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    Auburn State Recreation Area

    4.5 (76 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Auburn State Recreation Area Photos

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    Up cardiac hill and to the top
    Josiah H.

    One of my favorite places to go run and train. I love coming out here and running the trails, when I want to get in a varied terrain training session in. Beginning at base below Forrest Hill Bridge, where the trail will take you under and around the bridge and to the waterfall. I personally like taking the "road less travel" and making my way to the fire break area. So an extremely stem climb up to and across the bridge. And then back down the winding trail on the other side of the bridge, for a good 2.5 mile loop. You can however take the more moderate trail up to the top, which is more for the average trail walker. If our looking to just travel more distance as a easy to moderate degree. Along the road where you can park for free (IF you get there early enough to find a spot). Are a serious of trails off into the hills that very in degree of distance and difficulty. One of the trails will literally take you from Auburn to Lake Tahoe which is 91 miles! If you want to hike or do some walking but stay along the water, there's a trail that will take you about 7 miles out or so. Where you'll pass by a cave that's been closed off, but is apparently the discovery sight of the some extinct animals once native to California. Parking near the ranger booth is $10, and everywhere else is free. But if you get here later in the day expect that you might be going back on forth. Hoping a free spot opens up.

    Bella M.

    We love the hiking trails that Auburn State Recreation Area has to offer. Absolutely stunning views. You have your pick of easy , moderate, or hard trails. We usually go for the semi long, moderate to hard trails. This particular trail that we recently did was not our first choice. We were supposed to do a different trail but since we came a little late, which mind you, it wasn't really late (8am) but hiking time on a warm weathered day, well 8am is considered late. lol So looking for parking was not fun. We were lucky to find a parking spot but unfortunately it was too far from the trail that we had intended to hike, so we decided to just hike the trail that was conveniently close to us. No regrets at all! Absolutely stunning views! We even got a treat at the end of the trail to watch a group of rock climbers climb a pretty good sized rock wall. We ended up adding a few steps in to get a little more workout I would definitely go back to this trail again. The trail is called Quarry Trail to Limestone Rockwalls. FYI: There is a $10 parking fee

    The hikers
    William D.

    Numerous trails in this area, today's hike was Quarry Trail. $10 fee or bring your annual Poppy Pass. Beautiful 3-mile round trip hike (additional if you continue past the Quarry)that follows the south fork of the American River. Mostly level hiking. Water was flowing the day we went & the falls were plenty. Bathrooms at the beginning & the end of the trail. A spooky closed-off tunnel .1 mile above the foundation of the old mill. Picnic tables at the end,so pack a lunch.

    Sarah S.

    Love love love!!! We will definitely be returning! Probably one of the coolest & prettiest hikes our family has done in a while Also it was baby Amani's first hike! So happy she did well! Easygoing & not too difficult. My brother in law is disabled & this was perfect for him but still exciting for the kids!

    Clean restrooms
    Heather C.

    Came here in a Sunday morning to walk the Quarry Trail. Pretty busy in the area but we were lucky enough to find a parking spot in the parking lot even though the sign said full. Fee is $10. Great walking paths, fairly easy, not too steep and follows the river which is beautiful! Gravel paved and mostly shade. About 1.5 miles in you can check out the Hawver Mine which is pretty cool! There's also a great rock climbing area where you can simply watch and gave lunch or climb yourself about another .5 mile. Round trip was about 3.5 miles and is a great place to visit with kids and leashed dogs. Restrooms are available along the way, doggie bags and life jackets. Amazing place and worth a visit!

    Lower Lake Clementine Dam
    Gregg R.

    The area of Sacramento is full of trails but I somehow keep finding myself gravitating toward this one when we say, "Lets go out for a hike!". I really do love this place just for the number of trails in such a small area. Sure it has a lot of the same issues you find in other areas. Trash left by inconsiderate hikers, busy, it can get insanely hot during the summer and the traffic around the confluence of the Middle and North American River can be downright bad, but most of that speak to the quality of the area. I love being able to park close to the river, take one of the trails for a decent sweat inducing hike and then cool off at the river just before heading back into my suburban sadness. One of the key things is to try to visit this place during a weekday and if you must go out during the weekend, come early. There is also an entrance fee of 10 dollars so keep that in mind. Second, I would be very aware of the changing river conditions if you here in the afternoon. From what I understand is that from 1 to 4 PM that the flows increase from the damn and the water could start moving quickly, so keep that in mind with the Kiddos. It can get extremely HOT out here! Third, there was many people wearing masks out there on a Friday. I would hate to see how it is on a weekend but I guess there are those who can't seem to spend a little more caloric energy breathing through a mask. Keep that in mind if you are out here at times and do not like hanging out with people not wearing masks. The upside is that we are outside but a lot of people did not seem to care for social distance either.

