The Legend of Cassidy Bell and the Grinding Stones
MaLode first encountered Cassidy Bell back in the 20th Century, before many of our younger boaters were born, and long before the internet, cellphones or personal computers. Imagine a time in which attention spans averaged over 20 minutes, as opposed to today’s average of 23 seconds. Yes indeed, it was a different time. Yet it […]
2024 Snowpack-Perfect for Rafting!
2024 will be a great year for whitewater rafting on the Forks of the American River! How do we know? The fourth and final snow survey conducted by the Department of Water Resources on April 4th confirmed it : 123% of normal snow water content for this date. This means there will be excellent flows […]
Rafting and Outdoor Education 2024 at Mother Lode
How does the 2024 Rafting and Outdoor Education season look? First, a big thank you to all our participants who helped to make 2023 such a resounding success. Our Outdoor Education and school programs thrived! This trend continues into 2024, so we recommend organizers contact us early to access our remaining dates. Rafting in 2024 […]
Rafting, Ziplining, Packrafting, Guide School x 2, Welcome back Greg!
Dear Friends of MaLode, What’s up for the 2023 season? Answer: Everything! For the first time we are pleased to announce not just one, but two Guide Schools, along with the introduction of “Pack Rafting”, and a rowing instruction clinic. These new activities will compliment the return of a full schedule of Whitewater Rafting, Ziplining, […]
Pack Rafting comes to Mother Lode!
Kayak or Raft, Which is Best? Some contend it is a hardshell kayak. Not only is it exciting to encounter waves and hydraulics down at river level, with practice, there is the possibility of spinning in reversals, executing enders, squirts, rolls and ‘messing around in boats’ in ways unique to the ‘sports car’ of the […]
Atmospheric River Delivers Rafting Flows!
The atmospheric river is responsible for delivering sufficient water for rafting on the South and Middle Forks of the American River! What is an “atmospheric river”? How can we know what rafting flows will be like? How does this relate to whether California is in drought? If you are interested in the answers to these […]
