Day 3: White Water Rafting

DATE: August 12th, 2007

Summary

River: California River (Middle Fork)

Rapid Class: III to V (Medium to Advanced)

Distance: 18 miles

Time Rafting: ~6 hours

Highlight: Class V ‘Tunnel Chute’ (pic -->)

This river is a great choice for those individuals and groups who wish to experience the adventure of a remote wilderness river trip and enjoy the challenge of many exciting whitewater rapids. An adventuresome first-time rafter in good physical condition, as well as the more experienced intermediate rafter will love the Middle Fork. Isolated from civilization in the Auburn State Recreation Area, this dam controlled river offers spectacular scenery, crystal clear water, great rapids, excellent fishing, and the possibility of a side hike up a picturesque creek to a waterfall.

The rapids on this river range from Class II to Class V. Overall we rate this river an an adventuresome Class III/IV experience with one Class V rapid - the famous Tunnel Chute. Here the river drops through a narrow, churning whitewater chute leading down to a flat water tunnel through a narrow ridge blasted by miners in the 1850s. The result is an exciting, roller coaster ride, adrenaline rush rapid. We stop to scout this rapid first; walking around the Tunnel Chute is always an option.

The thrill of the Tunnel Chute sets up the rest of our Middle Fork trip to be fully savored and enjoyed. Class II, III, and IV rapids follow, as well as a portage around a waterfall/boulder garden. There are also several long, lazy calm stretches where paddling is necessary as the current slows, and we enjoy the serenity and beauty of a remote river canyon.

The Middle Fork is a legendary California Gold Rush river. In the 1850's mining towns sprang up along its banks, and miners diverted the river at mile 2.5, Horseshoe Bend, creating the Tunnel Chute in order to glean riches from the exposed dry stream bed. More gold has probably been found in the Middle Fork canyon than in any other California river. Today you might even see a few hardy miners still panning for gold alongside the riverbanks as we float by.

Rafting company website: http://www.raftcalifornia.com/