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California Whitewater Rafting

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 1960s that Mother Lode River Trips established the original and most beautiful whitewater river rafting camp on the West Coast. But don’t take our word for it, 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. 2008 promises to be a great year for whitewarer on the forks of the American River, click here for 2008 flow outlook.

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 as of 2008, federally mandated whitewater rafting recreation flows make this river the number one choice for whitewater river rafting in the West. Our South Fork American video gives you an idea of the fun you can expect!

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.

NEW FOR 2008! ECO-RAFTING SPECIAL
Ma Lode's ECO-BUS is the First 100% Waste Vegetable Oil - Powered Shuttle Bus on the South Fork American River!

Thirty years of leadership in California’s conservation movement uniquely positions Mother Lode to introduce an innovative approach to reducing your carbon footprint. “Eco-Bus”, the first 100% waste vegetable oil (WVO) powered bus on the South Fork will reduce carbon emissions on this run up to 80% from 2006 levels. Celebrate earth-friendly rafting with our special Eco-Rafting Special - Just $99 per person Sat/Sun on the South Fork American Chili Bar Section. Go to Our Eco-Rafting page to learn more about our ongoing efforts to make your river experience more earth-friendly.

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!

Rafting on the AmericanOutdoor 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 designed to be a resource for teachers in search of fun, interactive learning for their 4th-12th grade classes.

a happy ropes course participant (B. Zupo Photography)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.

More Adventures!

Our other adventures include kayak instruction, whitewater guide school, and wilderness tournament.

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