Welcome to the Mother Lode River Center on the South Fork of the American River in Coloma, California. We are conveniently located in the beautiful Sierra foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. It was here in the 1970′s that Mother Lode River Trips established one of the original and most beautiful whitewater river rafting camps on the West Coast. Take our camp tour and check it out for yourself! Mother Lode has over 30 years experience with the finest safety record in the whitewater industry.
California Rafting Trips
South Fork of the American River
Beginning to Intermediate River Rafting
River rafting and kayaking enthusiasts have made the South Fork of the American River the most popular California whitewater rafting recreation destination for many reasons. Great rapids, easy access, and federally mandated whitewater rafting recreation flows all combine make this river the first choice for whitewater river rafting in California and the West. View South Fork video.
Middle Fork of the American River
Intermediate to Advanced Whitewater Rafting
Only 45 minutes from the River Center, the Middle Fork of the American River provides the most popular whitewater for intermediate to advanced river rafting in California. This river is a wilderness experience with an extended season from May through September and truly unique rapids such as the “Tunnel Chute”. 
Want to plummet down a Class V waterfall and float through a mountain? Take a virtual ride on our Middle Fork American video and see if this river is for you!!
North Fork of the American River
Advanced Whitewater River Rafting
The North Fork of the American River is also close to our camp and provides advanced whitewater rafting thrills for spring boaters. Waterfalls, wildflowers and challenging rapids grace this narrow sluice box of a canyon. Go early and often. We provide free wetsuits and paddling jackets, you bring courage and enthusiasm.
No matter which river you choose to run, if you are interested in experiencing a great river trip, for a great price, combined with the smallest carbon footprint in the industry. Call us at 800-427-2387 to reserve your space!
Outdoor Education
Our Outdoor Education Center offers California Gold Rush history, Native American history and science-based river study in the heart of the gold country. Our curriculum based, hands-on programs are a resource for teachers in search of fun, interactive learning for their 4th-12th grade classes.
Challenge Ropes
Mother Lode’s beautiful riverside site is a destination in itself. Add a Challenge Ropes Course and you’ve got an unforgettable teambuilding experience. Reward your accomplishments with whitewater rafting—– the ultimate team sport! This Ropes and Rafting video highlights our youth courses.
NEW!: Sustainable Practices
Continuing in the pioneering spirit that sets the Mother Lode River Center apart, is the introduction of our newest curriculum: Sustainable Practices. Solar Power, Alternative Fuels and Organic Permaculture Gardening are a few of the topics we explore in-depth during our 1/2-day or full day programs, which we can tailor for your youth or adult group. These programs may be combined with any of our other offerings of your choosing.
More Adventures!
Our other adventures include kayak instruction, whitewater guide school, and wilderness tournament.
Mother Lode River Center was featured on Experience El Dorado click below to view.
