Intense and powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. The rapids may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast and reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require mandatory moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is usually necessary the first time down. The risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential and requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended for kayakers. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated as "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.

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This is run Monday - Friday. You may enjoy a 1-day full river or combine with a South Fork trip. Got questions? Give us a call 888-922-8466

With Action Whitewater Adventures, The Middle Fork of the American River is a one day wilderness trip through a classic forested Sierra Canyon. The run is best known for Tunnel Chute, but has many other interesting rapids.

You'll put in on the Middle Fork of the American just below Oxbow Powerhouse and navigate Good Morning Rapid immediately. There are six distinct Class III rapids in the first mile, which will warm you up for Last Chance, the entry rapid for Tunnel Chute . Last chance is a river wide hole formed by bedrock. Last Chance is quickly followed by Tunnel Chute. It's nice to catch an eddy just before Last Chance and scout Tunnel Chute on the right.

Tunnel Chute was created by some industrious miners in the 1890's that wanted easy access to the gold rich river bed at Horseshoe Bar. The blasted a tunnel through the narrow part of the horseshoe and then blasted a chute in the bedrock to divert the river to their new tunnel. This is an amazing rapid and interesting place that all serious California rafters should visit at least once.

The next few miles following Tunnel Chute contain several great Class III rapids including the always exciting Orange Wall and the Class IV Kanaka Falls . After Kanaka Falls , you have nine miles of Class II rapids and classic Sierra scenery.

This "scenic" section ends at Chunder , a fun vertical drop that can be easily scouted on the right. Chunder is immediately followed by a mandatory portage of Ruck-a-Chucky , a 30 foot waterfall onto jagged rocks.

Immediately following the portage is Cleavage (a fun surf spot), directly below the falls. The last mile and a half include a great concentration of Class III and IV rapids including Parallel Parking, Texas C hainsaw Massacre, Final Exam, and Pop Quiz . The take-out is at the site of the Old Greenwood Bridge. The bridge was destroyed in 1964 by a flood created by the catastrophic failure of the Hell Hole Dam. (description from California Whitewater Rafting. A site dedicated to documenting California Rivers)

Middle Fork of the American (class IV advanced) Trips Run May into October

Middle Fork of the American (class IV advanced)
Trips Run May into October