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    American River Confluence

    4.3 (12 reviews)

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    Lillian W.

    The trails near the confluence (North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River) are my pace. Relatively easy hiking trails. It's less crowded in the early to mid afternoon versus the morning hours. Plus if you hike in the Summer, it's "hot as fish grease" as my Yelper bud Erika W stated in her review. So very true. There are parking spots along the side of the road and main lot. But day use is $10, cash only. You have to grab an envelope to pay at the ranger station, so be prepared to park and walk to/from the station. The views are gorgeous! If you don't wish to hike, at least drive on by if you're in the area. Take in the views of the confluence; you can see it off the road. Right now, the water levels are low near the confluence. But take due caution if you go into the water, even if you think it's safe to wade in...the water is cold and swift...the rocks are slippery. Be careful!

    Katharine S.

    I am an experienced hiker, but new to hiking around greater Sacramento. A friend posted a great Instagram photo from here, so I suggested that my fiance and his family meet us here to hike. It is easy to find: exit 80 at Elm, get onto 49, and follow 49 until you pass the park station on the left. One can either park there or descend further and park along the road by the park kiosk. Have accurate cash ($10) to place in the provided envelopes so that one doesn't get a ticket. We saw a park ranger placing warnings and tickets on parked cars on the Saturday afternoon that we visited. I didn't do too much research beforehand, so we winged it and chose a trail leading up to the woods from the ranger kiosk. It led us up up up on a trail that would eventually lead us to the Foresthill Rd bridge. My vampire fiance and in-laws appreciated the shade, of which there is none on the Clementine Trail on the other side of the river. We also walked down along the water, which was so rushing, and along the Stone Wall Trail. The nice park ranger gave me a free Auburn State Recreational Map at the kiosk, and I see now how extensive the park is. There were so many people using it when we visited, which made my heart happy. I hope to come here again soon! Why four stars? Because kiosks that accept credit cards are needed. Who has cash these days?

    Natalia K.

    Great hike, and very beautiful. Great for beginners, since the main trail is relatively flat. However, paying the $10 fee almost ruined it for me. The drive is a bit windy getting there, so watch out for slow drivers!

    Hike/run
    Vladimir K.

    Trails/River/forest is just a perfect combination for enjoying life & get some quiet time away from city life. Love to hike/run & simply enjoy personal or time with friends. Best to come morning, day, or evening, make sure you are out before dark. If you decide to go alone, expect to see wild life.

    Erika W.

    Whooosawwwww.... that's the best word I have for this place. From the moment you hit Auburn and turn to go to the bridge/overpass- the beauty is purely overwhelming. Mountain ranges, the river- just amazing! Okay- the situ: You can park all along the road, but you do have to pay at the pay station so just know that you will have to walk back to your car so the closer the better. The price is $10. Have exact cash. Upon starting our trek- i saw that the Lake Clementine trail also starts there, but we opted for the Confluence this time. Love that trail though. So we went to get our hike on and we got about 2 miles in, well maybe not that far, but far enough. It was hot as fish grease so we opted to take the plunge down the hill and retreat in the river! YES!!!! The water was perfectly cold and moving ever so gracefully. I am a water bug so we found a spot where we could walk and wade in the river without risking our lives. It was perfect!! There are many spots to set up a tent, have a picnic (bring chairs) or just find a nice cove and just chill. The trail is very narrow so I wouldn't take young kiddos and it is mostly in the sun so be prepared. The beauty is, relief is always steps away so it's totally worth it!

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    Review Highlights - American River Confluence

    Plus if you hike in the Summer, it's "hot as fish grease" as my Yelper bud Erika W stated in her review.

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    American River Canyon Overlook Park - Mushroom

    American River Canyon Overlook Park

    5.0(11 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    If you can handle straight down and straight up hiking, trail running, or horseback riding with…read morecliff drop-offs, this Bud's for you! Head down the paved road to the river. Someone else said it's 3 miles round trip but my Strava says 3.2 miles up from the river with 800' gain. :shrug Check out Alltrails app for more input and routes. If you stick to the pavement route, the path is very wide, two cars width and more at times. So no fears of steep drop-offs. Beyond the river, it's single track. On the dirt routes going down to the river, it's very technical and steep. Though I've never been on it, I know about K2/Cardiac Hill. LOL! If you want to explore the Western States trail that's used by Tevis Cup and Western States Endurance Race (both 100 mile endurance races one on horse one on foot), then head down the dirt trail off the horse side. If you travel a little more than 3 miles down this path you'll encounter a waterfall if there's still flowing water. Cross in the water or on the bridge (horses ok either way). But again, this trail isn't for the faint of heart when it comes to horses and their riders. Be mindful it may be too much for you or your horse. Horse side has a large watering hole that had water in it in early April 2023 (while some locations fear the horse sicknesses and have shut off water). There's also tying rails. And plenty of room to maneuver a rig. Paved side has a building with restrooms. The restroom is accessed by the paved lot but is on the side nearest the dirt lot/horse trailer parking. I don't recall it having soap or towels or hand dryers in April 2023. C'mon 'rona, give us soap even if it's the sandpaper powder! Be aware that some days there are major events and you may not be able to park there. I suppose you can call City of Auburn or just be prepared to go somewhere different such as railroad park. Major events include: Tevis Cup, Western States Endurance Race, and American River Endurance Race.

