Our super 1 day trip includes a full day of rafting the class iv middle fork american plus camping before and after your rafting trip and breakfast each morning. What do i need to bring and what is supplied by the outfitter. The north and middle forks are not for beginners, and quite often, experienced paddlers have trouble on. Click here to download trip details pdf trip departures. Class iiiv rafting on the middle fork of the american river.
The map includes all congressionally and secretarially designated wild and scenic rivers in the lower 48 states, alaska and puerto rico. Laurel and blackberry bushes can also be found along most of the trail. Our middle fork american river rafting trips are a great choice for those individuals and groups who wish to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip and enjoy the challenge of many exciting whitewater rapids. All of this and more can be found on the middle fork american river. The courses of the presentday yuba river, including its north fork, middle fork, south fork and the smaller tributaries that feed them are also shown on gold map 5. Whitewater rafting on the middle fork of the american river. The middle fork american river is one of three forks that form the american river in northern california. North forkmiddle fork american river sediment study pdf. Crossing the middle fork snoqualmie river on a bridge constructed by volunteers and the forest service, hikers are safely delivered to the other side of the middle fork snoqualmie river.
This release schedule informs boaters when recreational flows are released, thus ensuring enough water for whitewater paddlers. One of the best american river rafting trips that is available. Upper american river watershed sacramento river watershed. Starns ei dorado county is situated between the north and middle forks of the american river 0 n the north side and the south fork cosumnes river on the south side.
The middle fork project mfp is a multipurpose water supply and hydrogeneration project designed to conserve and control waters of the middle fork american river, the rubicon river, and several associated tributary streams. A long stretch of class iii in the middle demands paddling on the oneday but is much more relaxed on the twoday. Middle fork american river rafting class iiiv rafting trips. There are some differences in rafting the south fork and the middle forks of the american river, as outlined above. In view of the low period 192934, it seems unlikely that the dependable irrigation yield of the feather riv er could be increased nearly 500,000 acrefeet per. Documents are provided as pdf files which can be viewed and printed through adobe acrobat. This run is interesting, unlike the middle fork of the american that is commercially rafter just downstream of the oxbow takeout, the river up here is small, the canyon very tight, and the rapids very congested. Our rafting equipment is firstrate, meals are dazzlingly delicious and client safety is foremost. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from march until november. A deep forested canyon, crystal clear water and some of the wildest runnable rapids in california. The trail runs down the north fork of the middle fork of the american river drainage, crossing the main stem of the middle fork below ruckachucky, and recrossing at no hands bridge on its way to the auburn finish line. Middle fork project finance authority placer county, ca. Pcwa middle fork american river project relicensing.
American river north fork the north fork of the american river originates in eastern placer county in the tahoe national forest. The north and middle forks of the american river provide boaters with a quality. Middle fork american river fishing near auburn, california. Middle fork american river rafting trips provide reliable class 4 all summer whitewater runs. Middle fork american river topo map in placer county, california. Beginners will love our white water river rafting adventures on the south fork american river, while those with a hankering for bigger thrills might go for our middle fork american river, north fork american river, or a merced river adventure. A boating trail guide to the north and middle forks of the american. The american river is a 30milelong river in california that runs from the sierra nevada. Middle fork snoqualmie river washington trails association.
Youll find answers to all these questions and many more in the categories below. B168bbduncan creek gage and weirbelow diversion trailphotovoltaic poles and. There is also a wealth of info and links from the visit placer website. Dec 16, 2019 the middle fork nooksack river fish passage project is the result of 20 years of studies and planning by the city of bellingham and tribal, state, and private partners to bring fish back to the upper reaches of the middle fork nooksack river in whatcom county, and to restore the river more closely to its natural state. Jun 08, 2015 the middle fork of the american river now flows through a power house to generate electricity and most of the original river bed downstream of the dam is exposed with a trickle of water running through it. Anklehigh poison oak creeps onto many parts of the trail, so please use caution. It is the closest city to most putins, and it has many hotels, restaurants, and wineries. Welcome to middle fork american river project relicensing. The middle fork american river is one of three forks that form the american river in northern. Yet swift currents and unseen dangers can provide boaters with unwanted emergencies. This site posts downloadable pdf files of their guides. Northern region del norte, humboldt, lassen, mendocino, modoc, shasta, siskiyou, tehama and trinity counties.
