The Middle Fork of the American River in California is excellent for the adventuresome First-Time river rafter. The Middle Fork of the American River is also fun for the experienced Rafters ready for the Next Challenge...

"We had the time of our lives on the Middle Fork of the American River...It was the best vacation I've ever taken" T. Q., Atlanta, GA.

"I just wanted to let you know that we had a fantastic time on Wednesday, whitewater rafting the California Middle Fork of the American. Our guides were Eli and Grady that day. They did wonderful jobs and we will highly recommend them. We will definitely keep Mariah in mind for our next rafting experience!" J.M., 2004

Middle Fork River Description
Two-Day Trips
One-Day Trips
South Fork-Middle Fork Two-Day Combo Trip
Trip Dates & Prices
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Central California, One hour east of Sacramento near Auburn
Difficulty: Class II-V, Intermediate: Medium Intensity Whitewater
Available most days, Late May through Mid-September
Minimum Age: 14 years old

The Middle Fork American -- Scenic Wilderness Canyon
This river is a great choice for those individuals and groups who wish to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip and enjoy the challenge of many exciting whitewater rapids. An adventuresome first-time rafter in good physical condition, as well as the more experienced intermediate rafter will love the Middle Fork. Isolated from civilization in the Auburn State Recreation Area, this dam controlled river offers spectacular scenery, crystal clear water, great rapids, excellent fishing, and the possibility of a side hike up a picturesque creek to a waterfall.

Adventuresome Whitewater
The rapids on this river range from Class II to Class V. Overall we rate this river as an adventuresome Class III, with several Class IV rapids and one Class V rapid--the famous Tunnel Chute. Here the river drops through a narrow, churning whitewater chute leading down to a flat water tunnel through a narrow ridge blasted by miners in the 1850s. The result is an exciting, roller coaster ride, adrenaline rush rapid. We stop to scout this rapid first; walking around the Tunnel Chute is always an option.

The thrill of the Tunnel Chute sets up the rest of our Middle Fork trip to be fully savored and enjoyed. Class II, III, and IV rapids follow, as well as a portage around a waterfall/boulder garden. There are also several long, lazy calm stretches where paddling is necessary as the current slows, and we enjoy the serenity and beauty of a remote river canyon.

Gold Rush River
The Middle Fork is a legendary California Gold Rush river. In the 1850's mining towns sprang up along its banks, and miners diverted the river at mile 2.5, Horseshoe Bend, creating the Tunnel Chute in order to glean riches from the exposed dry stream bed. More gold has probably been found in the Middle Fork canyon than in any other California river. Today you might even see a few hardy miners still panning for gold alongside the riverbanks as we float by.

Two-Day Trips 18 miles; 2 days rafting, 1 night camping, 4 meals
"I loved the serenity of the canyon, and our overnight campsite. The Tunnel Chute was super!" A.B., July 30.

The two-day Middle Fork trip is a delightful combination of exciting intermediate level whitewater rafting and time to relax and truly enjoy this remote and beautiful river canyon environment. We meet you in the town of Auburn at 8 AM and depart for the 60-minute drive to the put-in where your boats and guides will be waiting for you.

The night prior to your raft trip on the Middle Fork enjoy an overnight stay in one of several wonderful hotels and bed & breakfast accommodations in the Auburn area. Enjoy strolling the streets of Old Town Auburn, antiquing and visiting specialty gift shops.

One-Day Trips 18 miles, with lunch
"This day was awesome! I can't wait to do it again!" K.S., July 30.

This 18 mile trip is a Middle Fork extravaganza for those of you wanting a lot of excitement in one, very full day. We meet you in the town of Auburn after breakfast (on your own) and head for put-in. We'll be on the river early, running the Tunnel Chute and lots of other exciting rapids as well as floating and paddling the calmer stretches of the river. We stop for a picnic lunch along the way and at take-out in the late afternoon, you can look forward to cold drinks at the end of a long and very exciting day.

SOUTH/MIDDLE FORK 2-DAY COMBO
Two Rivers, 29 miles; 2 days rafting, 2 nights of camping, 5 meals
"An exceptional rafting experience! The trip, staff, and meals were superb. I would recommend this trip to those of all ages and ability levels." K.T. SF/MF Combo, August 6-7.

This combo gives you the opportunity to get in a lot of river miles while experiencing both beginner and intermediate level rapids. Meet us at our South Fork American campsite the night prior to your trip where you will camp both nights. We raft both the South Fork and the Middle Fork of the American, enjoying lots of rapids on this two-day extavaganza!

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MARIAH WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS
P.O. Box 1160
Lotus, CA 95651
Voice (530) 626-6049 Fax (530) 626-4305
Reservations (800) 462-7424
rafting@mariahwe.com