    Beautiful large park. Costs $7 to enter/park, and there's a strict close time to leave at sundown…read more Highly recommend for biking, but not so much for casual walking with kids. This place is huge and has a decent amount of hills and flat areas.

    Photos
    American River Canyon Overlook Park - Equestrian side (dirt lot) next to the canal at sunset. April 2, 2023

    Equestrian side (dirt lot) next to the canal at sunset. April 2, 2023

    American River Canyon Overlook Park
    American River Canyon Overlook Park - On the hiking trail

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    On the hiking trail

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Goth butterfly

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop

    4.8(23 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Have now done this hike/loop a few times now and it's definitely worth the drive and parking…read morefiasco. The trail is about 4 miles long and takes just a couple hours to do at a slow/medium pace. The trail is pretty wide, there were people with their dogs, a few little kids, and lots of groups enjoying the beautiful day. The majority of the trail is shady and covered by beautiful trees, some spots are under the direct sun so bring a hat or sunnies. You'll see tons of butterflies, wild flowers, birds, and of course will see the spillway. Parking is $10 cash paid to the park. This most recent time that I came it was very difficult to find parking, so if you plan to come on a weekend plan ahead and come early. I would also recommend bringing bus spray and being cautious of the poison ivy along the sides of the trail. Overall it's a beautiful hike and I'd recommend it!

    Beautiful 4.4 mile hike. My friends and I were originally over here for another hike; however, we…read morehad to park so far away we decided to do a closer hike, Clementine Lake. It was a beautiful hike in and out with a lot of shaded areas for cover. We went around 9:00 so it wasn't too hot and we finished around noon. The trail is very easy to follow, we had no issues with directions. It does have a pretty steep hill towards the end, but it wasn't terrible. I would hike it again as it was a moderately easy hike. Parking is just a nightmare.

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    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop
    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Waterfall at the dam

    Waterfall at the dam

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Waterfall

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    Waterfall

    H2O Adventures - Chundry... amazing!

    H2O Adventures

    5.0(804 reviews)
    8.4 mi

    Absolutely.... Don't hesitate to go with H2O adventures. They are professional, knowledgeable, and…read moremake you feel super comfortable with some humor sprinkled in between! Even the stop for lunch was incredibly delicious and refreshing ! Devin our guide was awesome, he makes you feel at ease because of his knowledge, attention to detail and his humor! Extras: we surfed some waves, jumped off rocks, rode the bull (sat solo on the bow of the boat and held on for dear life!), floated outside the boat, all on the MiddleFork. It was very exhilarating. You get enough class 3 & 4 rapids and time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. (I'm sore in some places and it's the day after, and I'm a fitness instructor). Best stop before heading to Lake Tahoe! If you stay overnight, the little town of Auburn has some great history. Fun to walk the town.

    Had an amazing time with H2O Adventures on a full day trip on the South fork of the America River!…read more I highly recommend them! They were so friendly and helpful. Even when I screwed up our booking and accidentally forgot one person they quickly got us taken care of. Waylon was the best guide! He was great with both my kids, letting them know when they could ride the bull and when they could jump in to get wet. He knew a lot about the area and engaged in conversation with all of us. I highly recommend the full day trip as it lets you see the entire upper and lower parts. Lunch was amazing. They asked us what we wanted and had an amazing spread (burgers, toppings, chips, watermelon, lemonade, pasta salad & cookies). I certainly wasn't expecting it to be that good. But after a half day it was soooo yummy!!! Can't say enough nice things! Even when my oldest fell out at Hospital, everyone knew exactly what to do (she was holding onto the boat). They travel together which is great. There are lots of options, but you cannot go wrong with H2O Adventures! We are already planning our next trip- on the Middle Fork and we will most definitely raft with H2O!!

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    H2O Adventures - Chili bar

    Chili bar

    H2O Adventures - Rafting

    Rafting

    H2O Adventures - Rafting

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    Rafting

    American River Confluence - hiking - Updated August 2026

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