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 whitewater 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.

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!

NEW! -- CLICK TO READ OUR RAFTING BLOG!

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 ECOS 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!

More Adventures!

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

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1-800-427-2387
Coloma, California