General River Rafting Information

Middle Fork American River

Oxbow Bend to Highway 49 Bridge

Difficulty: Class IV

Length: 25 miles. Shorter runs possible.

Gradient: 25 ft. / mile overall.

Elevation @ Put-In: 1100 ft.

Drainage: 524 square miles at mile 2.5.

Recommended Flow: 800-2000 cfs.

Flow Information: CDEC flow link. Inflow from Oxbow Powerhouse.

Scenery: Very Good

Solitude: Very Good

Rafts and Kayaks: Intermediates can run the section above mile 16 at flows below 1800 cfs--if they are accompanied by advanced boaters who know the river, AND if they portage the big drops. Novices can handle the stretch below mile 16 provided they take out above Murderer's Bar Rapid.

Canoes: At low flows, experts can tackle the upper section but should be prepared to portage several rapids. Intermediates can run the lower section with one long portage around Murderer's Bar Rapid, or with an early take out at Mammoth Bar (mile 23).

Special Hazards: Tunnel Chute (mile 2.5), Ruck-a-Chucky (mile 14.5) Murderer's Bar Rapid (Mile 23.1)

Commercial Rafting Trips: For an outfitter please click link.

Maps: Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, Georgetown, Auburn, Greenwood (USGS 7.5"); Lake Tahoe (AAA) Mapquest

Water: Undrinkable. Purify or bring your own.

Camping: Because of one or two portages in the first 15 miles, few boats carry overnight gear down the river. There are several "primitive" sites at the take out, off Driver's Flat road. This outfitter offers 2-Day trips on the Middle Fork American, they carry your gear in oar boats!

Auto Shuttle: 25 miles, 1.5 hours.

Logistics: The take-out is three miles southeast of Auburn, upstream from the Highway 49 bridge across the North Fork American and just below the confluence with the Middle Fork. To reach the put-in follow the Auburn-Foresthill Road east about 17 miles from Auburn. Just before you reach the town of Foresthill, turn right and follow the curves of Mosquito Ridge Road down to and across the North Fork of the Middle Fork American River. About 2 miles beyond this tributary, turn right and drive down the Middle Fork put-in, just downstream from Oxbow Powerhouse.