    Bettina C.

    Pretty cool place that my daughter and I got to enjoy. There's parking right at the front that's labeled to be safer. The path is clear and good for biking. Path is pretty even but with a great different views plains brush forestry and a beautiful stream the path runs about five miles each Way so be prepared when testing out

    Kelly S.

    Beautiful trail to hike! Spent part of my Saturday hiking this awesome trail. Very clean and well maintained.

    Liesl K.

    Beautiful place for a great hike! The China Bar trail is a beautiful hike and a great workout! The trail is about 5 miles round trip. The first half is all down hill and the second half is up hill. The trail is mostly pavement with some dirt/rock areas. Beautiful scenery the entire way down to the river. No need for hiking boots, walking shoes will do just fine. The trail has a few rest spots with picnic tables as well. Great place to have a nice lunch! So beautiful once you make it to the water. Great place to cool off during the summer. Lots of doggos going on walks and kid friendly as well.

    Sarah T.

    This is a beautiful trail. There are many directions you can take. Beware that the trail is mostly downhill starting out but on the way back it is all up hill. Some routes are harder than others. I have seen people off all ages on the trails. My 8 year old was able to do the trail no problem and have seen people as old as 75 doing the trail. Also lots of people bring their dogs for walks here. Definitely will go back.

    Heading up Stagecoach Trail
    Jean M.

    I've lived in Sac metro for five years. Shame on me for just making it to the Auburn Recreation area. It's reasonably close with varying types of hikes, camping, and river access on a hot day. We landed on the Stagecoach trail which had some nice river/bridge views. What I don't recommend is being crazy like us and deciding to go hiking at noon on a 100+ degree day :) We did some research and chose an intermediate hike thinking there would be less traffic. That was true but we weren't thorough enough to realize that the trail head was also a hub for all kinds of outdoor fun. Good to know but also not surprising that parking was crazy (confluence area)!! Between the heat and parking, hikers should be smarter than us and get there early. Other useful info, a day pass is $10. All in all, a great option for getting out of the house if you're starting to get a little stir crazy working from home.

    Swimmin' hole
    Kristoffer N.

    I LOVE this area! The confluence of the North Fork American River and Middle Fork American River is an amazing place to hike, picnic and swim! Trails are all over the place! Bathrooms are at the main trailheads. The North Fork waters tend to be calmer and warmer. Middle fork is where you can pan for gold! Lake Clementine Trail is a relatively easy, kid friendly hike that takes you all the way to Lake Clementine. In the late spring, there is a lot of water flowing out of the dam... A truly amazing sight to see. But bring lots of water as it gets hot very fast. Bring $10 cash to pay at the self pay monuments or go to the ranger station and pay cash or credit card.

    Greg G.

    Auburn State Regional Park has many great trails and sights to see. Parking can be crazy after 10 AM on weekends. Parking is also $10. I enjoy hiking the Clementine Trail.

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    7 years ago

    Pretty good sport climbing. Area is well labeled with lots of porta potties/outhouses. Nice and clean. Nice river.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Auburn State Recreation Area

    I want to know is any permit for parking or to go hiking?

    Permit not required but day use fees are required. A lot of them are self service stations but a few entrances such as at the lower Lake Clementine Dam parking have staff at the entrance.

    Where are the nearest/best campsites for tent camping?

    ASRA offers three camping areas at Lower Lake Clementine (boat-in only), Ruckachucky, and Mineral Bar up in Colfax. You can reserve spots online at reserveCalifornia.com . Ruckachucky is super popular so definitely plan ahead.

    We want to have a nice family day, easy hike with a picnic. I've noticed there are multiple parking lots. Where would be the best place to park?

    You will need to reserve parking in advance most weekends. I'd recommend hidden falls which takes you straight to the designated lot. You can reserve a spot here: https://www.placer.ca.gov/2617/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park

    Which is the best trail to hike?

