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Middle Fork -American River
2-Day Women's Rafting Trips
A Paddle Adventure on the American River
Trip Overview
- 18 miles of California river
- Two days of fun rafting
- One night of wilderness camping
(the night during)
- Four great meals included
We will be rafting and overnight camping in the pristine wilderness environment of California’s Middle Fork of the American River, the perfect way to experience the feeling of being on a remote wilderness river.
Some of the delights you will enjoy: rafting 18 miles of fun and exciting rapids of the Middle Fork of the American River, enjoy a walk through a large boulder garden to a beautiful waterfall, play in our inflatable kayaks while in the calm stretch of river that leads to our overnight camp, and observe lots of birds: hawk, blue heron, egret, swallows, woodpeckers, and even a possible sight seeing of a Golden Eagle. All of this in the company of other women.
Being on this river makes me feel like I am in Idaho and one of their wild and scenic and remote multi-day rivers, yet, here I am I am in California; the drive is shorter and the costs are much more affordable. There are no roads, no electricity, and no noises other than the river and the natural sounds of nature.
Download: Women's 2-Day Middle Fork Rafting Trip DIRECTIONS and PACKING LIST. |
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Departures: September 15-16, minimum 10 women, maximum 36 women
Trip Difficulty: This trip is for the intermediate to adventurous first time rafter.
Type of Raft: We use paddle boats with 6 paddlers per boat plus professional female guides. Our overnight gear goes down the river to our wilderness camp in oar boats rowed by female guides.
Age Range: Ages 12-96 years
Price per person: $295 plus 8% River Use Fee
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Camping the night prior to your trip is not included, and for this rafting trip on the 2-Day Middle Fork, our South Fork base camp is not available for camping the night prior to your trip.
And, because we meet you in the town of Auburn at 8:00 AM the morning of your trip, we suggest that you stay overnight at one of the many local hotels or bed & breakfasts in the area. See "Area Information" under "Resources" above
"Sometimes rafting is my only get-away for the year and I am never disappointed!! All of your guides are great, but....yes....Melissa is some special guide! Great personality, keeping us on our toes, lots of local stories, informs us of how the rapids run and where to go just in case we pop out of our raft which we never did. Amazing such a tiny person could navigate all of us through such waters!!"
L.W., Women's Middle Fork 2-Day trip, 8/09
"After years and years enjoying the river, the guides with Mariah are as good as any guide and much better than most. This trip is no different, and I was amazed how the guides took extra time to make sure everyone was safe, experienced as much as possible and that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on our river camping adventure."
L.A.., Women's Middle Fork 2-Day trip, 8/09
"Our guides absolutely MADE the trip. They were all very attentive to the guests' needs, the meals were incredible considering we were camping, and the guides went above and beyond in many ways. We are definitely going to try to go on this particular trip every year and we'll be using Mariah for future rafting trips as well. The guides were a lot of fun and very knowledgeable and obviously very skilled. The meals were excellent--everything was fresh, the things that should be cold were cold, and there were enough beverages for all the dehydrated rafters. Overall, it was a great experience."
L.W., Women's Middle Fork 2-Day trip, 8/09
"I would do this trip over and over again. It wasn't long enough; it was so much fun. What a great group cohesiveness that developed with our luxurious 2-day itinerary; and the guides' attention to every little detail made it so special for us. Please do this trip EVERY YEAR."
L.A., Women's Middle Fork 2-Day trip, 8/09
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 8 a.m.. September 15 (Saturday morning)
The day begins at 8 A.M. when we meet you in Auburn, 13384 Lincoln Way, Auburn 95603, sign-in, and pack personal gear into our waterproof dry bags (your trip includes 2-person tent, and pad, and these items will already be packed for you in a separate bag which you will see when you arrive at our overnight camp); your guides will give you detailed packing instructions, and even a demonstration. You will pack your personal gear and sleeping bag in our Mariah-issued dry bag (so pack super light). About 9 A.M. we board our river shuttle vehicle for the 45-minute drive to the put-in below Oxbow Reservoir. The drive takes us through the small gold-rush town of Foresthill, through beautiful scenery, and down a steep grade to our put-in.
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Trip Orientation and begin rafting
By 9:30 A.M. - 10 A.M. we should be at our put-in just below Oxbow Reservoir. We gather together for a thorough 30-minute presentation given by your Head Guide to discuss the safety features of the trip and demonstrate paddle techniques. After, you'll meet your own guides, then launch boats from camp to begin rafting a fun day of rafting. This 18 mile trip is a Middle Fork extravaganza for those of you wanting a lot of excitement in one, very full day. We'll be on the river early, running the Tunnel Chute and lots of other exciting rapids as well as floating and paddling the calmer stretches of the river.
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12 noon
We stop for a picnic lunch along the way on a large, sandy beach.You will have the opportunity to relax, take a short stroll, and gather energy for the afternoon run.
 AFTER LUNCH
After lunch you will be able to enjoy the inflatable kayaks in the milder sections of the river. Mid-afternoon, usually between 3 P.M.-4 P.M. we arrive at our wilderness campsite. The guides will set up our kitchen while the guests set up their tents (with help from the guides) and get comfortable. There is plenty of time to take a stroll, pull out your binoculars, take photos, play in the inflatable kayaks, read, or just relax. The evening is spent enjoying a delicious dinner and spinning tales around the campfire.
OVERNIGHT AT THE MARIAH BEACH CAMP
Mid-afternoon, usually between 3 P.M.-4 P.M. we arrive at our wilderness campsite. The guides will set up our kitchen while the guests set up their tents (with help from the guides) and get comfortable. There is plenty of time to take a stroll, pull out your binoculars, take photos, play in the inflatable kayak, read, or just relax. The evening is spent enjoying a delicious dinner and spinning tales around the campfire. We are really isolated from all civilization and you may see a golden eagle, beaver, and deer. It is wonderful to watch your guides preparing delicious meals in this wilderness environment.
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SECOND DAY
8 a.m. August 16th
Our day begins leisurely at 8 A.M. with a delicious breakfast (any breakfast is delicious when cooked outdoors). We have time to relax in the morning before heading out for our second day. You will have another opportunity to enjoy playing in the inflatable kayak. We will hike to a waterfall, enjoy lunch
2:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. or so
We arrive at our take-out at Greenwood Bridge, about 2PM, or so, depending on water and events on the river. We will load the boats onto our vehicles, grab a refreshing bottle of water, and board the Mariah vehicles for the 30-minute drive back to your cars in Auburn.
DEPART BY ABOUT 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Back at Raley's in Auburn, you will unpack your waterproof bags, say your goodby's, and head for your next destination. Once you get home, you can view photos of your boat going through The Tunnel Chute at hotshotimaging.com, and also whitewaterphotosonline.com.
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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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