Middle Fork American River

Accommodations

Hotels and B&B's

Foresthill Miner's Camp: Foresthill, (888) 983-5083

Spend a cozy night in one of these artfully restored miner's cabins, where every unique room has been meticulously crafted in "American Picker" decor. Instagram and Pinterest were invented for places like this. Miner's Camp also has a covered outdoor cooking area and open area with fire pit for all guests to enjoy during their stay. The cabins are located a short half a mile drive from our meeting place.

Special midweek discount offer for All-Outdoors guests: Stay at any available cabin Sunday-Thursday nights and receive an exclusive discount: $130.00 for the first night, $100 for each additional night (this is a 10-30% discount!). Each cabin can comfortably accommodate 2 to 6 people and this fixed price includes tax and cleaning. Mention that you are rafting with All-Outdoors and the date of your rafting trip when booking.

Best Western Golden Key: Auburn, (800) 201-0121 or (530) 885-8611

This chain hotel is located in downtown Auburn and about a 30-minute drive from our Foresthill meeting place. Amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, spa, internet, and cable TV. Guests can also enjoy the lawn area for picnics and barbeques.

Holiday Inn: Auburn, (530) 887-8787

This hotel is located about 30 minutes from our meeting place in Foresthill and about a mile from Historic Downtown Auburn. Amenities include a fitness center and spa, outdoor pool, internet, and a restaurant (next door). All rooms are complete with cable/satellite TV, coffeemaker, and refrigerator.

Motel 6: Auburn, (530) 888-7829

Despite its low-budget reputation, this newer Motel 6 with a pool is getting above average ratings from our guests. It is located about 30 minutes from our Foresthill meeting place and has casual dining nearby. Motel 6 offers coffee in the morning.

Power's Mansion Inn: Auburn, (916) 425-9360

Built in 1884, this historic mansion is centrally situated in the heart of downtown Auburn and about 45 minutes from our meeting place in Foresthill. It has 15 themed bedrooms each with its own private bath, satellite TV, phone, and numerous original antiques and fixtures. Full complimentary breakfast at The Power Club, an Irish brewery and restaurant next door.

Vacation Rental "Cottage Pool House": Auburn, (530) 906-6400

About 30 minutes to the Foresthill Middle Fork meeting place, this private cottage is built on a 5 acre estate and sleeps 2-4. It is complete with a modern pool, spa, kitchenette, living room, and full length patio.

Christmas Tree Vineyard Lodge: Foresthill, (916) 599-0141

Within the Tahoe National Forest, this rustic lodge is about a 35-minute drive on Foresthill Rd to our meeting place. Six quiet guest rooms are complete with private bath and a queen bed. The great room in the lodge offers warmth and conviviality with a wood stove and activities including games, books, TV, DVD player and WiFi. Rates include a full breakfast and access to the kitchen to prepare your own food at other times. Nearby hiking and mountain biking trails are available along with horseback riding and fishing opportunities.

Campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest: Sugar Pine Reservoir, (877) 444-6777

Explore the forest and camp before and/or after your whitewater adventure. We recommend two campsites within Sugar Pine Reservoir: Giant Gap and Shirttail Creek because they are located closest to the AO meet place in Foresthill; about a 35-minute drive.

Long Ravine Campground: Colfax, (530) 346-6166

About a 40-minutes drive to our meet place, this resort-style facility offers tent and RV camping, a variety of cabin sizes, and yurts. The grounds include a general store, laundry room, new swimming pool, exercise trail, club-house, playground and petting zoo. Family pets are welcome although there are no kennels.

Camp Lotus:
Lotus, (530) 622-8672

This small developed campground is located on the South Fork American River, about an hour drive from our Middle Fork meet place. Tent sites, as well as a handful of RV sites and cabins are available. Advance reservations are required.

Large Group Accommodation & Conference Facility

Mountain Shadows Resort: Foresthill, (888) 674-4933

Less than a 5-minute drive from our meeting place, the resort is perfect for large groups that want an extended play & stay experience for large events or corporate off-sites. Bookend your day on the river with fully equipped accommodations for the entire group. Sleeps 15 people. Additional accommodations are available nearby at the Foresthill Miner's Camp. Located on 1.5 acres of private property overlooking the American River Canyon, the resort has several bedrooms and bunk rooms, 3 full baths, culinary kitchen, swimming pool, outdoor and indoor fireplaces and more.

Local Information

Surrounding Attractions

Tahoe National Forest: American River Ranger District, (530) 367-2224

If you're interested in hiking, fishing, boating, or swimming before or after your whitewater trip, the Tahoe National Forest is a great place to visit. The forest encompasses a large area stretching from the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the golden foothills above the Sacramento Valley. The Sugar Pine/Big Reservoir area is the closest in relation to our meeting place in Foresthill, about a 30 minute drive.

Auburn State Recreation Area: Main Office, (530) 885-4527

This recreation area covers 40 miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River and offers visitors the chance to explore over 100 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and mountain biking. The park is located south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax. The main access is from Auburn, either on Highway 49 or the Auburn-Foresthill Rd.

Visitors to the Middle Fork American River may also want to explore the nearby town of Auburn. Its charming historic Old Town and Downtown is filled with museums, shopping, restaurants, and buildings rich in Gold Rush era history. Take a stroll down Commercial Street where the brick faced buildings and store fronts appear much like they did in early days.

You can also stop by the Auburn Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday and features small-scale farms and California certified fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Visit the Auburn Chamber of Commerce for more information.

River Conditions
(Real Time)

Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the Middle Fork American River on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather

The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.

Seasonal patterns do exist. In April and May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees). Night temperatures can range from the low 60's to the low 70's.

Even though these patterns exist, it is not uncommon to get a 90 degree day in May and a breezy, rainy day in June or July. It is always important to bring sun protection and cold weather gear to the river. You can decide which is most appropriate once you have arrived.