    It depends on your skill level. The most popular hike is the Lake Clementine trail, which is a wide trail right off of the North fork of the American River. It's 2.5 miles from the Confluence to the Lake Clementine Dam (that big waterfall you might… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Auburn State Recreation Area

    Quarry trail is great for the kids or low effort folks, flat and wide even with Porta potties and picnic benches.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    American River Confluence - The gorgeous Confluence.

    American River Confluence

    4.2(11 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    "GET UP AND GET OUTSIDE!!!" Great place to get active not…read moretoo far from Sac. Just off the 80 as you get into Auburn. -Parking SUCK BIG TIME - especially on a nice summer weekend. Get there early or you gonna have to post up and wait for someone to "Kick Rock" (leave). -Scenic trails along the river w/ accessible secret swim holes (ask anyone there, they'll tell u this place is a secret) LOL. -Clementine Trail: super cool. Takes u right under the tallest bridge in California "Forrest Hill." Amazing panoramic 360 views. Early summer is a great time to visit as the Clementine dam is flowing - "Waterfall effect." ***NEGATIVE: this is why u can't have nice things. Organic, free roaming pets dropping bombs w/ UNCULTURED owners fertilizing the land. Captain Planet's enemy leaving garbage (plastic water bottles, snack packages, etc...) all over the place. "PICK UP YOUR S#%* !!!!!!!"

    1/24/2019: The American River Confluence offers beautiful hiking and Mt. bike riding; however,…read morethis area is highly unsafe wading/swimming here; the American River is too treacherous-the H2O current is too swift! Foolishly, I drove to the upper end of the Park crossing over the North Fork of the American River overpass bridge, parked my truck via the bathrooms, walked onto the hiking trail heading down towards the river shoreline, and walked onto the beach side, wading my toes in the freezing, ice cold rapids . . . BBBBBRRrrrrr~Geez-The American River was freezing cold; surely, you would get hypothermia after being exposed in the cold H2O for just five minutes . . . Unfortunately, all the lifejackets were missing from the billboard via the beginning of the hiking trail; therefore, I highly suggest you bring your own lifeH2O vest and one for every person hiking with you. Please note: There are deep, rip currents here so if, you plan hiking along the river's shoreline, please WEAR your life vest: Inexplicably, from my countless experiences filming the American River, upstream might release a flash flood and sweep you away! Luckily and extremely blessed-"One time at band camp . . . ," I was floating along the river's shoreline-almost beached in my truck-size inner-tube: I constructed tethering, fashioning a thick, fishing net laced around the entire inner-tube so, I wouldn't fall through the inner-tube and attached a surfboard, bungie cord to my ankle onto the floating contraption upstream along the American River's shoreline-the river was calm, no waves, it was sunny, and bright . . . I know I must have appeared mentally insane~wearing my 7-millimeter wetsuit, scuba gloves, scuba boots, scuba hoodie, scuba life vest, snorkel, and scuba mask: All of a sudden, I found myself caught rushing down the American River in CLASS 6 RAPIDS!!!! OY-EVAY \('*o*')/-YIKES!!!! Wow~I'm so relieved I wore my scuba gear because: 1. I didn't succumb to hypothermia 2. I didn't drown due to wearing my life vest 3. Floating on a truck-size inner-tube with the inner-tube tethered to my ankle deflected crashing into underwater, hidden large boulders which saved my life! 4. Wearing my snorkel/scuba masked helped me breath when the Class 6 rapids washed over me! 5. I floated downstream by FIVE MILES until I found a slow eddy enclosed by several huge boulders reminiscent to a large hot tub where I found I may safely exit out of the American River! Anyway, I hiked back to my campsite with my truck-size inner-tube being carried like an oversized backpack! Every time I visit the American River Confluence, I'm always jettisoned into a time warp reliving that horrifying experience getting caught in the SUDDEN Class 6 Rapids! P.S. Since I'm a certified National Geographic, TDI NITROX, advanced PADI/SSI scuba diver and an USAF-trained military personnel in extreme survival, I was able surviving the terrible ordeal unscathed. Nevertheless, I'm always prepared for the worst survival experiences: Bring it on, Bay-BEE!!!!!

