Middle Fork American River, Tunnel Chute

The Middle Fork of the American River 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 everpresent 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.

Centrally located only two hours from the bay area and 30 minutes from Sacramento, yet isolated from civilization, the Middle Fork of the American River is a truly remarkable two or three day wilderness trip.

One Day Middle Fork American River Rafting Trip

We will 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.

Two Day Middle Fork American River Rafting Trip

We meet a little later and just take our time. We will have an orientation and re-pack our overnight gear into waterproof bags and head out for a total wilderness style expedition. There will be oar boats that carry the camping supplies and paddle boats for us. Enjoying the same morning rapids, gourmet lunch, and sandy beaches as the one day trip, we will have time to pull over for a side hike up Otter Creek; known for its warm water swimming pools. We then continue on downstream to a gorgeous campsite on a large sandy beach. In camp the guides will set up kitchen and begin preparing a delicious dinner. While in camp there will be time to set up your sleeping site, fish, swim, play, or just relax. The evening meal will be followed by dessert, campfire entertainment, and settle in for a night under the stars. In the morning the wonderful smell of coffee and breakfast will greet your senses. This day includes the highlight hike up Canyon Creek (pictured here) where we will have time to frolic in the pools below waterfalls and hang out in the sunshine. We have lunch at the mouth of this beautiful side stream before heading off to Ruck-A-Chucky Falls and the last stretch of river. We will shuttle you to your vehicles by late afternoon.

Three Day Middle Fork American River Rafting Trip

Wilderness Adventures is the only outfitter offering this expedition at this time. On this trip we have a more flexible meeting time (7:00AM to 2:00PM). We cover everything in the two day trip, plus -- on our second night -- the camp is at the roar of the Class VI cataract and provides for breathtaking sunsets. After coffee and breakfast we will be off on a journey that covers an extra 10 river miles and an unprecedented hike up American River Canyon, a virtually untouched hidden jewel. Before the day ends we'll experience the Class IV rapids of Murderer's Bar. Take-out is at the confluence of the North Fork of the American.