Whitewater Rafting in California with Mother Lode River Center
Are you ready for your whitewater rafting adventure on the American River? Welcome to Mother Lode River Center! We are conveniently located in the beautiful Sierra foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in Coloma, California. 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 40 years experience with the finest safety record in the whitewater rafting industry.
California River Rafting Trips
South Fork of the American River
Beginning to Intermediate Whitewater 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, make this river the first choice for whitewater 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 camp, 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 IV 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. Feel the excitement in our North Fork American video!
No matter which river you choose to run, if you are interested in experiencing a great river rafting trip, for a great price, combined with the smallest carbon footprint in the industry. Call us at 530-626-4187 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.
Sustainable Practices
Solar Power, Alternative Fuels, Organic Gardening, and Conservation Stewardship are all part of the pioneering spirit that sets the Mother Lode River Center apart. These Sustainable Practices are an important component of every program we offer, and we strive to not only implement them wherever possible in our business, but also to educate people who visit us to the benefits of living an eco-friendly existence. Whether you’re riding back to camp in one of our waste-vegetable-fueled buses, enjoying our solar heated showers, or dining on some of our garden fresh organic veggies, you can be sure that we are striving to improve every aspect of our business in ecologically mindful, socially responsible ways that will continue to make us an industry leader in sustainability.
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.