Meeting Place
OARS American River Outpost
Address: 7330 River Park Drive, Lotus, CA 95651
GPS Coordinates: 38.806327, -120.903538
Adjacent to where Hwy 49 crosses the river, behind Hotshot Imaging and the River Park shopping center
2 Days $469
View Dates & PricesWhen you need a quick adventure fix away from it all, a 2-day Middle Fork American River rafting trip is the perfect antidote. This iconic California rafting trip is probably best known for its thrilling highlight—Tunnel Chute. In 1889, in search of gold buried beneath the American River, miners blasted a tunnel through the side of a cliff to divert the water, creating what is today a long, tumultuous rapid that concludes by taking paddlers underground for 90 feet before whisking them out on the other side. On our two day trips, exhilarating whitewater and scenic calm stretches of flatwater combined with stress-free camping makes for an unforgettable overnight getaway in the remote and wild American River Canyon. Just a short drive from the bustle of San Francisco and Sacramento, this is a must-do California rafting adventure.
Address: 7330 River Park Drive, Lotus, CA 95651
GPS Coordinates: 38.806327, -120.903538
Adjacent to where Hwy 49 crosses the river, behind Hotshot Imaging and the River Park shopping center
Information for this Mile by Mile guide was gathered from the books “California Whitewater” and “A Guide to the Best Whitewater in the State of California,” as well as from a variety of sources on the Internet.
Oxbow Bend. Put-in (start) for OARS Middle Fork American Whitewater Rafting trips. The trip begins in the eddy just below the Oxbow Powerhouse. This uninhabited, pristine wilderness area was once home to two mining camps and more than 10,000 people.
ALARM CLOCK (aka GOOD MORNING COFFEE) (III) As its name implies, this rapid is the wake-up call for the day to come.
The North Fork of the Middle Fork enters the river on the right.
LITTLE FIN BACK (II)
CARLS CRASH OR GUIDE SLAMMER (III)
SANTA’S MUSTACHE (Also called ORGANIZED CHAOS) (III)
JAKE THE RIPPER (II)
LAST CHANCE (IV) This rapid is an almost vertical drop.
TUNNEL CHUTE (IV) Crowds of miners came to the Middle Fork American River canyon in search of gold in the late 1800s. They realized that gold probably settled into what was formerly a slow-moving, horseshoe bend in the river. To divert the flow and access the hidden gold, they blasted a tunnel and dug a chute to guide the water through the tunnel. This alteration to the river created one of the biggest gold discoveries in the California foothills. Technically, the rapid should be called Chute Tunnel, as you will descend through a narrow 80-foot long chute which concludes with a big drop into frothy, churning water. You will then pass through a 90-foot long underground tunnel. This will certainly be a memorable California whitewater experience!
There are numerous Class III rapids until the Class IV Kanaka Falls rapid.
Volcano Canyon, river right. Josephine Canyon, river left. There was once a great deal of mining activity in this area.
KANAKA FALLS (IV) This rapid is also known as CARTWHEEL. The river rushes to the right over boulders. The current will sweep the boat toward a rock wall on the right.
A nine-mile stretch of Class I-II rapids provides opportunity for swimming and enjoying the Sierra Foothill scenery.
Dardanelles Creek. Hidden pools and waterfalls can be found up this creek.
Doodlebug Dredge. Historical gold-mining landmark.
Ford’s Bar, Otter Creek, river left. There is a side hike one mile up Otter Creek. There is a swimming hole and plenty of ripe blackberries from mid-July to August.
Canyon Creek, river left.
UPPER RUCK-A-CHUCKY (IV) Also called CHUNDER. Originally named by the gold miners in the 1800s, this rapid provides a fun six-foot drop.
RUCK-A-CHUCKY (V+) OARS does not take passengers down this Middle Fork American rapid. Our guests walk around as guides maneuver the boats downstream to a safe location.
LOWER RUCK-A-CHUCKY (IV)
PARALLEL PARKING (IV)
Numerous Class III rapids.
Greenwood Bridge. Take out/end of your California whitewater experience. A set of wide stone steps leads up to a parking lot. Beverages and a return shuttle to the OARS American River Outpost wait at the take-out of your Middle Fork American River rafting trip.
$469
Additional Costs:
DISCLAIMER
Discounts applicable on American River trips only and cannot be combined with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. Contact an adventure consultant at 1-855-541-4792 for details. Discounts must be mentioned at the time of booking. No retroactive discounts will be applied after a trip has been booked, confirmed or completed. All such discounts are subject to expiration, restriction or withdrawal without notice.
Camp with us! Limited camping for rafters is available before and/or after your trip at the OARS American River Outpost in Lotus. All nights of camping are $15 per person/night. Advance reservations are required. Please ask an Adventure Consultant about the details of staying at our beautiful riverside camp.
A few of our campground amenities include men’s and women’s restrooms, hot showers, camp store, beach and river access, games and free WiFi. All within a few minutes walk of Sierra Rizing Bakery & Coffee House and a handful of other local restaurants.
Don’t have your own gear? Rental options include:
Learn about our campground | View the campground map
Please note that camping reservations must be made in advance of arrival and guests may check-in between 3:30 and 8:00 PM.
Save 10% when you book online!
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. is a permitted outfitter of the California Department of Parks and Recreation Gold Fields District.
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Middle Fork of the American River between Oxbow Reservoir and Greenwood Bridge, we acknowledge the territories of the Nisenan.