American Trip Details
The following information should answer your logistical questions. If you still have questions after reviewing this material, please feel free to call our office.Meeting Place
Mariah base camp on the banks of the South Fork of the American River. From Placerville (located on highway 50 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe), take highway 49 North 8 miles to Coloma. Cross the bridge over the American River, and proceed for about 2 miles. On the left you will see signs for the Mariah Base Camp. Turn here, and follow the dirt road to Mariah camp.
Meeting Time
2-day trips meet at 8:00 a.m. the morning of the trip. 1-day Gorge Run trips meet at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the trip.
Camping
Your 2-day trip includes camping the night prior to your trip. You may arrive anytime after 6:00 p.m. If a staff person is not immediately available, feel free to read our "Welcome Board" which will give you a written orientation. Sleeping areas are to the left and to the right of the Welcome Board. We will meet you at 8:00 a.m. the next morning for breakfast and check-in. For our guests on 1-day trips when camping is not included, other campgrounds in the area are: American River Resort (916) 622-6700, or Camp Lotus (916) 622-8672.
Lodging
Motels in the Placerville area are: Best Western (800) 528-1234, and the Days Inn (916) 622-3124. Bed and Breakfast Inns are also available in the Coloma area....Coloma Country Inn (916) 622-6919 , and the Vineyard House (916) 622-2217
Meals
Your two day trip on the American River includes 5 meals beginning with breakfast the morning of your trip and ending with lunch on day 2. One-day trips include lunch only, which is served partway down the river. One-day trip guests may purchase camping the night before the trip and breakfast the morning of the trip, but this is in addition to the normal one-day trip price. Cold beverages are available at trips end.
Cars
Your cars are parked at our base camp, and are accessible during your trip.
Rentals
Tents, Sleeping units, and wet suits are available for rent. Information about rentals will be sent to you upon making a reservation.
What to Bring
On the river
- Shorts/swim suit
- Tennis shoes or river sandals
- Sunglasses with tie-on
- Camera (see above)
- Light Windbreaker
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
- Wool socks (wool is warm when wet)
- Hat/Visor with tie-on
- Sunscreen
- Wetsuit
In camp
- Dry shoes & socks
- Sleeping Bag
- Flashlight
- Towel
- Sweater or Jacket
- Ground cloth, pad or air mattress
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Toiletries & medications
Optional
- Clean set of clothes to leave in your car for the drive home
- Fishing gear with license
- Books, games
- Extra beer or soft drinks
- Tent
- Rain Gear
Cool weather items
- Polypro or wool long underwear
- Wool or pile pants
- Tent, Rain Gear
- Wool or polypro sweater/jacket
- Wool hat & gloves
- Wetsuit & booties
