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Middle Fork American River - Tunnel Run Full Day Trip

Guided

Duration: 6 hours

Features

Shuttle Included
Instant Book
Locally Owned
$229 Person (Monday-Friday)
(Ages 14+)
$249 Person (Saturday & Sunday)
(Ages 14+)

Description

Middle Fork American River Whitewater Rafting Trip – Tunnel Run (Full Day, Class III-IV)

The Tunnel Chute Full-Day Rafting Trip is the quintessential Middle Fork experience, combining heart-pounding whitewater with awe-inspiring scenery and rich Gold Rush history. Located deep in the Tahoe National Forest, this 18-mile whitewater rafting trip winds through a remote canyon with emerald-green water, granite cliffs, and a true sense of wilderness.
This trip is best known for its namesake rapid—Tunnel Chute, one of the most exhilarating and unique rapids in the world. Originally hand-blasted by 19th-century gold miners, Tunnel Chute drops you into a steep, narrow rock chute before shooting you through a 90-foot tunnel carved straight through the canyon wall. It's a Class IV thrill like no other, on the upper edge of what can be rafted commercially, and a highlight of any rafting career.
Beyond Tunnel Chute, you’ll experience nonstop action, from technical boulder gardens to big Class III and IV waves. Between rapids, take time to soak in the serene beauty of the canyon’s quieter stretches. If you're an intermediate rafter looking for the exciting whitewater and stunning scenery, this is your trip. 

Duration  

6 hours on the water | 18 miles  
Total trip duration, including check-in, shuttle, rafting, and lunch, is approximately 7–8 hours from start to finish  

Location / Where to Meet  

Action Whitewater

Ages & Requirements  

  1. Ages 14+  
  2. Prior rafting experience is recommended but not required  
  3. Participants should be physically active and comfortable in moving water  
  4. Good swimming ability required

What's Included  

  1. Professional guide  
  2. All rafting equipment – Paddle, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit (if needed)  
  3. Gourmet deli lunch – Build-your-own sandwiches with meats, cheeses, veggies, and all the fixings  
  4. Shuttle to and from the river put-in/take-out points

Not Included

  1. Guide gratuity
  2. Photos & souvenirs available – Purchase trip photos and keepsakes at our camp store

What to Bring/Wear

  1. Quick-drying clothing – Avoid cotton; opt for synthetic or wool materials
  2. Secure swimwear or shorts – Board shorts or athletic wear that dries quickly
  3. Secure footwear – Water shoes, sandals with straps (like Tevas or Chacos), or old sneakers (no flip-flops)
  4. Sunglasses with a retainer strap 
  5. Sunscreen 
  6. Change of clothes & towel – For after the trip

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Action Whitewater

FAQs

Is previous experience required?

This is an intermediate trip with Class III-IV rapids, and previous experience is strongly recommended. If you have never rafted before, we recommend starting with a trip on the South Fork American River.

What class rapids will we encounter?

Tunnel Run features Class III-IV rapids, including the world-famous Tunnel Chute Class IV Rapid. Tunnel Chute is cutting edge in commercial rafting and such a privilege to be able to experience, it leaves you satisfied with a sense of accomplishment, and with an adrenaline rush like no other.

Do we need to know how to swim?

Yes, participants must be able to swim for the Tunnel Run trip.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Rafting trips run rain or shine. However, in the rare case of extreme weather or unsafe river conditions, we may reschedule or cancel the trip with a full refund.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

We recommend leaving valuables behind, as they can easily get lost or damaged. Professional photos will be available for purchase after the trip.

Is lunch included?

Yes, we provide a gourmet deli lunch – build-your-own sandwiches with meats, cheeses, veggies, and all the fixings

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at lunch?

Yes - no problem! Just let us know in the designated space at checkout.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is not required but greatly appreciated. If you had a great experience, 10% - 20% of the trip cost is a good guideline.

Is there camping available at your headquarters?

Yes! We have on-site camping at our Motherlode River Center Campgrounds. Just let us know in the comments at checkout that you're interested in camping, and we'll reach out to you.

Camping Pricing: Space: $30/night per person – you provide and set up your own equipment. Standard: $40/night per person – we provide and set up a tent, sleeping pad & camp chair. Deluxe: $45/night per person – we provide and set up a tent, sleeping pad & camp chair as well as a freshly laundered sleeping bag. Parking: There is a $5.00/night parking fee at our South Fork Camp.

What is the best day of the week to go rafting?

We recommend rafting mid-week whenever possible! Our mid-week pricing is slightly discounted, and there will be much fewer people on the river, making for a more intimate and pristine experience.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds for cancellations with 30+ days notice prior to date of trip will be assessed a 15% processing fee.
Cancellations with less than 30 days' notice will not receive a refund and may be assessed a cancellation/rescheduling fee of $30/person.
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Availability

May 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

6260 Hwy 49

Lotus, CA, 95651

US

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