Lower Middle Fork American River

Lower Middle Fork American River- 1/2 Day Rafting Trip

Auburn, CA /

/

  • Trip Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Trip Length: 7 miles
  • Meals: Not included
  • Camping: Available
PRICING
Weekdays Offered on Wednesdays & Fridays
  • $99 – adult
  • $89 – youth (4-17)
Weekends Offered on Saturdays
  • $119 – adult
  • $109 – youth (4-17)
BOOK THIS TRIP!
Lower Middle Fork American River – 1/2 Day Raft Trip

The Lower Middle Fork American River is the perfect Class 2 rafting trip for families with younger kids ages 4+. We know – we are parents too!

This afternoon half day trip meets in Auburn, California, also a historic mining town, and known as the “Endurance Capital of the World”. It is a 7 mile wilderness trip that meanders thru the canyon walls in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Due to the upstream water releases we meet at noon and like to take our time on the river. There is plenty of opportunity for swimming and possibly doing a hike, fishing, or stopping for snacks (not included, but you are welcome to bring your own, alcoholic beverages are not permitted). There are several fun rapids along the way, but nothing more than a Class 2+ at regular flows. Making this the perfect trip for younger kids and others who want to explore this beautiful secluded canyon. We typically have you back to your vehicles by 5:00pm.

Inflatable Kayaks are a fantastic addition for groups with teens and adventurous adults, these are available for rent.

We also offer overnight camping at our South Fork American River where you can bring your own tent, or rent a Canvas Tent!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Best rafting trip for families with young kids – ages 4+
  • Close to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area
  • Mellow rapids
  • Secluded wilderness setting
  • Inflatable Kayak rentals typically available
  • All summer long! From Mid-May thru the end of September
TRIP ITENERARY

Noon – Meet @ Crooked Lane Brewing Co in Auburn, CA (We meet in the afternoon, so be sure to have a good lunch before you arrive. )

We transport into the Middle Fork American Canyon. You will get glimpses of the river flowing far below as we descend. At the put-in you will receive personal flotation devices, paddles & helmets and pre-trip instruction. There is a professional river guide on each raft, and if you rented a kayak they will be giving instructions to those people as well.

Along this 7 mile river trip there are safe beach areas for us to stop along the way for picnicking and play, and possible side hikes with waterfalls at the end! Wildlife sightings are often and you may see ducks, deer, heron and fish. At certain times there are blackberry bushes offering the most amazing fruit, we will stop and pick some if we see them!

At the take-out the guides load the equipment and we shuttle you back to your original meeting location.

5:00pm Arrival back @ Crooked Lane where there is usually a food truck, and cold drinks for the entire family

Directions

Meeting Location

Crooked Lane Brewing Company in Auburn, CA

Address: 536 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

We have a reserved set of parking spaces located at Crooked Lane Brewing Company in Auburn, CA. There are several ways to enter the parking lot, but we have found the easiest way is via Highway 49. Please park in these designated spaces to the right side of the building (looking from Highway 49 towards the large covered patio with the columns). Our staff member will also be there to greet you.

At the end of your rafting trip there are cold drinks and food available at Crooked Lane. Delivery is also available from most restaurants in town.

The Lower Middle Fork American River is the perfect Class 2 rafting trip for families with younger kids ages 4+. We know – we are parents too!

This afternoon half day trip meets in Auburn, California, also a historic mining town, and known as the “Endurance Capital of the World”. It is a 7 mile wilderness trip that meanders thru the canyon walls in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Due to the upstream water releases we meet at noon and like to take our time on the river. There is plenty of opportunity for swimming and possibly doing a hike, fishing, or stopping for snacks (not included, but you are welcome to bring your own, alcoholic beverages are not permitted). There are several fun rapids along the way, but nothing more than a Class 2+ at regular flows. Making this the perfect trip for younger kids and others who want to explore this beautiful secluded canyon. We typically have you back to your vehicles by 5:00pm.

Inflatable Kayaks are a fantastic addition for groups with teens and adventurous adults, these are available for rent.

We also offer overnight camping at our South Fork American River where you can bring your own tent, or rent a Canvas Tent!

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater Tours has been running white water rafting trips in Northern California & beyond since 1978. The company was originally founded by Dan Buckley, an integral player in the development of white water rafting in California. Dan Buckley’s love to share the excitement, wonder, and natural beauty that rivers have to offer with others lives on with the current owner, Jeremiah Copper.

Tributary continues to be an industry leader in the west coast rafting industry. We offer more rivers than any other outfitter, giving us the ability to accommodate younger kids down to ages 4 (thru our own experience as parents). Our team is one a kind, and everyone in our staff, from guides, to drivers, to the folks answering the phones – we all have a passion for what we do.

The rivers call to us for different reasons, be that extreme white water, fishing, enjoying nature or just experiencing new things & places. There is magic in every river trip. For some, you may first see a bald eagle in flight for the first time, or maybe conquer your first Class 5 rapid. We are here to help you choose your perfect adventure, for any excitement level.

Get In Touch
Tributary Whitewater Tours
6500 CA-49 Lotus, CA 95651
800-672-3846
Facebook Instagram Youtube
Contact Us

RAFTING NEWS

keep calm and paddle on

BOOK THIS TRIP