Why Choose Us?
Why Malode?
50 years of experience
Since our founding in 1974, we’ve safely guided over 300,000 guests down 3 million river miles. Our Guides are attracted by our special purpose. They are friendly, fun and great communicators who receive extensive training not only as river guides, but also as ropes course facilitators and outdoor educators. Our Safety Record is one of the best in our industry and our guide training has always set new standards. For instance, we helped Rescue 3’s founder, Jim Segerstrom, adapt their Swiftwater Rescue Training, originally intended for first responders, for river guides. We then became the first company to incorporate Rescue 3’s Swiftwater Rescue Training into our Guide School. This has since become an international standard for excellence.
California’s Best Whitewater Rafting
Ancient Grinding Stones Overlook the South Fork of the American River
Find Your Escape
Yes, Mother Lode River Center is more than a rafting company, it is a scenic twenty-acre river oasis meant to help you relax, unplug, connect with others, and learn about nature and yourself. Take the camp tour here!
- Panoramic river views along half a mile of riverfront property
- An ancient Native American camp, where dozens of grinding holes are bored into granite bedrock overlooking the river
- Full-service bathrooms with showers and changing rooms
- "Glamping" canvas cabin tents on wooden platforms with cots and sleeping pads
- A camp store, with swag and river necessities
- A large Pacific Yurt that serves as the perfect meeting, sleeping and performance space
Protect our Rivers
At Mother Lode, our mission is to share our love of California’s rivers with you and to help protect these sacred places for future generations. During our five decades, over 30,000 guests have volunteered to write letters in defense of 15 California rivers including the North, South and Middle Forks of the American, Tuolumne, Merced, Kings, Kern Rivers, Cache Creek and most recently the addition of the Mokelumne River to the State Wild and Scenic River system.
Together, our work has helped keep many California rivers running so we can continue to enjoy them today. Visit our Stewardship page to discover more ways we support rivers and how you can help.
Chosen as “River Heroes” by Friends of the River, Marc Dubois, Scott, Emily and Adrienne Underwood celebrate!
