California Whitewater Rafting

American River Rafting – California’s Best Whitewater

California Whitewater Rafting – The Best River Rafting Adventures!

Looking for the best whitewater rafting in California? The American River in California is home to three incredible sections—South Fork, Middle Fork, and North Fork—each offering unique thrills for every rafter. Whether you’re new to California whitewater rafting or looking for a high-adrenaline adventure, we’ve got the perfect trip for you!

▸ Just a short drive from Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and the Bay Area!

▸ The best river rafting American River California has to offer!

▸ Trips for all levels—from family-friendly floats to extreme whitewater!

South Fork American River – Fun for Everyone!

The South Fork American River rafting experience is perfect for first-timers, families, and groups. With thrilling Class II-III rapids, this is the most popular section of river rafting in California.

▸ Chili Bar Run (AM trip) – Big morning rapids, includes lunch, and you’re off the river by 2:30 PM!

▸ Gorge Run (PM trip) – Start in the afternoon, enjoy a riverside lunch before hitting thrilling rapids.

▸ Gorge Run Without Lunch – Eat lunch before you come and jump straight into the action!

▸ Family Float – A calm and scenic float with no Class III rapids, ideal for young kids and first-timers! 

Middle Fork American River – Big Drops & Bigger Thrills

For those ready to take on more challenging whitewater rafting in California, the Middle Fork American River rafting trip is packed with Class III-IV rapids and famous drops like Tunnel Chute.

▸ Class IV rapids with exciting technical challenges.

▸ Tunnel Chute – a man-made Class IV+ rapid blasted through solid rock!

▸ Scenic wilderness and thrilling rapids—great for adventurous rafters!

North Fork American River – Extreme Class IV-V Whitewater!

For the most intense whitewater rafting in Northern California, look no further than the North Fork American River rafting trip. This free-flowing river, only available in spring, delivers steep, technical Class IV-V rapids in a stunning alpine canyon.

▸ The most advanced whitewater rafting trip in California
▸ Class V rapids – technical, steep, and demanding
▸ Only available in spring – book early!

Why Choose Us for Your California River Rafting Trip?

▸ The best white water rafting California has to offer – Three unique river sections!

▸ Perfect for all skill levels – Choose from easygoing floats to extreme Class V thrills!

▸ Conveniently located – Just a short drive from Sacramento, Tahoe, and the Bay Area!

▸ Experienced guides, top-rated safety, and unforgettable adventure!

Book Your California Whitewater Rafting Adventure Today!

Spots fill up fast—reserve your rafting trip today!

▸ Top-rated rafting rivers in California – South Fork, Middle Fork & North Fork!
▸ Fun, safety, and adventure for every skill level!
▸ Book online now and hit the rapids!

We can’t wait to share our love for California rivers  with you!

Reserve your spot today & let’s go Rafting!

california whitewater rafting

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.

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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