For those without the skill or equipment to run this on their own, this could be one of the best commercial trips in CA. This area is not nearly as crowded as the South Fork but still offers year round boating due to dam controlled flows coming out of the Oxbow reservoir.
This is a longer run but can easily be done in a day (including shuttles). For those wanting to make a weekend out of this, overnighters are possible along most of the river due to BLM controlled land. Only problem with overnighters is the amount of gear you need to bring and portage through the portage section of this run.
The portage is the least fun aspect of this run but is still worth it. Heavy gear and boats will be a real pain so pack light. You can also have an adventurous sole run the boat down the portage chute while the others walk it. Either way, make sure to plan appropriately for a successful portage here.
The fishing and side hikes found in this canyon also warrant doing this run as an overnighter. Lots of mines and historic gold rush era equipment to explore and think about.
Most of this run is solid class III but handful of IV's with a class V portage, length and remoteness make this overall run a solid IV.
| Class | IV- to IV |
| Current Flow |
663.0 CFS 02-12-2018 13:00 |
| Recommended Flow |
Minimum: 700.0 Average: 1800.0 Maximum: 3000.0 |
| Typical Season |
Begins: January Ends: December |
| Recommended Use |
Kayaking: Yes Rafting: Yes Canoeing: No SUP: No Packrafting: No Fishing: Yes |
| Primary Gauge | MIDDLE FK AMERICAN R NR OXBOW PH |
| Length | 16.5 Mile(s) |
| Gradient | 23.0 FPM |
