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South Fork - American River
2-Day Women's Rafting Trips
A Paddle Adventure on the American River
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Trip Overview
- 21 miles of river
- Two days rafting
- One night of camping
(the night during)
- Four great meals included
We rate the California’s South Fork of the American River as the best river in California for both first-time and more experienced rafters. As the most popular river in California, California’s South Fork of the American River is a consistent Class II-III+, beginning-level whitewater river. California’s South Fork of the American River has become the most popular river in California for individuals, families, groups of friends and company recreation trips, available daily from April through September. The river offers a wide range of adventures, with over 50 exciting rapids interspersed with calm, slower stretches where we can enjoy the beauty of the river canyon.
- Saturday evening, during hors d’oeuvres, the guides give a special presentation of some El Dorado wines. What a fun way to relax! Feel free to bring your own favorite beverage to enjoy during the evening.
- Our riverside campground is private (no other rafting companies share it), has a well-equipment camp store which provides last-minute items you may have forgotten, flush toilets, and hot-water showers.
- All of your guides will be female - many of you who return year after year will recognize many of the guides.
- Be prepared to paddle and get wet!
Download: South Fork Rafting & Music 2-Day Trip DIRECTIONS and PACKING LIST.
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Departures: June 9-10, 2012, maximum 120 women
Trip Difficulty: This trip is for the beginner to intermediate level rafter.
Type of Raft: We use paddle boats with 6-8 paddlers per boat plus professional guides.
Age Range: Ages 7-96 years
Price per person: $280 plus 8% River Use Fee
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Camping at the Mariah’s South Fork of the American River Campground this night is not included in the price of your trip. However, we invite you to join us for a small additional fee. If you camp with us the night prior to your trip, we request that you come anytime after 5 PM. Our Camp Host/ess will greet you, give you any rentals you have reserved, and show you where you may camp. There are several nice restaurants nearby where you may enjoy a lovely dinner. Our Camp Host/ess will be on duty from 5 PM - 9 PM; however, you may come after 9 PM, just have your flashlight handy. A lantern will be lit next to our large campground map so you can see where you are. Also, if you have not arrived by the time the host/ess goes off duty, they will write you a welcome note which will be posted on the big white board next to the big camp map. The note to you will give you appropriate instructions regarding camping and any rentals you have.
"We had a great time rafting with Mariah and intend to come back next year!"
K. M., Women's SF 2-Day, 6/2010.
"I just spent the weekend at your camp with the TableforSix group. Just wanted to mention that I had a fantastic time! Great hospitality from the moment I arrived and walked to my tent, which was all set up and ready to go (too easy)!!! Also, I wanted to say that the meals were all excellent!!"
"I rate Mariah in the top 5% of all the companies I have dealt with in my life, not just rafting but all companies, and I am a customer expert who teaches customer service to companies who need it. Your staff are professional in every way; they make you feel like you are rafting with friends instead of a company. The food is very good, and the portions are.....well....if you leave the table hungry, it is your fault. The campground is well-maintained and functional, while keeping the rustic setting. Please feel free to use this in all of your promotional materials."
D.H., South Fork American River, 2-Days, 5/23-24/09
"I wanted to send you a thank you note. My weekend at Mariah was phenomenal! I cannot tell you how much fun we had! Everything turned out perfect! All the food was good (banana pancakes, lobster, fresh fruit!), our guides were awesome! The first day we were on Mike's raft; he was knowledgeable about the area and told us a bit about the history of the area we were rafting through. The next day we were with Julie. She was fun, and explained how the water works and how to read it. Both guides were grade "A"! I still can't stop thinking about it, I didn't want to come home. I would say that this was an experience I will never forget; I just fell in love with everything and everyone."
D.M., South Fork American River, 2-Days, 5/06
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 9 A.M. We will meet you at our Mariah Campground kitchen where you will be greeted by your head guide. Here you will check in and sign the necessary risk-assumption forms.
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Trip Orientation
By 10 A.M. we have gathered at the picnic tables for the Trip Orientation, a thorough, 30-minute presentaues. You will be introduced to your guides, launch your boats from our campsite and begin rafting a fun and easy section of the river that has many Class I-II rapids, giving you time to warm up and practice your paddtion given by your Head Guide. She will go over the safety features of the trip, and demonstrate paddle techniqling before arriving at our lunch site. You will even have a chance to swim one of the easier rapids.
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12 NOON
Get ready for a nutritious picnic lunch on the banks of the river. Lunch includes a variety of deli meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, fruit, chips, cookies, lemonade, water, and everybody's favorite, peanut butter and jelly. We may decide to shuttle you to the Hwy 49 Access Area, three miles upstream from our camp, in which case we will then have lunch at Mariah's Campground.
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 Lunch
About noon we stop for a hearty and nutritious picnic lunch at our private lunch site on the River. Lunch includes a variety of deli meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, fruit, chips, cookies, lemonade, and water. We always have peanut butter and jelly. We may decide to shuttle you to the Hwy 49 Access Area, three miles upstream from our camp, in which case we will then be able to have lunch at the Mariah Campground.
