rapids on the Middle Fork full day rafting trip. You’ll also meet Kanaka Falls, Chunder, Cleavage, and even one called Texas Chainsaw Mamma Meets The 101st Air Brigade. Oh, and there is a 25-foot waterfall your guides will have to heroically deal with while you enjoy the show safely from the sidelines.
In between these exciting rapids, there are many miles of verdant hills
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Class IV
- Minimum Age: 14-years-old
- Season: June - September
- River Miles/Distance: 18 miles
- Trip Duration: Approximately 9 hours, start to finish
- Check In: 8 AM in Auburn CA
- Check Out: Approximately 5 PM in Auburn, CA
- Trip Cost: $180 per person
- Lunch is included
- Taxes and fees are included
- Guide gratuity is not included
Booking Notes
- The minimum age we will take on this trip is 14-years-old
- The Middle Fork trip is not recommended for those who have not first completed a class III trip, such as our South Fork Gorge or Chili Bar trip
- We only offer Middle Fork of the American River trips on weekdays and Sundays in September
The River Runners Middle Fork Experience
Don't worry, we are going to take our time on the river just like we do on all of our other trips.
In between these exciting rapids lies many miles of verdant hills and the beautiful silence that a river canyon can offer. There are side creeks to hike. In July, there are more organic blackberries than an army of winter-starved bears could eat. And in August, there are native Californian grapes drooping over the the riverways and only accessible by raft.
Speaking of food, we will eat a delicious deli lunch on a beach when those hunger pains start to kick in. It will be you, a sandwich, some warm sand to slip your toes into -- and maybe a lizard hoping to help you finish your meal. It's a good opportunity to skip rocks, take a swim and have a meaningful conversation.
After 18 miles of rapids, canyon walls, dragonflies, butterflies, and good conversations with friends, you will arrive at the take-out spot where a van will be waiting to pick you up and transport you back to your cars in Auburn, after which you will likely head home to the best sleep of your life.
Middle Fork of the American River
- Class IV
- 18 miles of mixed class III and IV rapids, with slow water intervals allowing ample time to contemplate the natural wonders found up and down the canyon.
- Full day trips available weekdays and Sundays in September.
- Season: June - September
- Minimum age: 14-years-old
- Trips start at $180 per person
- Ideal for experienced rafting enthusiasts looking for an exciting and challenging full day of rafting.
Are you ready to book this trip today?
View our calendar and check availability.