The US Forest Service has banned boating on the iconic Devils Canyon Run on the Middle Fork Feather River in California, and we need you to join us in our effort to reopen the river immediately before another paddling season is lost to this ongoing, long-term river closure.

Speak up now to help open access to the MF Feather River using our super simple easy-action form!

Devils Canyon is one of the premier class V multi-day whitewater trips in the nation, offering a sublime mix of challenging rapids in Sierra granite and some of the most spectacular riverside campsites imaginable. As one of the original eight Wild and Scenic rivers designated by Congress in 1968, the Middle Fork Feather is in the company of other renowned whitewater rivers such as the Rogue (OR) and Middle Fork Salmon (ID).

Unfortunately, the Forest Service closed the river to boaters and anglers over a year ago and plans to keep it closed for at least another year “to provide for public safety.” The agency has not identified a single specific public safety concern to support its claimed need for the closure, yet it has refused to re-open the river.  

The closure came about when the North Complex wildfire burned through the river canyon in late 2020, and the Forest Service responded by closing the river canyon during the fire. It has since re-opened the entire burn area except for the river itself and 25-foot width of its banks on each side, a decision clearly intended to keep boaters and anglers from using the river. Violators face a $5000 fine and up to six months in jail.

American Whitewater has worked diligently over the past year to convince the Forest Service to reopen the river, but it’s still closed and we’re not willing to sit out another boating season while the agency continues this unnecessary—and possibly illegal—river closure. 

This week we asked the Forest Service to reopen the river immediately, and it’s time for river enthusiasts to speak up and tell them that you want the river open too. Flows are perfect right now and every day the closure remains in effect is a lost day of boating.

Take Action right now and help open access to the MF Feather!

Photo Lucas Rietmann