Overview
Trip Snapshot
MEETING PLACE: | Driver’s Flat Trailhead on Foresthill Road, 8 miles & 10 minutes east of North Auburn. The paved turn-out is on the left, 200 yards past Driver’s Flat Rd. |
MEETING TIME: | 8:00 AM (We cannot wait for late arrivals, so please be on time.) |
RETURN TIME: | Approximately 3:30 – 4:00 PM |
RIVER RATING: | Class IV (suitable for intermediate to advanced rafters) |
RIVER MILES: | 16 river miles with 9 recognizable rapids |
PUT-IN: | Oxbow Reservoir |
TAKE-OUT: | Driver’s Flat Rd |
TRIP LENGTH: | 1 Day |
AGE LIMIT: | Minimum age is 14 (16 at high water) |
BOAT OPTIONS: | Paddle raft |
The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip. The following boats may be a part of your experience:
Paddle Raft
Learn more about the boats on your trip at https://www.oars.com/experience/boats/
WE NEED TO DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER TRIPS:
IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY FOR BOTH GUIDES AND GUESTS, WE CAN ONLY TAKE SIX (6) GUESTS IN EACH RAFT. We try very hard to not split groups, but sometimes, based on how different group sizes match up, it is simply unavoidable. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
WHITEWATER
The water on the Middle Fork of the American River is released during the summer months from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. Such water releases are not subject to the control of El Dorado County or commercial rafting companies. It is important for our guests to understand that the water flow on the American is directly related to demand for hydropower.
WHITEWATER ORIENTATION VIDEO
To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our 23-minute Whitewater Orientation video before joining us. Watch at https://www.oars.com/experience/safety/ or call 800-346-6277 to request a free DVD. Please don’t leave home without watching.
Sample Itinerary
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and always-flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Driver’s Flat Trailhead on Foresthill Road—just past Driver’s Flat Road—about 10 minutes from Auburn. Please be on time, as we cannot wait for late arrivals. Once everyone has arrived, we will take a 45-minute shuttle ride to our put-in at Oxbow.
Once we arrive at the put-in, the guides will unload and rig the boats, present a thorough orientation and safety talk, and fit you with your safety gear. Then, we’re off down the river!
Our morning brings several Class II-III rapids in quick succession before we reach Tunnel Chute: a long, growling stretch of whitewater that paws us back and forth through its frothing channel, down through the famous underground stretch of river. (Some guests and groups of guests may be asked by the guides to walk around Tunnel Chute.) After Tunnel Chute, we happily negotiate more adrenaline-pumping Class II-IV rapids, with highlights like Cathedral and Kanaka Falls.
After plummeting through Kanaka, we leisurely meander down several miles of calm water. Now in the heart of Auburn State Recreation Area, we gaze at the steep walls covered in pine forests which plunge down into the boulder-strewn river. In spring, the green hillsides are adorned with colorful wildflowers; later in the season, the hills turn a golden yellow that contrasts sharply with the green woods.
Come lunchtime, we will pull over to a beach for a delicious picnic. Your guides will lay out an abundant spread of cold cuts, cheeses, veggies and breads or wraps. Lunch is always accompanied by fruit, cookies, cold water and lemonade.
Once we’ve finished lunch, we will return to the boats to finish the flat water section and prepare for another long stretch of continuous whitewater action. An intense Class IV drop, Chunder, provides thrills and chills before we get out of the boats and scramble around the roaring, 30-foot waterfall, Ruck-A-Chucky Falls. As we negotiate the rugged path around the side of the pounding falls, you can look back up to watch your guides maneuver the rafts down this spectacular stretch of whitewater. Back on the river, we finish our day with another mile and a half of great whitewater and rapids. As we reach our take-out, an OARS shuttle will be waiting to return us to our vehicles at the top of Driver’s Flat Road. We usually have you returned to your vehicle at Driver’s Flat Road by 3:30 – 4:00 PM. (If you have arranged to ride back to the OARS American River Outpost in the OARS shuttle, we will return to camp around 4:30 – 5:00 PM.)
What’s Included?
- Skilled, professional guide service
- Delicious, riverside picnic lunch
- High-quality inflatable rafts and related river equipment including paddle, helmet, personal flotation device, wetsuits and splash tops (Wetsuits and splash tops provided on early and late season trips, cold weather trips, and by advance request.)
- Transfers from the meeting place to the river and back
What’s Not Included?
