Middle Fork Feather River Rafting Guide to Adventures!
Guided Packrafting and Oar Raft Flot Trips
Plus Self-guided information on how to float this amazing river!
Check out our YouTube Channel to see short video stories of these adventures!!
Middle Fork Feather River
The Middle Fork of the Feather River was one of the first rivers to be nationally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Plumas National Forests divides the river into three zones, The Wild, The Scenic, and The Recreational areas. The US Forest Service allows guided trips on the Recreational and Scenic zones, and I am one of only six guides who are permitted to guide the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork River. I offer guided trips from just upriver of Clio to Nelson Point under a USFS Special Use Permit.
Where to raft the Middle Fork Feather - put in and take outs!
Upper Section of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork
Class I-II Easy Floats
From the Sierra Valley to Portola - The river is mellow, meandering, and very much a class I, relaxing and beautiful float. I would recommend doing this stretch when the water levels are higher and the flows are 300 plus. The float is about 6 miles and passes Grizzly Creek and Rocky Point Road, and then you can take it out anywhere in Portola. I usually take out below the A-15 Bridge on the right at the day-use BBQ and riverfront parking access (across from Dollar General Store).
Clio to Plumas Pines - The put-in at the Clio Bridge is a great spot. Easy to park and the float down to Graeagle is about 3-4 miles and for the most part very easy Class I water. You can take out at the Green Bridge in Blairsden or continue down to Mohwak Bridge, it adds about 1 mile and there are a few more rapids to navigate, but nothing too complex. From Graeagle to Plumas Pines there are a couple more complex runs but nothing over Class II, any experienced kayaker or someone paying attention should be able to navigate the river just fine. Clio to Graegle is more mellow, there are some flat sections to paddle but overall a nice fun float. During the summer or low water years expect to have to push and pull your boat through some of the lower water sections here and there but nothing too strenuous.
Guided Trip Description:
Our upper-section trips from Clio to Graeagle are beginner-friendly and are appropriate for those who do not have any prior paddling experience. This float is approximately 3 miles long and features mellow flows and a few fun class I rapids. This float can be done in a half day or a stop-and-relax full day. Great scenery and a perfect fun day on the water!
Middle Section of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork
Class II+
Plumas Pines to Camp Layman - has a few complex rocky class II Runs that can get a little spicy!
Right at the University of the Earth retreat, there is a boulder field, that at low water, can be hard to float through. At high water, it flows well. Below that there are 2 more runs that can be complex but any experienced river runner will find them straightforward to navigate. Two Rivers to Camp Layman has a few bigger runs, maybe the rapid at the Camp Laymn Bridge would be considered a Class III at higher flows. There is a pool at the bottom of the run and you can scout the run on river left to check out the big rock river center and the hole is produces.
Camp Layman to Sloat - From here, the river starts to get more fun with more consistent rocks, and features. At high flows 500 plus this section is Class II-III. At lower flows, Class II. There are 2 larger rapids as you get close to Sloat are the most powerful, the corner rapid, pushing the river left before you see the Sloat bridge, is the most complex. Lots of rocks, Class III in high water, difficult to run in lower water. You can walk this section on river left or river right.
Guided Trip Description:
Our Middle Section Trips are from Cromberg to Sloat and feature the perfect balance of fun exciting rapids, great fishing, and a backcountry feel. These trips are designed for those looking for a bit more of a challenge which is well worth the effort! This run is about 3 miles long and is done in a full day as the fishing is more than enough to keep you busy! The flows in the middle section are a little more lively featuring Class I-II depending on the time of year a few Class III spots that can easily be walked for safety.
Lower Section of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork
Class II - Class III+
Sloat to Redbridge - This section is probably the most well-known for rafting but does not see much traffic since it is remote and consequential. This section is about 6 miles and for the most part is Class II with a few more serious spots that you need to be ready for and paying attention! This section is remote, once you pass the Spring Garden Railroad Tunnel there is only one Forest Service road that accesses the river, otherwise, a helicopter is your only means of transportation other than your raft!! I love guiding this section in packrafts and I am in the works of developing safety standards to offer this float in my Oar Rafts!
Guided Trip Description:
Our Lower Section Trips are from Sloat to Nelson Point and are considered advanced! The river enters a very remote box canyon and access is limited only to raft or helicopter! The last few miles feature one Forest Service Road for access but otherwise, this section is truly “Wild and Scenic”. Floating and fishing this section of the Middle Fork Feather is truly an amazing experience. The float is about 6 miles in length and is best broken down into 2 days with an overnight on the river. You can float the full run in one day but you will miss out on optimal experience as we will have to make time for paddling and spend less time fishing! This section of the river is considered an advanced paddle and you should be in good physical shape and be ready for an ADVENTURE! There are dangerous rapids, hazards and due to the remote location safety is of the utmost importance. Running this section of the river is only at the discretion of Matt and when the flows are safe to do so. The river is mostly a Class II section but there are a few Class III rapids and depending on the flows and what river guide you reference, two Class IV Rapids. Like the middle section, the harder rapids can be easily walked with the exception of one which is generally an easy Class II follow the “V” run.
This section is truly a backcountry rafting and fly fishing experience and is our favorite place on the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River!
You can learn more about our float trips here. I look forward to getting you out on the river!
Learn more on our website about the trips we offer, feel free to reach out, and let’s connect on a float!