Middle fork american river 1 day trip overview earthtrek. Most of the upper middle fork of the american river 59, 366 acres and the north fork of the middle fork of the american river 59,4 acres for map see link on page 2 of landscape strategy section with a total area of 118,500 acres. North fork of middle fork trail california alltrails. The middle fork american river is rated at class iv, but includes one class v rapid, and one portage. In one morning, we will raft 10 miles of river and tackle over 20 rapids from small riffles to big drops. Middle fork american river map auburn state recreation. Middle fork american river rafting is pure whitewater adventure, offering a series of thrilling class 4 rapids through wild, secluded canyons of the sierra nevada foothills. North forkmiddle fork american river sediment study. Overnight camping requirements a free selfissue overnight camping permit is required for all noncommercial overnight camping on the south fork of the snake river. Its a great introductory guide to the popular trails and flora and fauna of the area around the confluence of the north and middle forks of the american river. Whats the difference between the south and middle forks. Blmusfs sign or map and must comply with parking regulations at blmusfs designated recreation sites. The upper american river watershed originates at the crest of the sierra nevada near lake tahoe.
A quote, it is my philosophy that the old trails of the north fork need to be known, not unknown. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. The north and middle forks of the american river provide boaters with a quality wilderness experience to remember. The following is for our class 4 middle fork american and north fork american river rafting trips, a new meeting location for the class 2 lower middle fork american river trips is being discussed and will be sent out with the booking email confirmation, it is still going to be in. Join american river recreation on a whitewater rafting adventure down 18 magnificent miles of the middle fork american river. Middle fork american river rafting trips whitewater. Guide will unload the rafts and hand out gear to the rafters. How to get to the middle fork of the american river.
The project occupies 3,268 acres of federal lands administered by the u. Middle fork american river map auburn state recreation area. American river recreation middlenorth fork american river. Heritage and wild trout program california department of. Middlenorth fork american river directions for auburn meeting place 384 lincoln way, auburn, ca 95603 p. Rafting, camping, and great meals all in a 2 or 3 day package, also a great value. View a middle fork american river map and follow the american whitewater expeditions rafting itinerary. W middlenorth fork american river 2day combo river trip american river recreation333 7238.
Middle fork american river rafting raft california. A 45 minute van ride dead ends at oxbow reservoir where gear is distributed and the stoke begins. Before the early nineties, access to this side of the river required a ford that was dangerous even in low water. The river then dropped down steeply into a pinch on either side of a chalk rock in the middle of the river. But then i remembered the wonderful new american river confluence parkway map that protect american river canyons parc recently posted. An interagency map of the national wild and scenic river system is available for download from the link below.
The rubicon river is the largest tributary watershed, at 315. Middle fork american river quarry trail closed alltrails. Our halfday trips on the south fork of the american are quick dashes down the exciting upper chili bar stretch of the river. Middle fork american river rafting whitewater voyages. Red dashed lines represent pcwas dams and diversions on the middle fork project. A boating trail guide to the north and middle forks of the.
South forkmiddle fork american river 2 day combo south forkmiddle. A boating trail guide to the north and middle forks of the american river with safety hints and map north fork. Middle fork american river map american whitewater expedition. Middle fork american river california 2020 all you. It is a suitable raft trip for the active, fit and adventurous firsttimer or a great choice for those seeking a stepup from the more crowded south fork american river. List of heritage and wild trout waters with designation boundaries pdf. South fork rafting and camping mother lode river center. Middle fork american river area information the best places to stay, play and eat in auburn, california and surrounding areas of foresthill, colfax and weimar. It flows west and then southwest, passing the town of colfax and on through clementinenorth fort reservoir. Middle fork american river is a stream located just 2. After your safety talk and paddle talk, youll be on your way. The north fork of the american riverits wildness, its beautiful scenery, its historic trails and mining ditches and prehistoric sitesdeserves every kind of protection and preservation.
The middle fork american river watershed encompasses 616 square miles 1,600 km 2, which represents about 33 percent of the total american river drainage basin above folsom lake. Rafting the middle fork of the american river is not only a pristine wilderness adventure, it is one of the most unique rivers in the world. While some of the river is a relaxing but spirited class ii float, there are numerous class iii and iv rapids for whitewater excitement and thrills. It felt like the north fork of the tuolumne with less willows. The middle fork of the american river is a must do for all rafting enthusiasts. Forkmiddle fork american river watershed see maps 31 and 35. Map shows relation between smuds upper american river project and pcwas middle fork american project. Middle fork american river rafting trips american river. Using our knowledge of the rapids, we tailor our trips for all skill levels. The american river system is one drainage opened up to winter fishing by the new law, and much of middle fork of the american is accessible yearround. North fork of the middle fork of the american river. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The middle fork of the american river restoration project.