    Photos
    American River Confluence - Puppy posing

    Puppy posing

    American River Confluence - At the Confluence

    At the Confluence

    American River Confluence

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    Lake Clementine

    Lake Clementine

    4.5(148 reviews)
    3.5 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 hike!! Highly recommend! There is a $10 parking fee. The fee grants you access to…read moreMULTIPLE trails for the ENTIRE day, take advantage and check out different areas to explore the scenery. More info on their website! The hike was moderate. Pretty straight forward, some steep elevation here and there. But worth the experience! As we hiked I was greeted by the buzzing bees at work, different species of butterflies, and watched the birds glide above me. The trail is filled with trees that provided shade, accompanied by drafts of wind. Hearing the water crash as we got closer to the dam was the best motivation to quicken our pace. So stunning! There's a small bench where you can sit to enjoy the view before your hike back. We were wiped because we went at peak heat level, rookie mistake. So definitely check the weather to go at a cooler time to thoroughly enjoy this wonderful scenic hike!

    Photos
    Lake Clementine - Hiking one September with friends. Did this January 18, 2026!

    Hiking one September with friends. Did this January 18, 2026!

    Lake Clementine
    Lake Clementine

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    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls - 24

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    4.6(39 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    On AllTrails app search "Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls". Parallel Parking on the street…read moreClose to the trailhead - get here early otherwise your parking will be part of your hike. It's early spring. There is lots of wildflowers - lots and lots of butterflies to see. Got to see many reptiles - skinks and a variety of lizards. Many hawks flying overhead. Lots of amazing views of the river. And a couple of small waterfalls. Walked further than the posted trail on All Trails just to add some extra mileage.

    We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the sun was peaking in and out from the clouds. The…read moreopening to the trail can be easily missed so just pay attention to the signs. The address on Yelp is not accurate so I would suggest using Google for directions. Parking is limited so if you don't get lucky with snagging one of the parking spots in the front then just park down the corridor and make the walk back up. The entire trail itself is flat with very little to no incline. We had my three younger nieces with us and they were able to physically complete the hike with no complaints. As you reach the bridge, walk across it and keep going to see the end prize of a gorgeous waterfall. The hike will amaze you with some scenic views of beautiful mountain backdrops with clear waters roaming down the stream. It was a very peaceful and therapeutic experience. We were able to have conversations without the disruptions of life, and we had a chance to soak in nature without the nuances of digital connectivity. So -- bring some water, snacks, and maybe a light lunch to enjoy the short and yet breathtaking experience with your loved ones. P.S. you will pass a few mini waterfalls before getting to the grand prize. Even if you don't see or hear anything for a while, just keep going because once you turn the corner -- it will all have been worth it. Although I'm an avid hiker and have walked through many trails throughout the state, this trail will remain my favorite trail in all of California.

    Photos
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls - Someone's creation.  Super cool.

    Someone's creation. Super cool.

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls - Peaceful.

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    Peaceful.

    Mother Lode River Center - Guests Rafting with Mother Lode River Center on the Lower Gorge

    Mother Lode River Center

    4.8(171 reviews)
    8.7 mi

    We booked a rafting trip with Mother Lode River Center in June of 2024. None of us had ever done…read moremuch more than easy trips on calm water, so it was a pretty new experience for us. Our guides were Erin and Lauren. We had an absolute blast; it was the most fun I've had in years. My sister-in-law was visiting from the UK and she said it was the highlight of her trip. Yes, the rapids are fast and wild and yes, there's a possibility you might fall out of the boat. If you're not a big adrenaline junkie or you're older and this worries you, don't let that keep you from doing this. I'm also not a big adrenaline junkie. Three of us on the raft were over 50. We all had a fantastic time. I never felt like I was in danger and I was never scared. The guides are great at showing you what to do, easing your fears, keeping you safe, and making sure you have a good time. Highly recommended experience, especially if you have a visitor and you want them to experience the best of Northern CA recreation!

    I decided I wanted to take the kids I nanny (11 & 13) to do something fun and unique and thought…read morewhy not finally cross off whitewater rafting from my bucket list?! We were gifted a beautiful day on the river with multiple sightings of wildlife including fish jumping, ducklings, geese, and even a bald eagle! The best part was getting to see the kids do something, get scared, have a blast doing it, and then ask to come back for more intensity next time. I really appreciated the guides for their hospitality, humor, and kindness. However my main piece of feedback would be a friendly reminder that nature and outdoor recreational activities are a form of escape and respite from our every day life, so being more mindful of the topics of conversation brought up during the ride is very important to the atmosphere.

    Photos
    Mother Lode River Center
    Mother Lode River Center
    Mother Lode River Center

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    Auburn State Recreation Area - recreation - Updated June 2026

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