Meet Tributary in the heart of Gold Country, California for an unforgettable 2-day, 1-night rafting and camping adventure you won’t forget! The Middle Fork of the American River tumbles down from California’s Sierra Nevada, carrying with it a storied history that echoes the state’s deep Native American history and transformative Gold Rush era. Now a seemingly remote river canyon home only to wildlife, during the California Gold Rush, the Middle Fork American River had two mining camps and over 10,000 people living in the area. While remnants of that history are still visible along the river corridor, the Middle Fork American River is now a recreational paradise, attracting anglers set on catching a trophy trout and whitewater rafters looking to test themselves on rapids like Kanaka and Tunnel Chute rapid.
Our 2-day, 1-night rafting trip starts by meeting in the morning at Crooked Lane Brewing in Auburn. After taking a shuttle to the put-in, the real fun begins as we take on a challenging 18-mile section of the Middle Fork American River. Day 1 of rafting starts off strong, with 6 miles of Class III and Class IV rapids, including Last Chance, Submarine Hole, Kanaka, and the incredible American River Tunnel Chute. After a thrilling start, we’ll ease back the pace so you can enjoy the beauty of the lush, forested canyon and hopefully spot some wildlife. Extra time on the river means that there will be plenty of opportunities to hike and explore side creeks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
We’ll spend our second night together camped on a remote, riverside beach. Enjoy swimming and fishing as your guides cook you a delicious meal, and then enjoy a night under the stars. The next day, we’ll get back on the river and test our mettle on the tricky Class IV Ruck-A-Chucky rapids (also known as Chunder) before portaging around Ruck-A-Chucky Falls (a mandatory portage for all clients). We’ll hike above the rapids so you can watch your brave and talented river crew guide the boats down the 20-foot drop and through a gauntlet of huge boulders. Below the rapid, you’ll hop back into the boat to tackle the rest of the river!
At the end of the second day, we’ll say our goodbyes at the take out. You can also extend your trip, and spend another night at our incredible South Fork American River campground!
The Middle Fork American River rafting is a challenging, advanced river with numerous Class IV rapids. It’s suitable for guests ages 14 and up, and all guests must be able to swim.
Get a taste of the Middle Fork American River via Google 360 Streetview Footage.
