Group Trips with Friends

Retreats, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, & More!

Best Friend Summer Bucket List Adventures

Unforgettable Outdoor Experiences for Friend Groups

Looking for the ultimate summer bucket list with friends? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an adventurous birthday party, or just a fun summer trip, Mother Lode River Center is the perfect destination for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Gather your best friends for a day of whitewater rafting, high ropes challenges, and camping under the stars—all in the heart of California’s adventure capital.

Why Choose Mother Lode for Your Next Friend Group Adventure?

▸ The Ultimate Best Friend Summer Bucket List – Cross off bucket list ideas for young adults like rafting, ziplining, and outdoor camping.
▸ Perfect Birthday Party Venues – Celebrate a birthday party for teens, young adults, or milestone birthdays with adventure-filled activities.
▸ Customizable Group Experiences – Whether it’s a 16th birthday party, 40th birthday adventure, or a weekend escape with friends, we help make it unforgettable.
▸ Outdoor Fun, No Hassle – We provide all the gear, guides, and excitement—you just bring your crew!

Adventure-Packed Activities for Your Summer Bucket List

Whitewater Rafting – A Must for Your Bucket List!

▸ Ride the rapids on the American River with your best friends.

▸ Perfect for birthday parties or summer friend getaways.

▸ Beginner to advanced options available for all thrill levels.

High Ropes Course – Challenge Your Crew!

▸ Best friend summer bucket list goal: Conquer the Leap of Faith or Balance Beam.

▸ Team up for ropes course challenges and ziplining.

▸ A great teen birthday party idea for active groups.

Epic Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas

▸ Searching for places to have a birthday party? Why not celebrate outdoors!

▸ Unique birthday party themes: Adventure Birthday, Whitewater Warrior, Campfire Bash.

▸ Options for 16th birthday parties, 40th birthday adventures, and more.

Camping & Bonfires – The Ultimate Friend Trip

▸ Stay overnight in our scenic riverside campsites.

▸ Make s’mores, swap stories, and enjoy the great outdoors.

▸ A bucket list summer idea that makes memories for a lifetime.

Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List with Friends!

From adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting to unforgettable birthday party themes, Mother Lode River Center is your go-to spot for the best friend summer bucket list experience. Make memories, push limits, and celebrate with adventure! 

Thirteen friends and I had the pleasure of rafting with your outfit last weekend. Many of our group are event planners and well-versed in the art of hospitality. Your company is one of the finest.

What should you cross off your list this summer?

Challenge Ropes Course

Ropes & Rafting Adventure – Our Most Popular Trip For Friends!

Need a place to start? Our most popular trip booked by groups of friends is our Ropes and Rafting combination trip. For a full day, running from 9:00 AM until about 5:00 PM, you will get to experience the most popular activities available for groups visiting the River Center.

Your day would consist of the following itinerary:

Activites at Mother Lode

On The American River

At The Adventure Center

Team Building & River Skills

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