THE MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER
 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.
THE MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER RAFTING TRIPS
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.
DIRECTIONS
From Sacramento
travel east on Hwy. 80 towards Reno. About two miles east of Auburn take
the Forest Hill Rd. exit. Turn right onto Forest Hill Rd., then at the
first light turn left onto Lincoln Way. The Raley's shopping center will
be on your immediate right. Have all your gear ready and be dressed for
the river.
DRIVING TIMES AND DISTANCES TO THE MEETING PLACE
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