Take on the challenging Class III+ rapids of the Chili Bar Run near Lotus, California. Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting combined with a tasty lunch for an unforgettable outdoor day.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, able to paddle actively and maintain balance through varied rapids.
Wildlife
History
The American River area was vital during the California Gold Rush and remains a popular recreation destination today.
Conservation
Mother Lode River Trips actively promotes river stewardship to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize human impact.
Mother Lode River Trips
Take on the challenging Class III+ rapids of the Chili Bar Run near Lotus, California. Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting combined with a tasty lunch for an unforgettable outdoor day.
Mother Lode River Trips is an outdoor adventure provider based in Lotus, California, offering multi-activity river and land experiences focused on the South Fork of the American River and nearby Sierra Nevada foothills.
The company features whitewater rafting through Class II and Class III rapids in a granite-walled gorge, zipline and ropes-course combination experiences, full- and half-day Gold Rush and Native American history educational programs for youth groups and schools, and exclusive campsite accommodations for overnight stays.
Rafting options include the Lower Gorge Run (Class III) that includes lunch, and a value Gorge trip without lunch, both covering notable rapids such as Fowler’s Rock and Satan’s Cesspool and concluding with a refreshment stop at Folsom Lake.
The Zipline, Ropes, and Rafting Combo Experience pairs tree-top ziplines and ropes challenges with river runs on the South Fork of the American River, combining aerial courses and whitewater sections in a single outing.
Educational Gold Rush History modules are available as half-day or full-day programs and are designed for youth organizations and schools, integrating Gold Rush and Native American history with geology and river ecology lessons.
Campsite accommodations are presented as exclusive tent setups for camping under the stars, appropriate for families, groups, or solo visitors.
All trip descriptions specify river sections, rapid classes, and any included amenities where noted. Mother Lode River Trips operates from Lotus, California, and focuses on the natural scenery and historic context of the Sierra Nevada rivers. Reservations, schedules, and detailed itineraries are listed on the official website online.
Location
Lotus, California
Base camp for all trips
River & Gorge
South Fork of the American River
Granite-walled lower gorge
Suitable For
Beginner–Intermediate paddlers
Family and youth-friendly trips
Educational Programs
Half and full-day modules
Designed for schools and youth groups
Check availability and reserve preferred dates for rafting, zipline combos, Gold Rush programs, or campsite stays in Lotus, CA.
Wear a properly fitted life jacket
Ensure your life jacket fits snugly to stay safe during rapid sections.
Bring waterproof shoes
Secure, comfortable footwear helps maintain footing on slippery river rocks.
Arrive early for a thorough safety briefing
Understanding river signals and commands improves group coordination.
Prepare for sun exposure
Apply waterproof sunscreen and wear a hat to protect against sunburn.
Waterproof sunscreen
Protects skin from intense sun exposure during the trip.
summer
Neoprene water shoes
Provides traction and comfort on slippery river rocks.
spring|fall|summer
Lightweight quick-dry clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dry throughout the excursion.
summer|spring|fall
Wetsuit or splash jacket
Adds warmth when water temperatures drop during cooler seasons.
spring|fall|winter