- Transportation to the meeting place and back
- River Access Fees
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Gratuities
- Wetsuit booties or shoes of any kind
Travel Arrangements
Meeting Place & Time
We’ll meet at 8:00 AM at the Driver’s Flat Trailhead on Foresthill Road, between Auburn and Foresthill, CA. The actual turn-out where you park your car is on the left-hand side of Foresthill Road and about 200 yards beyond Driver’s Flat Road. There is no sign to mark the meeting spot, so please look for our OARS vehicles parked in the turn-out. Click here for a Google Map.
Getting to the Driver’s Flat Trailhead
By Car
- From Sacramento via I-80: Follow Interstate 80 East toward Reno. About 2 miles east of Auburn, take the Auburn Ravine/Foresthill Road exit (#121). Turn right, or east, onto Foresthill Road, continuing on for 8 miles. You’ll know you’re headed in the right direction when you cross over the impressive Foresthill Bridge.
- After 8 miles, you will see a sign that says Driver’s Flat Road—do not drive down this road. The paved turnout is immediately past the sign for Driver’s Flat Road, on the left-hand (or north) side of Foresthill Rd. An OARS representative will be waiting with an OARS van at 8:00 AM. (If you arrive at the meeting place before our vans arrive, please hold off on paying the parking fee. We will have parking passes for you when we arrive.) Please be prompt, have your gear ready, and be dressed for the river. Lock up your valuables, give your car key to the Trip Leader and get ready to have a blast!
- From Reno/North Lake Tahoe: Take Interstate 80 West toward Sacramento. As you approach Auburn, exit at Auburn Ravine/Foresthill Road (exit #121). Cross over the freeway after turning onto Foresthill Road, and follow the above directions.
Mileage and Driving Times
From San Francisco | 130 miles (2½+ hours) |
From San Jose | 165 miles (3+ hours) |
From Sacramento | 44 miles (1 hour) |
From Los Angeles | 430 miles (6½ hours) |
From South Lake Tahoe | 91 miles (2¼ hours) |
From Reno | 105 miles (2 hours) |
These are approximate mileage and driving times and do not take into account any delays, so please allow yourself extra time.
Parking
If you’re arriving by car, parking is available at the Driver’s Flat Trailhead during your trip. An OARS representative will be waiting with an OARS van. (If you arrive at the meeting place before our vans arrive, please hold off on paying the parking fee. We will have parking passes for you when we arrive.) Anything you are not planning on bringing on your trip should be left in your car.
OARS cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations
- 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 or click here.
Rental Options at our American River Outpost:
- Sleep Kit: Can be rented for $25 per person. Sleep kits consist of a sleeping bag, a deluxe 3-inch thick, air-filled sleeping pad, sheet, pillow and pillowcase.
- 2-Person Tent: $30 per stay
- 4-Person Family Tent: $50 per stay
- 2-Person Pre-set Platform Tent (with 2 twin beds, sheets, pillows, and down comforters): $99 per tent, per night (not per-person
Lodging
- Holiday Inn, Auburn (530) 887-8787
- Rocklin Park Hotel & Spa (916) 630-9400
Camping
- Long Ravine Campground (530) 346-6166
- Auburn State Rec. Area (530) 885-4527
We recommend you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging.
Weather & Water Conditions
You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend you check the following web site: https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/ca/auburn for weather in Auburn, CA.
Average Air and Water Temperatures
Air (Day) °F | Air (Night) °F | Water Temp. °F | |
May | 75-79 | 45-49 | 55 |
June | 82-86 | 50-54 | 58 |
July | 90-94 | 59-63 | 61 |
August | 89-93 | 59-63 | 65 |
September | 83-87 | 51-55 | 64 |
Getting Ready
River Runners Responsibility Code
- Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
- Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
- Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
- Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
- Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
- No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
- Minimize your impact on the environment.
- Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
- Your children are your responsibility!
Essential Eligibility Criteria for River Trips
Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential eligibility requirements.
What To Bring
Click on this link for helpful information about packing for your trip: https://www.oars.com/video/wear-bring-one-day-rafting-trip-oars/
The information below is subject to when your trip takes place. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.
Footwear
The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes and won’t come off in swirling current. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.
Clothing
We recommend starting with a bathing suit/swim trunks and a lightweight synthetic shirt. In cool weather, add layers of synthetic long underwear and warmer clothes as needed.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.
