Middle Fork American River

California’s Most Popular Class IV Whitewater

Middle Fork American River Rafting – Take on the Ultimate Adventure!

Looking for a true white water rafting American River Middle Fork adventure? The Middle Fork American River delivers big thrills, heart-pounding rapids, and unforgettable scenery. Featuring the famous Middle Fork American River Tunnel Chute, this run is a must-do for thrill-seekers ready to take on Class IV whitewater in Northern California.

Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-time rafter looking for a challenge, Middle Fork American River rafting offers an exhilarating mix of steep drops, technical maneuvers, and breathtaking scenery. Expert guides will lead you through Class IV rapids, narrow gorges, and the legendary Tunnel Chute.

Trip Highlights

    Just 1.5 hours from Sacramento & 3 hours from the Bay Area

  • ▸ One of the best Class IV rafting runs in California
  • ▸ Tunnel Chute American River – a unique and thrilling rapid
  • ▸ Extreme rafting adventure through a remote canyon
  • ▸ Experience Class 4 rapids and Class 5 rapids on the American River
  • Skill Level: Although the Middle Fork is more physically demanding than the South Fork, it is perfectly suited for adventurous first time rafters and experienced paddlers alike.
  • Duration: 1, 2 or 3 Day Trips, 18-25 Miles
  • Age: 14+
  • Season: May – October
  • Availability: Every day
  • Requirements: Guests must have swimming ability.

Multi-Day & Combo River Trips

South Fork – 2-Day – CLASS III

Adjust your biological clock to “river time” with an overnight trip. Your second day of rafting can take you to a new stretch of the South Fork, or to a more advanced run on the Middle or North Fork. If one day of rafting was enough, have fun in camp with our Ropes Course and Zip Line or head to the South Fork Trail for fantastic local mountain biking and hiking.

Two Day Middle Fork

Multi-day trips spend more time off river, exploring river canyons, riverside caves and picking wild blackberries. You’ll camp on an isolated beach where you can snorkel – perhaps you will spot a 5-lb rainbow trout! As you relax and evening comes, you are treated to a riverside dinner followed by a warm campfire. As the evening of star gazing and enjoying the serenity of the canyon comes to an end, falling asleep will be easy as you are lulled to sleep by the relaxing sound of the river.  Minimum age is subject to current river conditions and the ability to swim is required on all trips.

South Fork / Middle Fork 2 Day

We offer a number of combinations that are sure to satisfy your whitewater appetite. Often, people want a chance to ‘warm up’ before taking on a more difficult river – to get a feel for what it’s like to sit in the boat and experience whitewater. Do this by combining the South Fork with the Middle Fork during the summer. Combination trips give you the chance to enjoy two different rivers and have the luxury of staying at our riverside camp, complete with modern amenities!

Minimum age is subject to current river conditions and the ability to swim is required on all trips.

Available dates vary. Please call (530) 626-4187 to book this trip.

South Fork / Middle Fork / North Fork Combo – Class III/IV

Middle Fork American River – The Rapids Await!

The Middle Fork of the American River California is famous for its continuous white water action. Every trip is packed with excitement, natural beauty, and high-energy rafting.

Tunnel Chute – The Ultimate Thrill

This one-of-a-kind rapid begins with a steep, narrow chute that drops you into a 90-foot tunnel blasted through the rock during the Gold Rush. As one of the most extreme rafting experiences in California white water rafting, it guarantees an adrenaline rush.

Class IV & Class V Rapids – Big Drops & Big Thrills

Middle Fork rafting isn’t just about Tunnel Chute. Rafters will also tackle Class IV rapids, Class 4 whitewater rafting, and Class 5 rapids on the American River. Rapids like Kanaka Falls, Chunder, and Ruck-A-Chucky Falls add to the challenge, making this trip unforgettable.

Remote Wilderness & Stunning Scenery

Surrounded by rugged canyon walls and lush forests, the Middle Fork American River California run takes you through secluded wilderness with incredible views. This is one of the most beautiful places to go white water rafting.

Choose Your Middle Fork American River Rafting Trip

Full-Day Middle Fork Rafting – 18 miles of non-stop whitewater, Class IV rapids, and Tunnel Chute thrills.

Multi-Day Extreme Rafting – Camp under the stars and experience two days of the best white water rafting American River Middle Fork has to offer.

Private & Group Rafting Trips – Ideal for corporate retreats, birthday parties, and team-building adventures.

Who Should Raft the Middle Fork?

This isn’t your average rafting trip. The Middle Fork American River rafting trip is best suited for:

Adventurous first-time rafters ready for a challenge

Experienced paddlers looking for high-energy Class IV whitewater

Thrill-seekers eager to take on extreme rafting in California

Anyone excited to experience the Middle Fork American River Tunnel Chute

📢 Minimum Age: 14+ (Water levels may affect age requirements)

What to Expect on Your Middle Fork Rafting Trip

Tunnel Chute, Class IV rapids, Class 5 rapids, and stunning canyon views

Expert guides ensuring a safe & thrilling experience

All gear provided – helmets, PFDs, and paddles

Lunch included on full-day trips

A true test of Class IV whitewater rafting skills

The Middle Fork American River white water rafting trip is the perfect mix of technical challenge, natural beauty, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Whether you’re craving Class IV thrills, extreme rafting excitement, or the iconic Tunnel Chute, this trip delivers an unforgettable ride.

We can’t wait to share our love for the Middle Fork American River with you!

Reserve your spot today & let’s go Rafting!

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On-Shore Adventures

Add another exciting element to your trip with our Ropes Course and Zip Line!

Camp Life

We’ll do all the cooking so you can relax with a good book, snooze in the shade, play a game of volleyball, or just sit and watch the sun set.

Our guides will amaze you with their culinary delights, Dutch-oven-desserts and even a river sauna upon your request.

Enjoy a private campfire and gaze at the stars as the river lulls you to sleep.

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Introductory Packrafting Clinic at Mother Lode River Center

New Activity

Special 50th Anniversary Ropes and Rafting Events

Join us on  for a thrilling half-day of high ropes and rafting—no minimum group size required! Celebrate with us and book your adventure now!

Event Dates: June 15th, June 22, July 20th, July 27th, August 10th, August 17th