Middle fork american river milebymile beauty and danger are the promises of californias middle fork of the american river. The middle fork nooksack river fish passage project is the result of 20 years of studies and planning by the city of bellingham and tribal, state, and private partners to bring fish back to the upper reaches of the middle fork nooksack river in whatcom county, and to restore the river more closely to its natural state. The middle fork of the american river is the one of the best summertime class iv whitewater rafting trip in california. No where else will you be able to enjoy amazing scenery and thrilling rapids and float through a tunnel after one of the largest rapids of the day. In 1989 the middle fork was also designated as a national scenic river by u. Cdfw is temporarily closing its high public use areas, including visitor centers and license counters, to help slow the spread of covid19 coronavirus. Feeding folsom lake, the middle fork drains the west slope of the sierra, drawing runoff from such pristine country as the granite chief and desolation wilderness areas. Documents are provided as pdf files which can be viewed and printed through adobe acrobat reader, a free software.
The class iv middle fork of the american river rushes through a pristine, secluded canyon where a melee of pounding whitewater and the beauty of the sierra nevada foothills combine to offer an incomparable whitewater rafting adventure in california near sacramento. View north fork middle fork american in a larger map. In this paper, i discuss major ditch systems on three ridges. Download a copy of pcwas exploring the middle fork american river watershed brochure, which highlights recreational opportunities and activities in the middle fork american river watershed. Most people use auburn as a reference point for their middle fork of the american river trips. The whitewater rafting run that starts at the oxbow powerhouse includes the tunnel chute, ruckachucky falls, and murderers bar rapidobstacles that demand special techniques, equipment helmets and guiding skills. We offer raft trips for 14 days including wilderness camp outs and in combination with other forks of the american. Placer county water agency middle fork project map, pdf. A new release schedule for oxbow reservoir is posted on the 10 th of each month.
Before heading to a cdfw facility, contact the regional headquarters office to determine if that facility is open. The following are designated wild trout waters, some of which are also designated heritage trout waters marked with. The middle fork american river is one of the most reliable class 4, all summer california whitewater rafting trips. If it werent for the shallow rocks throughout the ramp, it would have been tempting. Known to be the most popular commercial whitewater rafting destination in the west, you get just the right mix of all the things people love about california whitewater exciting rapids, beautiful scenery, interesting history and a location close to the san francisco bay area, lake tahoe and sacramento. South fork of the snake river bureau of land management. Middle fork american river is a river in foresthill, ca in auburn state recreation area, tahoe national forest, eldorado national forest, granite chief wilderness. Youll find river maps, hiking trails, nature guides, and the comprehensive an insiders guide to the north, middle and south forks of the american river and canyons, now in its 3rd edition. The list of designated launches is available on the access page.
A detailed south fork american river map, along with the itinerary of american whitewater expeditions. Includes the south fork watershed and the rubicon, a tributary of the middle fork. I went this year with wet the company has great guides, try to get on with dax he is a real class act. The middle fork river the middle fork river is illinois first state scenic river, so designated in 1986 by governor james r. Middle fork american maps foothills water network maps.
Adventurous beginners or experienced rafters love the middle fork american river for its combination of serenity and heartpounding rapids. Feather river ca feather river map feather river recreation berry creek, california brush creek milsap bar. American whitewater is the primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the united states and connects the interests of humanpowered recreational river users with ecological and sciencebased data to achieve goals within our mission. There was debate amongst our group as to how difficult it was. Upper american river and middle fork project dams and diversions 1. Middle fork american river is a river in foresthill, ca in auburn state recreation area, tahoe national forest, eldorado national forest, granite chief. The south fork american river truly does offer something for everyone. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including largemouth bass and rainbow trout here. Middle fork river run i have run the middle fork several times in the past. Oroquincy highway, brush creek, berry creek, dome trail and curtain falls.
You may arrive at our camp on the south fork american anytime after 5 pm on the night before your trip. When planning your trip, be sure to check the dreamflows release schedule. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. After a failed attempt to cross the mountains via the south fork of the american river, smiths group managed to cross via ebbetts pass on the headwaters of the stanislaus river, becoming the first nonnative americans to do so. Lower honeymoon lake wild trout management plan 2012 pdf middle fork stanislaus river wild trout management plan 2016 pdf south fork kings river wild trout management plan 1982 pdf south fork merced river wild trout management plan 1979 pdf revised fishery management plan for the little kern golden trout 1984 pdf. This is an absolutely fantastic river trip due to some spectacular scenery and a few great class iv rapids. Fly fishing the upper american river in california varies greatly depending on the particular fork of the river youre fishing south fork american river, north fork american river or middle fork american river.
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