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Challenge Ropes Course Questions

Why the Mother Lode River Center Challenge Ropes Course?
Located on the South Fork of the American River, we provide a quality experience through our ropes course, and also with the experience you will have by just experiencing the beauty of our riverside camp. With grass expanding along the river front, trees providing shade on hot summer days, the sound of the river as a backdrop and our experienced and fun staff, we are sure that our program is one that will stay in your mind long after you leave our camp.
How high are the "high elements"?
The "high elements" range in height, from 20 to 40 feet above the ground.
Who built the course?
Emiliano Palumbo, former director of the Peak Adventures Challenge Ropes Course at California State University, Sacramento, and a ropes course builder with national and international experience, and Tag Team Productions.
How often do you inspect the course?
Our course is industry-inspected annually, as well as on a regular basis by the course manager.
How much training do your facilitators have?
  • All facilitators at the Mother Lode River Center have completed formal training courses which include "hard skills" such as climbing technique, safety and rescue skills as well as "soft skills" such as counseling and debriefing. These courses meet or exceed current industry standards.
  • Our facilitators have current CPR and First Aid certifications.
  • Lead facilitators have specialized high angle rescue training and extensive experience both on our course and elsewhere. Working as leaders on other courses ensures that they are exposed to the most recent technology, games, ropes elements and debriefing techniques.
What happens if is raining on the day of our program?
In the event that there is rain on the day of your program you are welcome to reschedule your program for another date.
What are "High Elements"?
They are tools that allow each individual to test his or her limits in an atmosphere of support and compassion. These activities are conducted 14 to 40 feet above the ground and are designed to increase awareness and judgment of personal risk. Safety is maintained through the use of technical climbing "belay" systems.
What are "Low Elements"?
These are physical and intellectual challenges conducted close to the ground. They are completed by group effort. Challenges can require crossing a distance while traversing a set of steel cables and beams, helping each other pass through a giant spider web or developing a team's communication and flow on a large balance platform.
What are "Initiatives"?
These are tasks that require teamwork in order to solve a problem or create a process to solve a problem. Initiatives involve minimal physical activity while challenging the minds of the learners.

General Questions about Mother Lode

Why choose Mother Lode River Center?
30 years of experience, more program options, excellent food prepared on the spot by your guides, professional guides and leaders, inviting discounts and on top of all that, the most beautiful 12 acre camp on the river!
How do we get to Mother Lode?
Simply click on Driving Directions on the front page of our web site. We will also include a map in your confirmation packet, to be mailed to you immediately after you make your reservation.
Does Mother Lode have bathrooms and showers?
Yes! Mother Lode has hot showers, flushing toilets and electricity!
Can we camp at Mother Lode?
If you have a trip with Mother Lode, you are more than welcome to camp. Mother Lode has 12 beautiful acres right on the river. You can camp on the soft grass under the shade of the oak trees. Please let us know if you wish to camp.
What if I do not own a tent?
Mother Lode rents canvas cabins (equipped with cots), dome tents, and sleeping pads. Please make sure you have a sleeping bag! Reserve your camping equipment when you make your trip reservation. All rentals are made on a first come first reserved basis.

Rafting Questions

What is the best time of year to go rafting?
The rafting season runs April through October, with trips offered Monday through Sunday. For the more adventurous soul, April and May offer higher water, and a more wild ride. Wetsuits are required in the spring. The warm temperatures and regular flows make summer the most popular time to raft.
Do you rent wetsuits?
Yes, Mother Lode stocks wetsuits, splash jackets, and booties. Please let us know when you make you reservation if you desire to rent any gear.
What should I wear?
We will include a complete list of what you will need on your trip in your trip confirmation packet. You will receive this in the mail immediately after you make your reservation.
Do I need to bring food and water in the boat?
All boats will be stocked with enough fresh water for everyone. A hearty lunch and a snack will be provided on every trip, the only exception being if you request an "Express trip".
Can I request a guide?
If you have a guide you liked in the past and would like them again, please let us know. We will do our best to schedule them appropriately. Make your request when you reserve your trip.
Do I tip my guide?
If you enjoyed your trip, and want to show your appreciation, please feel free to tip your guide.
Can my children raft with me?
Children as young as 8 years of age are welcome on the South Fork of the American River. Due to the higher difficulty of the North Fork and Middle Fork, children must be at least 14 years of age.
What if it rains?
We raft rain or shine, although we hold the right to cancel trips due to unsafe weather conditions or unusually high water levels.
Are your boats self-bailing?
Yes. All of Mother Lode's boats are self-bailing, providing a safer and more enjoyable journey.