Middle Fork American River

Middle Fork American River rafting is pure whitewater adventure, of course, offering a series of thrilling Class 4 rapids through wild, secluded canyons of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Adventurous beginners or experienced rafters love the Middle Fork American river for its combination of serenity and heart-pounding rapids. Drenchings, drops, tunnels, pour-overs, the Middle Fork of the American River is a gauntlet of all the great rafting challenges.

**Minimum number required to raft the Middle Fork is 4.

See Trips

 Highlights:  Middle Fork American River

  • Length: 18 miles
  • Good Morning”: start the day off right with a good drenching from this soaker rapid
  • Tunnel Chute”: an incredible diversion chute blasted by miners in the 1880s during their search for gold
  • Kanaka Falls”: a Class 4 steep drop that requires highly coordinated steering from everyone in the raft
  • 7 mile scenic float through a beautiful river canyon, with a stop halfway for lunch on a sandy beach
  • Ruck-a-Chucky Falls”: a series of exhilarating Class 4 rapids, including an 8 foot pour-over (taking the raft over a submerged boulder) and a brief portage around a churning 25 foot fall
  • Bambi Falls”: end your American River Middle Fork rafting experience with a swim through this easy Class 2 rapid
  • Check Availability Form

most Spectacular canyon in ca.

Located, specifically, in the beautiful Sierra foothills, the Middle Fork American River rafting experience takes you through some gorgeous wild canyons, where native flora and fauna thrive. Summertime, of course, is prime time for Middle Fork rafting trips, from Memorial Day through September.

Attentive, Experienced Guides and Flexible Trip Itineraries

Truly, service and connection to our guests and to the river experience remains our passion. We are proud, in particular, to offer some of the most knowledgeable, fun, and attentive guides for your rafting journey along the Middle Fork American River. Most important, for almost 40 years, our family-owned company has been taking groups and individuals of every experience level down the river. We’re humbled to have received many positive testimonials over the years.

In fact, our trips are customizable according to the needs of your group. Our experienced booking staff is ready to help you design a truly spectacular Middle Fork white water rafting or combination river rafting experience.

The Best Campground on the American River

Whitewater Excitement’s private campground offers riverside camping with modern bathroom facilities (hot showers, flush toilets), right on the riverbank. Finally, we do not use public campgrounds or off-river campsites for any of our trips.

Group Discount on All Trips

We offer some of the best group discounts in the industry! 10-25% discounts depending on the size of your group, and they are applied automatically at checkout on all of our trips.

Scroll below to see our full list of standard trips on the Middle Fork.

Ready to book your rafting trip on the Middle Fork American River?

  • Call us at 1-800-750-2386 to speak to a real person; or,
  • Reserve your trip dates directly by booking online.

Not sure what trips are available, or looking for something you don’t see?

  • Call us at 1-800-750-2386 to speak to a real person; or,
  • Fill out our online trip availability form and receive a response within 24 hours with more options and details.

Middle Fork American river rafting fun.

  • rafts in the tunnel chute rapid

    Middle Fork American River 1 Day Trip

    Description: Our Middle Fork American river 1 day trip is one of the best adventurous summertime day trips in California.  Combining thrilling white water with beautiful … Learn more

    • River: Middle Fork American River
    • Length: 1 Day
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Advanced, Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: Lotus, Ca (Map)
    STARTING AT $140
    Book now!
  • middle fork american rirver rafters just after huge rapid

    South Middle Fork American River Deluxe 2 Day Combo

    Description:Our most popular American river rafting trip.  Spend two days rafting two different rivers. Day 1 is the Gorge Run on the South Fork American and … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $330
    Book now!
  • rafts inside tunnel on middle fork american river

    Ultimate South Middle Fork American River 2 Day Combo

    Description: Maximum white water rafting option: Spend two FULL days rafting two different rivers, including the Whole River of the South Fork American river, 21 … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $360
    Call to book 800.750.2386
  • rafters paddling through rapid on south fork american river

    South Middle Fork American River 3 Day Combo

    Description:  For those wanting a longer of a whitewater vacation, our Three-Day South and Middle Combo trip is for you. Spend the first two days … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Combination Trips, Middle Fork American River, South Fork American River Rafting
    • Length: 3 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp (Map)
    STARTING AT $425
    Call to book 800.750.2386
  • family smiles in big rapid

    Ultimate Middle Fork American River 2 Day

    Description: Maximum white water rafting option: Spend two FULL days rafting 18 miles the Middle Fork American river, all 18 miles each day, two nights … Learn more

    • River: American River Rafting, Middle Fork American River
    • Length: 2 Days
    • Class: III-IV
    • Min. age: 12
    • Skill: Advanced, Adventurous First Timer, Intermediate
    • Departs from: WWE Base Camp - Lotus, CA (Map)
    STARTING AT $335
    Call to book 800.750.2386
We are accepting reservations for the 2024 rafting season and we cant wait!Learn More