A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a must. Rheos, the official sunglasses sponsor of OARS guides, offers polarized floatable nautical eyewear with 100% UV protection. Use promo code OARS15 to save 15% on any purchase from The Nautical Eyewear Collection.
Packing List
☐ Sunscreen & lip protection: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
☐ Water bottle
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Shade hat/visor, flexible enough to wear underneath your helmet
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized such as Rheos floatable eyewear www.rheosgear.com)
☐ Swimsuit; a two-piece is recommended for women for changing and using the restroom
☐ Shorts (long board shorts preferable for sun protection) and quick-drying top
☐ River/tennis shoes or river sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®)“Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Synthetic long underwear for spring trips
☐ Warm socks (neoprene or wool)
☐ Dry clothes and shoes to change into after your trip
Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore and receive FREE SHIPPING in the U.S. + 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.
Reminders
- ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING WEATHER! Especially during the months of April, May and early June, California can experience extreme changes in weather.
- Wearing cotton items on a river trip is only appropriate when the weather is hot. Wet cotton will chill your body temperature.
- Provided wetsuits (on early/late-season or cold-weather trips) do not include “wetsuit booties” – please bring your own, or wear wool socks with tennis shoes as a good alternative.
Special Considerations
Please let us know if you have any medical issues or dietary needs that we will need to consider in planning your trip.
Cameras
You may want to bring a small waterproof bag to hold your camera and other items you might need during the day. While most rafting-specific bags are designed to be waterproof, you may also wish to place your camera in a durable, waterproof case for additional protection.
Commercial Photographs
There are several professional companies taking photos of each raft at the Middle Fork’s famous Tunnel Chute. These companies are not affiliated with OARS and you will need to contact them separately to purchase these pictures. Hotshot Imaging is conveniently based in Lotus right next door to our American River Outpost campground; visit them after your river trip at their storefront on Hwy 49 to purchase photos or view and order them online at www.oars.com/photos.
Trip Forms
Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms online and submit them no later than 30 days prior to your trip, or immediately if booking within 30 days.
Payments
Final and full payment is due at the time of booking.
Extra Gear
We recommend that you leave your valuables at home or in your private vehicle and take on the river only what’s absolutely necessary. We also recommend you leave dry shoes and clothing in your car to ensure a comfortable drive home.
Gratuities
Tipping is appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, in the form of cash or a personal check, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.
Something Voluntary
In reviewing your statement, you’ll notice a $1/person/day donation to the American River Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Forks of the American River. One-hundred percent of your tax-deductible donation goes toward conserving the American Rivers watershed. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate.
Helpful Links
Get free shipping on OARS gear + give back! 15% of all purchases help fund outdoor adventures for under-resourced youth
www.oars.com/OARStore
Shop for the latest in top-quality clothing, footwear & outdoor gear
www.rei.com
Recommended Reading List
https://www.oars.com/blog/best-california-books-about-the-sierra-nevada-and-beyond/
Watch our “What to Wear and Bring” video
https://www.oars.com/video/wear-bring-one-day-rafting-trip-oars/
Additional information about the area
www.theamericanriver.com
Terms & Conditions
Reservations
Full payment is required at the time of booking. Payments may be made by check, money order or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.
Cancelling your trip after your deposit has processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you.
Cancellations and Refunds
Your payment is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 48 hours after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to departure.
If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan (see Travel Protection below).
DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
30 or more days prior to your trip | $15/person |
29 to 7 days prior | Payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year) for $30/person transfer fee. No refund. |
6 days or less prior | 50% of the trip cost can be credited to another trip (within the same year). No refund. |
Late arrivals or “no shows” | No refund or credit |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation e-mail for details.
Cancelled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 7 days prior to departure. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip. If a trip must be cancelled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd -party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a cancelled trip.
Transfers
If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same year, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $30/person fee up until 30 days prior to departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. If we are 29-7 days prior to your trip departure, 50% of your trip cost can be credited to another trip, within the same year only. Transfer requests made 6 days or less prior to departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Travel Protection
Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel your reservation after the rescission period, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan can reimburse you for non-refundable payments for cancellations due to covered medical reasons; and trip participants must understand that in the event of illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit: https://www.oars.com/tpp
Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan. Coverage does not take effect until the plan premium has been paid.
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here: www.oars.com/tpp
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
Liability Release / Assumption of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
Responsibility – An Important Notice
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and wellbeing of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 6 guests), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.
OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.