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California Whitewater
Rafting Trips
Mariah
Wilderness Expeditions, one of California's premier California whitewater
rafting companies, celebrates being a leader of safe, high quality whitewater
rafting companies since 1982.
In 1982,
co-owner Donna Hunter decided to explore the idea of turning her 10-year
passion for whitewater rafting and other outdoor water sports into a business.
As an early adventurer on many
U. S. rivers when whitewater rafting was just
beginning to be recognized as a viable commercial enterprise in this country,
Donna found the thrill of running rivers and challenging herself in the out of
doors to be an adventure she wanted to share with and offer to others. Leaving
her professional job in Social Services, she moved to Northern California,
joined forces with a friend (Shelley Tennyson), and started MARIAH as the first
(and still the only) whitewater rafting company owned by a woman.
In 1988,
Nancy Byrnes joined MARIAH when she bought Shelley's shares in the company.
Nancy had an early retirement offer from a major corporation where she worked
for 21 years. Her involvement came from a long-lasting love of outdoor
activities and a special love of water sports of all kinds.
Within three
years of its conception, MARIAH'S reputation as a safety-conscious, high
quality rafting company was already established. Donna's untiring work to "get
the word out" to friends, groups, companies, and outdoor enthusiasts about the
fun and excitement of rafting began to pay off. Soon MARIAH was one of the
largest rafting outfitters on the South Fork of the American- one of
California's premier rivers.
Because
business on the South Fork was steadily increasing, we then decided to expand
river operations to include other rivers in California in order to give our
returning customers additional rafting options. In the mid-1980's we began
rafting the Merced River, the Middle Fork American River, and North Fork
American River. The addition of these three rivers gave our guests an
opportunity to progress to more difficult rivers and come back to see us year
after year. Many of our customers have been adventuring with us from the very
first year of MARIAH trips.
As a
women-owned business with our desire to see women of all ages pursue their love
of the wilderness in a supportive environment, a second branch of MARIAH of
Mariah was developed. Mariah began offering all-women's trips on California
rivers, as well as active, multi-sport adventures to other parts of the world--
from rafting on many special and challenging rivers throughout the western
United States and in Costa Rica, to sea-kayaking in Baja and adventure travel
to Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Fiji, and Australia.
In 1988 we
began booking rafting trips on the warm water rivers of Costa Rica, and we soon
realized that as a result of our specific love for the country and its people,
we had accumulated a vast amount of information unavailable to most travel
planners. Costa Rica was rapidly becoming a popular adventure travel
destination. Our rafting trips soon turned into complete customized itineraries
for the independent traveler--whether couples, families and friends, or solo
travelers. Costa Rica Travel Planning has become the third main branch of the
MARIAH business and is now operated by Nancy Byrnes.
OUR CUSTOMERS
We have a
very high percentage of repeat guests; some groups have been rafting with us
for years. Below are just a few of the comments we have received.
"Rafting the river is the best way to enjoy the river's beauty and respect its
strength." Middle/South Combo, 2004
"This was an awesome trip!
Everything was seamless@ Mariah and all the guides make all their trips great
experiences. I have never been disappointed. Would definitely "This trip is an
excellent value for your money." Costa Rica, 2005
"An Amazing,
phenomenal experience." Costa Rica, 2005
These are just a few of the
thousands (literally!) of positive comments we
received this past season
So let us
get you out on the river! We invite you to enjoy a day, week, or a fortnight on
an adventure that we hope becomes a lifetime experience! Please join us, just
as 100,000 others have done so over the past two decades and help us celebrate
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions!
OUR STAFF
We have some
of the most experienced guides on the river! Many of them have worked with
Mariah for years. John Markey has been a Mariah guide since 1984, Nikki has
been here for 15 years, Grady for 13, and so on. The staff treats each other,
and our guests, like members of the family, and these men and women are always
striving to share their passion of the river and the environment with our
guests.
OUR
EXPERIENCE AND SAFETY RECORD
We are one
of the original companies to offer whitewater rafting trips on the South Fork
of the American River. Since we began in 1982, we've learned how to make you
feel safe on the river. Through training and workshops since 1982, our company
has developed into one of the top companies in California. Our experience is
reflected in the quality of equipment, food, and staff on each trip.
Safety has
always been our #1 priority. Our goal has always been to provide an exciting,
fun, and safe whitewater rafting adventure for our guests. We are constantly
reviewing our trips, always seeking ways to improve the quality of experience
for our customers.
OUR BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
OUR CAMPGROUND
Mariah's
South Fork American River Campground - Your Home Away From Home!
OUR
RENTALS
Mariah has
the most luxurious camping opportunities on the river. No other company offers
such unique and charming cabin-style tents. Sleeping kits and deluxe 4" pads
are also available to rent. Rent your tents from us and they will be set up for
you by the time you arrive.
Wetsuits,
booties and spray jackets are included on all river trips where they are
necessary for your safety.
EXCELLENT
PRICES
GROUP DISCOUNTS
We have some
of the best group discounts on the river. We have a very complete Group
Organizer Packet we will be happy to send you. Just give us a call or email us
(link) and we will mail it.
GREAT FOOD
WE OFFER
MANY SPECIAL TRIPS
- Family Whitewater Rafting Trips (link to family
trip listing page)
- Wine-Tasting (link to wine-tasting and rafting
trip)
- Music on the River (link to Music and rafting
trip)
- Camping and meals for non-rafters (link to
Non-rafters doc attached)
- Many trip options on the South Fork American
River to choose from (link to California Rafting listing page)
- South Fork and Middle Fork Combo Trips (link to
that River Detail Page)
- South Fork and North Fork Combo Trips (link to
that River Detail Page)
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION: PLEASE CALL MARIAH'S OFFICE AT 1-800-462-7424, to check for
availability and to make an initial reservation. We will send you lots more
information about your trip, including equipment lists and places to stay in
the area, and answer all your questions about your trip. Your deposit within
ten days of the booking confirms your trip. Trip balance is due 45 days before
your trip date.
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