The North Fork Middle Fork of the American River challenges paddlers with one of California’s most intense and technically demanding whitewater runs. Extending over 13 miles from Last Chance Bridge all the way down to the Middle Fork confluence, this route demands respect, skill, and preparation. This remote section stayed largely off the radar until the mid-90s when early boaters like Brandon Nelson first confronted its rugged wilderness. Their accounts reveal a river that dares you to navigate jagged drops and twisting gorges carved out by relentless snowmelt currents.

Starting at Last Chance Bridge, the river greets paddlers with crystal-clear, cold water racing down a steep gradient averaging 130 feet per mile. The character of the river is raw and relentless, with a series of technical class V drops that push even seasoned kayakers. One of the standout features is Devil’s Gate, a narrow gorge framed by towering vertical walls reaching 100 feet high. This section includes a 12-foot ledge into a terminal hole that, while daunting, can be walked on river right. Paddlers must drop off a shelf ramp, then carefully navigate a 10-foot ledge center line—missing this can result in slamming into a half-pipe wall with the risk of losing control as past adventurers have experienced.

Between the adrenaline-pumping rapids, the river offers brief moments where the forested canyon breathes and the roar of water softens, giving paddlers a chance to catch their breath. The landscape shifts dramatically, from tight gorges to rocky shelves, demanding constant attention and precise maneuvers.

To access this remote section, the approach itself is an adventure. Beginning from Auburn, follow Foresthill Road through the town of Foresthill for about 16 miles until reaching Deadwood Road. A right turn leads towards signs marking "7 miles to Devil’s Thumb." From there, a rugged hike of a mile plus 1,800 feet descent along part of the Western States Trail takes paddlers to the put-in on river right at the Last Chance Bridge. For those looking to break the trip into more manageable segments, the middle section near Bake Oven can be reached by parking on Mosquito Ridge Road past mile marker 16 and descending via a trail to a miner’s cabin site.

The take-out offers two options: Mosquito Ridge Road bridge or a staging area two miles downstream used commonly by Middle Fork rafters. Both provide public access points that accommodate group logistics and vehicle shuttling. Placer County Water Agency manages the river gauge above Circle Bridge and publishes flow data essential for timing runs in safe and runnable conditions.

Preparation is key for this challenging route. Given the technical nature and physical demands, prioritize high-quality paddling gear, including a robust whitewater helmet and a drytop. Expect to spend up to 6–7 hours navigating the entire section if portaging some major drops. Seasonally, late spring to early summer tends to offer more stable and runnable flows as snowmelt maintains consistent water levels without overwhelming the river with flood risks.

This section demands attentiveness to rapidly shifting conditions, on-river hazards like pinball-worthy ledges, and short stretches of plunge pools that punish mistakes but reward precision. Safety equipment and a solid shuttle plan are non-negotiable. Those drawn to this run should embrace the challenge, respect the river’s power, and prepare for an epic, hands-on whitewater adventure in the heart of California’s rugged terrain.

Whether seeking the rush of tight technical rapids or the experience of a remote river corridor, paddlers who commit to the North Fork Middle Fork American River will find a course that rewards skillful navigation with stunning raw nature and unforgettable intensity.