AFTER LUNCH - RAFTING THE GORGE
After lunch, we re-board our boats and continue rafting into the Gorge, where we'll tackle the many fun and challenging class III rapids like Satan's Cesspool, Hospital Bar and Recovery Room. Keep a smile on your face and your paddle in the water, because our kayaking-photographer will be looking for the best shots to take, for viewing back at camp. It is fun to look behind you and see all the Mariah boats filled with women manuevering through the rapids. There are always butterflies in the stomach and fear of the unknown as we begin to enter a rapid; AND, there is then a lot of laughter and cheers of a successful run.
After the last rapid we will get a motorized tow to our take-out at Salmon Falls, Lake Folsom, load the boats onto our trailers, grab a cold water, and board the Mariah vehicles for the 30-minute drive back to camp.
BACK AT THE MARIAH CAMP
You may take a shower, play volleyball, horseshoes, ping-pong, walk our unique Nature Trail, sit by the river, read, relax, socialize with old and new friends, shop in our walk-in camp store and buy a souvenir t-shirt.
BEVERAGE GARDEN
During hors d'oeuvres, seved about 5:00 P.M. we have a special wine tasting presentation in our charming Beverage Garden. For beer drinkers there is a keg of beer from one of the well-known local micro-breweries of El Dorado County. There is plenty of fruit juice and fresh water for everyone.
SECOND DAY
Breakfast
The day begins with another delicious breakfast, usually pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, cereal, juice, fresh coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Let us know if you have a special diet.
9 A.M. & OFF TO RUN CHILI BAR!
We board our Mariah vehicles for the 45-minute drive to the Chili Bar Put-in, the top section of the river. You already know your guide, and you are already an accomplished paddler, so we launch into the current. The river starts out with exciting rapids so be prepared for a thrill from the beginning. During the first 5.5 miles we will raft through fun and challenging rapids like Meatgrinder, Race Horse Bend, and the Triple Threats. At mile 5.5 we enter Troublemaker Rapid, the largest rapid on the South Fork; hold on to your hat!! After this fun rapid we'll drift and paddle through gorgeous scenery, enjoying the scenic river and calmer rapids.
At one point, we will float past a replica of Sutter's Mill, the site where, in 1848, that first gold nugget was discovered that started the California Gold Rush of 1849. You can only imagine the hardships that the men and women were met with in those days as they tried to eek out a living searching for the "big strike".
We will arrive back at our campground around 1PM and enjoy a hearty barbeque lunch. You will be ready to leave for your next destination by about 3PM.
Mariah's Ultimate Tent Experience
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Mariah's campground is outdoor living in style with many of the same comforts you have at home. Rent one of Mariah's Luxury Tents and enjoy the riverfront view while sitting on your own private veranda. Wake up to a steaming hot cup of java at the Coffee Corner, or wind down after rafting at the Wine & Beverage Garden. For the ultimate peaceful moments, take a walk on our Sierra Nature Trail or find a private bench near the river that invites leisure activites.
Want some more excitement after rafting? Play a fun game of volleyball, ping pong, or horseshoes. On most Saturday evenings the crickets join in on live bluegrass music, soft guitar music, a jazz trio, or mandolin playing for your entertainment. On Thursdays Rodney, our resident goldpanner will demonstrate the art of goldpanning. And don't forget about all of the delicious fresh food that the Mariah Guides prepare outdoors just for you.
Our Camp Store is stocked with last minute items you may need for your American River rafting trip. We also have Mariah Gear for sale so you can take something home to remember your whitewater rafting trip. To keep informed about local events or the gold history of Coloma head over to the Guest Information Kiosk.
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Click the image above to view the gallery
Click Here for Accomodations, Equipment Rental, and Order Form
Click Here for the Mariah Camp Ground Map
Click Here for Area Information
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 Eagle's Nest & Falcon's Nest
Eagle's Nest and Falcon's Nest are each on a raised-platform. They are cabin-style tents each with 5 deluxe sleeping cots, 5 deluxe pads, and 5 deck chairs. These airy tents have lovely views of the tree-lined river and there's plenty of room on large verandas to enjoy visiting, morning coffee, an evening glass of wine, a peaceful bird calls.
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 Hawk's Nest
This is our brand new cabin-style tent with 4 deluxe sleeping cots, 4 deluxe pads, and 4 deck chairs. Hawk's Nest rests on the ground and has a nice canvas awning under which you can relax in your deck chair and listen to the sounds of the river.
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Sparrow, Kingfisher, and Hummingbird
Sparrow, Kingfisher, and Hummingbird are each on a raised-platform. They are cabin-style tents each with 2 deluxe sleeping cots, 2 deluxe pads, and 2 deck chairs. These airy tents have lovely views of the tree-lined river. Their verandas are perfect spots for enjoying the river views.
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Mulberry, Acorn, Poppy, and Berry
Mulberry, Acorn, Poppy, and Berry are each on a raised-platform with a small veranda. They are large family-style tents each with 4 deluxe pads, and lovely view of the river.
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 2 Person Dome Tents
2-person Dome Tents are comfortable and have enough space for 2 people, 2 of our deluxe pads (which you may rent for an additional price), and all of your personal gear.
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