Chili Bar Outdoor Center on the Middle Fork American
CBOC Whitewater gives you the best rafting on
Northern California's three forks of the American River

Middle Fork American River

One-Day Middle Fork

Class IV+

Whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork American RiverThe Middle Fork American trip has a rambunctious start as we launch our boats directly into a Class III rapid appropriately named "Wake-Up Call," followed by three miles of near continuous whitewater. Then we reach the ultimate reality check, the world-famous "Tunnel Chute," a man-made diversion channel blasted by miners a century ago. This calls for every ounce of effort you can muster--reach deep and dig deeper, power through the entrance, drop down and hang on for a hydraulic roller coaster with a 12-foot free-fall, then pinball through a 30-yard underground cavern.

Extreme stuff, and not for the faint-hearted. The muscular Middle Fork then slows to calm stretches, where you take in the breathtaking beauty of picturesque canyons, punctuated by blind-side blitzes on Class III-IV rapids. Nearing the end of a fulfilling day, you confront the dramatic Class VI terror of Ruck-a-Chucky Rapid (a mandatory portage) followed by a challenging series of airborne drops and wall-banging chutes all the way to takeout. Previous experience and good physical condition are required.

Rating: Class IV+
Season: May through September
Length: 17 miles/10 hours
Minimum Age: 15 years (Call office)
Departure: 7:00a.m. campground or 8:00a.m. Raleys-Auburn

Two-Day Wilderness Camping Middle Fork

Class IV+

Spend two adventurous days in this wilderness canyon, breathing fresh mountain air and eating delicious, hearty meals prepared by your guides. Beautiful waterfalls and glimpses of wildlife will add to the already exciting whitewater adventure experience. This is the same length of trip as the One-Day Middle Fork, but we travel at a much more relaxed pace, with time to enjoy the scenery, hike a side creek, and contemplate the constellations. Previous experience and good physical condition are required.

Rating: Class IV+
Season: May through September
Length: 17 miles/2 days
Minimum Age: 15 years (Call office)
Departure: 7:00a.m. campground or 8:00a.m. Raleys-Auburn

Two-Day South Fork/Middle Fork American Combo

Class III/Class IV+

Whet your appetite on the South Fork American River, where you begin your whitewater adventure with the Gorge Run on the first day gaining the necessary experience to move on to the more challenging Middle Fork on day two. Includes overnight camping at our campgrounds, two lunches during the rafting, a hearty Western breakfast and savory barbeque dinner served by our able staff. Or, arrive the night before your trip and enjoy an extra night of camping and breakfast the next morning for a small additional fee. This is one of our most popular Two-Day Trips and space is limited so early reservations are recommended.Good physical condition is recommended.

Rating: Class III/IV+
Season: June through September
Length: 29 miles/2 days
Minimum Age: 15 years (Call office)
Departure: 11:00a.m.

Whitewater rafting reservations North Fork American River Middle Fork American River South Fork American River
Home | Guide School | Prices | History | Guides | General | Map | E-mail

CBOC Whitewater
P.O. Box 456
Coloma, CA 95613
1.800.356.2262 - 1.530.621-1236 - fax 1.530.622.6104
e-mail: malode@malode.com