Mother Lode River Center, Lotus

About Mother Lode River Center

Mother Lode River Center guides whitewater rafting trips on the American River's South Fork, where visitors navigate Class III rapids through a scenic canyon over 21 miles featuring 40 individual rapids. The center operates half-day and full-day rafting excursions suited to first-time paddlers and experienced rafters alike, with trips including lunch and shuttle service. Beyond rafting, the facility offers a challenge ropes course and ziplining at its Adventure Center, outdoor education programs, and team-building activities. The center maintains a camping facility in the Coloma-Lotus Valley and has connected over 300,000 people to rivers since 1974. A 50th Anniversary Ropes & Rafting Combo Event combines a half-day of high ropes and rafting for $225, not including a $9 river usage fee, available through malode.com. Located in Lotus, California, Mother Lode serves visitors within an hour of Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.