FAQ's - Rafting And Familiy Trips
Which course is right for me?
Most groups have participants with mixed abilities and experience. For a first-time trip you might want to choose the South Fork American or the Kings River, both Class III, beginning whitewater river, that is perfect for first-time rafters, kids as young as 7, and experienced rafters out to have a great time with each other. The Merced and the Middle Fork American are a step up, great as a second trip, and for those first-time groups with adventuresome rafters in good condition. The North Fork, Tuolumne and Cherry Creek are intermediate to advanced. Feel free to call our office for help in selecting the right river.

Can children come?
Absolutely! We welcome children as young as 7 on the South Fork American River and the Kings River. On our more advanced rivers, the Middle Fork of the American River, Merced, Tuolumne, and Kings in the spring, the minimum age is 12. On the North Fork and Cherry Creek, the minimum age is 14. During years when we have a heavy snowpack, the minimum ages may vary. It is always a good idea to check with the office.

Is the trip all whitewater?
No. All of the rivers we do include very easy rapids and calm stretches; even the Class IV rivers such as the Middle Fork and the North Fork have these calmer areas. The rivers we offer have side creeks, mining sites, hiking opportunities, and time to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness. So, we offer whitewater, and a lot more too!

What does Travel Mate provide?
Most groups have participants with mixed abilities and experience. For a first-time trip you might want to choose the South Fork American or the Kings River, both Class III, beginning whitewater river, that is perfect for first-time rafters, kids as young as 7, and experienced rafters out to have a great time with each other. The Merced and the Middle Fork American are a step up, great as a second trip, and for those first-time groups with adventuresome rafters in good condition. The North Fork, Tuolumne and Cherry Creek are intermediate to advanced. Feel free to call our office for help in selecting the right river.

Who are Travel Mate's river guides?
We think you'll find our guides to be some of the very best professional guides on the river, many of whom have been with us for over 18 years! Our guides are bright, articulate and enthusiastic as well as physically strong and knowledgeable about the outdoors with extensive whitewater skills. In addition to our continuous on-and off-river training emphasizing local and natural history, conservation, first aid and CPR, we train new guides each year in our excellent Whitewater Guide Training School, and select the very best to become part of Mariah's guide staff. Our guides are proud to provide friendly, informative, safety conscious rafting adventures for their guests!

What are the camping facilities like?
Our base camp on the South Fork of the American River is one of the best on the river. We have a permanent camp kitchen, built on a cement slab, with a large cooking and serving area. Available are restrooms with hot-water showers, flush toilets, sinks, mirrors, plenty of room and privacy to change clothes. We also have a walk-in camp store, guest kiosk, wine and beverage garden, Coffee Corner, nature trail, volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, lots of picnic tables, beach front campsites right on the banks of the river, lots of shade, a fun "swimming hole" in which you can play.

What do we need to bring?
Usually only your personal gear, which, depending on the season and length of trip, may be shorts and t-shirts! Every trip has a detailed equipment list for each rafter. And our camp store on the South Fork has many last-minute or forgotten items available

May I bring a camera?
Disposable waterproof cameras are best. Fine cameras can be carried in a waterproof bag, but are awkward to protect and use on-river. On most rivers a professional photographer will take your boat's picture as you negotiate a big rapid. You may review and purchase the captured moment following the trip!

What is top weight allowed?
Our lifejackets are rated to work for persons no heavier than 280 lbs and chest size no larger than 52 inches.

What about disabilities?
We are skilled at working with many different disabilities. Please check with our office if you have questions about medical or physical concerns.

How do I reserve my Trip? And What is Mariah's cancellation policy? How To Reserve:
You may email us at rafting@mariahwe.com, or call our Rafting Reservation Office at 1-800-462-7424 to ask questions, check on availability of the trip, dates that interest you, and to make reservations. Many of our trips fill up months in advance while others may have last-minute space availability. We will send you an invoice with detailed trip information and hold your space for several days, while waiting for your deposit to confirm your reservation.

Cancellations and Refunds:
Due to our limited trip sizes, we turn away others once your reservation has been submitted. If you must cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. Upon receipt of a written notice 59-31 days or more prior to your launch date, you will receive a full refund less your per person deposit. Any cancellation made within 60-30 days of the trip may not be eligible for a refund. You may, however, substitute another person with no penalty. Deposits from partial group cancellations may not be applied to remaining participants. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Our Coast Guard approved life jackets will keep you afloat, and our guides will show you how to "swim" a rapid feet first should you pop out of the boat, as well as offer many other safety measures. Please note: our lifejackets are rated to work for persons no heavier than 280 lbs and chest size no larger than 52 inches. We are skilled at working with many different disabilities. Please check with our office if you have questions about medical or physical concerns.