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Kayaker’s Guide to the Middle Fork of the American River

Overview

  • Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, northeast of Auburn, CA
  • Length: ~16–18 miles (Oxbow to Greenwood Bridge or Mammoth Bar)
  • Class: III–IV (with one V in Tunnel Chute)
  • Best Season: Late spring through fall (flows controlled by Oxbow releases)
  • Best Flow: 900–1,500 cfs for rafts; 700+ cfs for kayaks
  • Character: Wild, remote canyon, stunning scenery, technical whitewater, unique rapids (including the famous Tunnel Chute)

Most Common Run: Oxbow Put-In to Greenwood Bridge Take-Out

Access Points

  • Put-In: Oxbow Bend (below Oxbow Powerhouse, reached via Mosquito Ridge Road)
  • Popular Take-Outs:
    • Greenwood Bridge (primary, easy access)
    • Mammoth Bar (shorter run, day-use only, closed some days for OHV activity)
  • Note: Access via steep canyon roads; drive carefully and expect limited cell service.

Major Rapids (in River Order, Downstream from Oxbow)

  1. Good Morning Rapid (III)
    • A fun wake-up call, just after put-in.
  2. Tunnel Chute (IV/V)
    • Signature rapid: A steep, rocky chute blasted in the Gold Rush era, ending in a 90-foot tunnel through the mountain!
    • Hazards: High risk at low and high flows. Scout on river left. Portage possible (carry boat over rocks).
  3. (First) Kanaka Rapid (III)
    • Big, splashy waves, boulder obstacles.
  4. Cleavage (III)
    • Technical, with powerful currents.
  5. Parallel Parking (III)
    • Series of ledges and holes, technical.
  6. Chunder (IV-)
    • Sharp drop, big hole at certain flows.
  7. Submarine (III)
    • Known for pushing boats underwater—hold on!
  8. Last Chance (III+)
    • Fast, bouldery, leads directly into the next rapid.
  9. Ruck-A-Chucky Falls (Class VI / Unrunnable by raft, Class V+ by kayak)
    • Portage mandatory for rafts, strongly recommended for most kayaks.
    • Portage: On river right; a guide rope and established trail for dragging boats.
    • Below the portage, “Cleavage” and “Parallel Parking” are fun for skilled paddlers.
  10. Ruck-A-Chucky Gorge (IV)
    • After the portage, swift and technical, several ledges and holes.
  11. Texas Chainsaw Mama (III+)
    • Boulder gardens, sharp turns.
  12. Catapult (III)
    • Fun waves, big finish!

Planning Your Trip

1. Permits & Flows

  • Permits: Required for commercial trips; private boaters must self-register at Oxbow put-in (free, just sign the board).
  • Check flows: See Dreamflows for real-time releases. Most days in summer see reliable morning releases for recreation.
  • No access: No put-in allowed at the Oxbow Reservoir—only at Oxbow Bend.

2. Shuttles & Logistics

  • Long shuttle: The drive from put-in to take-out can take over an hour; arrange a vehicle at Greenwood Bridge or Mammoth Bar before launching.
  • Parking: Limited at Oxbow; carpool if possible.

3. Gear

  • Kayak or raft (inflatable kayaks welcome, but consider difficulty of Tunnel Chute and Ruck-A-Chucky)
  • Helmet, PFD, paddle, throw rope, first aid kit, drybag, water, food
  • Wetsuit or drysuit in early/late season—water is cold!
  • Repair kit

4. Safety

  • Scout Tunnel Chute and Ruck-A-Chucky. Walk if unsure.
  • Travel with a group—this is a remote canyon with limited access.
  • Cell service: None in canyon; bring maps, tell someone your plan.

5. Camping & Day Use

  • No camping at Oxbow put-in or along most of the river; plan to camp outside the canyon (e.g., Foresthill, Auburn).
  • Day-use only on river for most paddlers.

Sample Itinerary (Full-Day)

  • 7:30 am: Meet at take-out (Greenwood Bridge), drop a car.
  • 8:30 am: Drive to Oxbow put-in, rig boats, sign in.
  • 9:30 am: Launch. Enjoy Good Morning Rapid.
  • 10:00 am: Scout Tunnel Chute. Portage if in doubt.
  • Midday: Run the rest of the major rapids. Lunch on a riverside beach.
  • 2–3 pm: Portage Ruck-A-Chucky Falls. Finish in the afternoon.
  • 4–5 pm: Take out at Greenwood Bridge.

Local Resources & Further Info