White Water Rafting on the American River – More Than Just Rafting!

Our family discovered a new love for whitewater rafting on the American River!

A 50 Year legacy on The American River

At Mother Lode River Center, we believe that rafting is more than just an adventure—it’s an experience you’ll never forget. White water rafting on the American River is one of the best ways to explore California’s incredible landscapes. Whether you're planning a family rafting trip, seeking an adrenaline rush, or looking for a multi-day river rafting American River adventure, we have the perfect trip for you.

At Mother Lode River Center, we offer:
✔ Guided white water American River rafting in Coloma – Perfect for first-timers and adrenaline junkies alike!
✔ Multi-day white water river rafting on the American River – Because one day is never enough.
✔ Top-rated white water rafting in the US – Let’s make some waves!

 

Why Choose Mother Lode for Your American River Rafting Adventure?

50 Years of Experience & River Passion

For over five decades, we have guided white water rafting on the American River, making us a trusted American rafting company. Our passion runs deep. In fact, you’ve got to truly love rivers to do this for over 50 years!

Exciting Rapids for Every Skill Level

New to rafting? Our guided trips are perfect for first-timers looking for a fun, approachable rafting adventure on the American river. You’ll start with easy, flowing rapids and build confidence as you go. For those craving a bigger rafting challenge, we also offer heart-pounding Class IV rapids that will get your adrenaline pumping. No matter your experience level, we have the perfect rafting trip for you—come see why this is the best white water river rafting in California

Safety is Our Priority

Your whitewater rafting Sacramento CA adventure should be exciting, yet worry-free. That’s why our guides are highly trained in safety and rescue techniques. As a result, you can fully enjoy your rafting trip while knowing you’re in the best hands- our guides truly want you to have the best day whitewater rafting!

Perfect for Families, Friends & Groups

We welcome families, corporate teams, and friend groups to join us on the river. The more, the merrier! We love sharing our passion for white water rafting, especially on the beautiful American River. 

More Than Just Rafting – Build Your Own Adventure!

At Mother Lode River Center, we offer more than just the best river rafting. In addition to rafting, you can take your adventure to the next level with:

🌲 Whitewater Center Ropes Course – Challenge yourself with high-flying obstacles!

Whitewater Center Zip line – Glide through the trees with stunning American river scenery.

🏕 Riverside Camping – After an unforgettable day of river rafting, relax under the stars with friends and family.

Safety: Our first priority for 50+ Years

Over 300,000 People connected to rivers since 1974.

Latest News From The Blog

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See you on the American River?!?!

There’s nothing quite like white water rafting on the American River, where each bend in the river brings a new adventure. Whether you’re tackling thrilling rapids or enjoying a scenic American River float, there’s a reason this is known as one of the best river rafting destinations in California. From heart-pounding river rafting on the American River to laid-back American River rafting trips, we offer experiences for every level of paddler. If you’re searching for the best whitewater rafting in America, look no further—our guided adventures deliver unforgettable memories, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most exhilarating American River white water rafting out there. Come see why this stretch of river is a favorite for both first-timers and seasoned rafters alike!

Don’t miss out on the best water rafting in the U.S. Whether you’re planning a USA rafting adventure, looking for the best river rafting, or just want to try rafting on the American River, we’re here to make it happen.

Reserve your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable white water rafting adventure.

See you on the river!

Raft and Ropes

Ropes Course & Zipline

Ready to put your mind, body, and spirit to the test? Our Challenge Ropes Course near Sacramento offers an array of low and high elements designed for personal growth and team bonding. We offer programs from a Half-day to Multiple-days in length which can be customized to meet your needs.

Outdoor Education American River

Outdoor Education

Need an alternative to cell phones and video games? Our Outdoor Education Programs provide hands-on learning while inspiring a deeper connection and appreciation for the great outdoors.

Great for school field trips and class retreats, our educational modules can be sequenced and combined to meet your needs. 

MOTHER LODE’S COMMITMENT TO RIVERS

California is home to an amazing diversity of Rivers which are truly world treasures! Protecting this sacred resource and sharing it with you is our passion. 

As we begin our second half century, over 30,000 letters, hand written by our over 300,000 happy participants, have helped protect 15 of California’s most endangered rivers to date. This is the magic of the river experience….

We look forward to seeing you on the river soon!

Scott, Greg and the MaLode Crew 

Very few things in life can beat a day white water rafting on the American river

An experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Introductory Packrafting Clinic at Mother Lode River Center

New Activity

Celebrate our 50th Anniversary with deep discounts on rafting & more!

Special 50th Anniversary Ropes and Rafting Events

Join us on  for a thrilling half-day of high ropes and rafting—no minimum group size required! Celebrate with us and book your adventure now!

Event Dates: June 15th, June 22, July 20th, July 27th, August 10th, August 17th