MFAR3: Oxbow Reservoir - Ruck-a-Chucky Campground
Once the Middle Fork of the American River drops below Oxbow Reservoir, the next 15 miles add up to one of the prettiest segments of rivers in the Central Sierras. And one of the best whitewater runs in California. Did I mention, remote? Whitewater enthusiasts and river fishing guides liken it to a “wilderness experience.” In fact, that’s wilderness without a capital “W,” or formal Congressional designation. But the remote section will give visitors the same peaceful feeling. Yet, you are only minutes from the bright lights of Auburn or the relatively few neon lights (thankfully) of Foresthill. And lying within the care of the Auburn State Recreation Area.
...one of the prettiest segments of rivers in the Central Sierras.
...definitely more challenging than the South Fork American River.
DESCRIPTION:
The shadow of potential construction of the much debated Auburn Dam and Reservoir Dam still hovers over the drainage. Completion has been held up and argued over since the mid-1960s. If it is ever finished, this segment of the river would lie under the reservoir. The river qualifies for classification as a Wild and Scenic River, most likely as a Recreation River. This segment perhaps is worthy of a Scenic, more remote, designation.
In short, get out and enjoy the scenic river and awe inspiring canyon. Float it; fish it, or hike or mountain bike a short segment along the Fords Bar Trail. Or if you are gluten for punishment, whoops, I mean adventure, drop, drop down the Cock Robin Trail. Just enjoy it.
Directions: See directions to: Oxbow Reservoir, Ford Bar Trail, Cock Robin Trail or Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.
Whitewater, Exceptional: Class IV with one V, 23 feet per minute; kayaks, rafts, commercial guides; float 15 miles with a mandatory portage, shuttle 25 miles, paved except for 3 miles of (usually) rough Drivers Flat Road, 1 hour.
This run is recognized as definitely more challenging than the South Fork American River. Guides are strongl-l-ly recommended and at least Class III experience if guiding yourself. Several good books discuss individual runs over each rapid. I appreciate the details of “The American River” by Protect American River Canyons (PARC) and credit them for several whitewater factoids.
Timing early morning, agreed to and scheduled, morning runs with the 1200 cfs (cubic feet per second) release of Ralston Dam means the floating season lasts longer. Except in drought years, count only on April through June. Night flow is very low as the dam is not releasing more flow.
Start immediately with the wake-up adrenaline flow of “Good Morning” or “Alarm Clock” rapid and then hang on. There are seven more rapids before the world-class whitewater event. The most fun “hazard” is through a 211’ miner’s, long, tunnel with an 18’ slide dropping into a glorious pool. Some choose to walk around it but few do. The adrenaline rush will continue for the half-dozen Class II and III rapids such as Three Queens before the classy Class IV Kanaka Falls. Then the run slips by Cache Rock and into long, long Class II relaxing float and including the pool of peaceful “lake” backed up behind the land and rock slide that created Ruck-a-Chucky rapids. Float in serenity, just hope the head wind is not blowing upstream against you.
On the prominent, but sandy point below Ford’s Bar is a new camping location for commercial outfitters who have paid for the construction through their permit fees. Even a nice vault toilet! Sweet dreams after a great meal.
Just above Ruck-a-Chucky, Class III Chunder would thunder if wasn’t drowned out by the big-g-g one very quickly downriver. Head for the northern shoreline (river right) before you get sucked into the falls/rapids. The roar of Class VI Ruck-a-Chucky rapids reminds everyone that those house-sized boulders mean a mandatory portage over a nice trail. Too many died trying these rapids.
Immediately after putting back in after the portage are Cleavage and a couple of IIIs and Class IV Parallel Parking plus some smaller rapids above the campground. Since take-out at Mammoth Bar is much easier than Ruck-a-Chucky, most floaters prefer to continue downriver with an overnighter here. Camping permits required from the Auburn State Recreation Area -- except in developed campgrounds. Instead of lugging extra camping gear, many prefer having someone bring it to Ruck-a-Chucky Campground. Remember: “first come first served” for FIVE sites. Undeveloped Cherokee Bar Camp, shortly below on the river-left side, is another option (and popular with OHVers), but longer shuttle (see Auburn State Recreation Area).
DIRECTIONS:
To MFAR3: Oxbow Reservoir - Ruck-a-Chucky Campground
See directions to Oxbow Reservoir and Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.
ACTIVITIES:
Fishing (Rating: Good)
The release from Ralston Dam (Oxbow) keeps the water temperature cool enough to favor trout, but constantly fluctuating flow levels of several feet limits the fishery. Still scrappy 1-2 pound rainbows and browns are typical. Fishing pressure is only common near the few access points. Declines in fish sizes have been noted at those places.
Below Ruck-a-Chucky Rapids nearly 2-miles above the Campground, the fishery quality declines. See MFAR4.
Overall, Oxbow to Ruck-a-Chuck Rapids is the best angling stretch of the Middle Fork American. But you have to work to get there. At least one fishing guide service provides float trips for fishing.
Whitewater Thrills (Rating: Exceptional)
One of the pretiest and challenging whitewater runs in California. The Tunnel Chute Run is recognized worldwide by whitewater enthusiasts as one of the best single runs anywhere.
