California Whitewater Rafting

American River Rafting – California’s Best Whitewater

Whether you’re looking for a fun day whitewater rafting with friends & family, or camping overnight on a company teambuilding retreat, we have a trip designed specially for you and a unique venue like no other.

With an on-site zip-line and challenge ropes course, outdoor school, and our gorgeous 20 acre riverside facility, there’s up to a week’s worth of amazing activities to choose from. To help you choose, we’ve highlighted a few of the most popular trips booked by corporate groups, schools, families, friends, and groups of all kinds.

American River South Fork Mother Lode
Raft and Camp on the American River
Rafting near me- South Fork American River

South Fork American River

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North Fork American River

Advanced Class IV+ Spring Rafting

Middle Fork American River

California’s Most Popular Class IV Whitewater

A Bonding Experience Like No Other

There are few group activities in the world that can bring friends and family closer together like California whitewater rafting. An experience like this brings you closer to nature, closer to each other.

It’s simply amazing. Whitewater rafting is something you must do at least once in your life, and the American River is perfect for all skill levels. It offers fun for beginners and for more seasoned veterans alike.

None of us had ever experienced whitewater rafting before – and we were all in our late 40’s and early 50’s.

Mike didn’t just guide the raft safely down the river, but guided all of us through a wonderful adventure.

Helpful Links

Happy Rafter

Our Whitewater Rafting Guides Provide Fun And Safety

 If you’re a family with kids wanting to share a rafting experience of a lifetime or you’re a hardcore outdoors adventurer ready for your next whitewater challenge, Mother Lode River Center has what you need. Plus, with 50 years experience on California’s most popular river, we’ll make sure your whitewater rafting trip is safe and memorable.

Whitewater Rafting River Classes

Whitewater Rafting – The Basics

Whitewater rafts come in all different shapes in sizes. Here at the River Center, we have two different sized boats – designed to accommodate six or eight guests plus a guide. We select raft sizes based upon the total group size and we make our best effort to keep smaller groups together

Camp Life

We’ll do all the cooking so you can relax with a good book, snooze in the shade, play a game of volleyball, or just sit and watch the sun set.

Our guides will amaze you with their culinary delights, Dutch-oven-desserts and even a river sauna upon your request.

Enjoy a private campfire and gaze at the stars as the river lulls you to sleep.

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