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    Emerald Pools

    4.8 (22 reviews)

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    Beautiful visit when the water was so high! Normally so much lower and accessible. March 10 2026

    One of the Emerald pool
    Kenya D.

    Beautiful place! easy drive from reno. Get there early for front parking super easy walk, only 5 minutes from parking!

    Merry K.

    I was bracing for tons of hooman visiting this place on July 5th. It was busy, however, everybody were Comfortably spread out. We walked about 5min upstreams and there were less people. It was 90degree, so the water felt cold. We brave it and after a while we were happily frolicking. I would not want to be here over the weekends or holidays though. I could only imagine crowded it would be. Many kids and brave souls jumping from the cliff around the main pool. I was tempted, but I worry I may start a Tsunami.

    Sonya E.

    Arrived on Labor Day and this hidden gem was packed with lots and lots of visitors. Parking is very limited so I would suggest arriving early. The "hike" from the parking area to the actual pools is probably about 5 minutes. There is minimal shade once you get to the back so wear a hat, put on the good ol' sunscreen or just arrive early so you can snag a good spot. The water appears to be clean on one side and not so clean on another -- just use your best judgement if you're going for a dive. I saw many people of all ages cliff diving at the end of the pool but I didn't get to personally make it out there because I didn't bring swim wear (this adventure was impromptu). I would want to visit again on a weekday so it's less crowded. If you plan on visiting, consider bringing the following: * cooler with drinks and food so you can picnic * towels and mats to sit on (lots of uneven rocks in the area) * sunscreen and bug spray * trash bags to clean up after yourself * water shoes so you can walk in the water * Bluetooth speaker to listen to relaxing music (keep it low and be respectful of neighbors and animals) All in all, it's a beautiful place to check out. P.S. please keep Tahoe clean. It's horrible to see how visitors leave their trash all over the place. Basic etiquette: leave the place as you found it!

    Emerald green
    Lester F.

    Emerald pools is a well visited spot located on along the south Yuba River in Nevada County. The term "Pools" suggest there are more than one and yes there are several pockets of pools through. I visited this unique location on a Tuesday and it was fairly busy. These natural pools were surrounded by boulders, interplaying rocks, and unique canyon formations. The water source itself is feed by Lake Spaulding. The overall weather when we went was 89 degrees but the water felt like it was a brisk 40 degrees. It definitely brightened my day, as I dove into the water. There are shallow and deep parts of the pool, but parents should be mindful when bringing their children since there are no life guards on duty. This place is another reason why nature is great and why everyone should visit. So if you are near this area, take off your shoes and go for a dip.

    I love this tranquil place.. But the terrain is a little rough but nice place.

    Beautiful tranquil place for all age groups loved the scenery and the water can't wait to get back there it was cool during these summer hot days

    Emerald pools on the right, Goliath cliff jumping on the left.
    Korrie S.

    This is another lovely swim hole in out spectacular region of the Sierra Nevada. Takes about an hour to get to, but very easy to find. There is a massive cliff jump spot just west of the pools called Goliath. Took us some bushwhacking and tapping into our primitive navigation senses to find, so I've attached a photo of an apple map showing where in the river it is. Good luck!

    Be ready to hike! The views are amazing and the swimming is worth it! Not very much shade. Some sharp rocks along the way. Breathtaking!

    Vic C.

    This place is beautiful. But the humans make it so trashed. You maybe in the forest but it feels and smells like a sani hut. Tons of waste. Tons of human waste. Many poop bags whips on the trail leading up to the water. Saw tampons and pasa. It's so sad. Breaks my heart. No respect for the environment and nature. This will be my first and last time i visit this swimming hole. This review is only based on the part i saw and visited. I'm sure there is a more pleasant area to be had.

    Janene K.

    It's beautiful! The short hike in is an easy trek for those that can walk but not a place for those having any difficulty with their legs and not wheel chair accessible. It was clean this past few weekends when we've gone up, I hope we can keep it that way, one of Our hidden gems, let's take care of it! These pictures are of the main pool and some of a hike we took. I think this spot has become one of our go too mini adventures.

    Indira A.

    Beautiful place for a hot summer day. It is very confusing to get to the pool. You have to hike. I was lost I had to follow someone. That's how I got there. The water was very cold. But the view was so worth it.

    Emerald pool
    Chunyan L.

    The walk to the pools is like 5 mins. Make sure to bring sunscreen!!! Pool floats are recommended! Enjoy!

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    4 years ago

    Great Place to Cool Down From The Heat Of Summer. Clear and Cold Water, Lots Of Rocks and Lots Of Fun :)

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    6 years ago

    Amazing place to get lost and explore!!! Going back next week for more adventures!!!!

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    Ask the Community - Emerald Pools

    Are dogs allowed?

    Dogs are welcomed, but must be on a leash! And my personal recommendation, if you decide to take a pup near the water, put a doggy life vest on them since the waters can plunge deep by the edges of the rocks.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Emerald Pools

    Basically, it a short hike (5 minutes) to a sweet swimming hole from a small river coming from Lake Spaulding.

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    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

    4.7(9 reviews)
    19.6 mi

    Some places never leave you. For me, that's the South Yuba River Trail and what I've always…read moreaffectionately called the Old Bridge. I remember coming here as a kid with my dad. Crossing that old bridge felt like the scariest thing in the world. My dad would make us walk on the inside, away from the edge, while my imagination convinced me one wrong step meant certain doom. Funny how a place that once terrified me would become one of my favorite places on Earth. Over the years, I've returned time and time again. I've swum here with friends, spent long summer afternoons jumping off the rocks into those deep emerald pools, and just recently brought my son here so he could experience the same magic. Seeing it through his eyes reminded me why I fell in love with this place in the first place. On a warm summer day, this canyon is nothing short of a postcard. Crystal-clear water winds between massive granite boulders. The iconic canyon walls rise on both sides, and the sunshine pours in, lighting the river until it almost glows. Families spread out on the rocks, friends laugh from every swimming hole, and adventurous souls leap from cliffs into the refreshing water below. I've been to plenty of rivers, but few compare to this one. The deep swimming holes, the towering stone cliffs, the endless places to explore, and the unmistakable beauty of the canyon make it feel like one of California's true treasures. Some places are simply beautiful. Others become part of your story. The South Yuba River is both. It's a place that has followed me from childhood into adulthood, and now into fatherhood. Every visit reminds me that while life changes, some places never lose their magic.

    We have been coming her for over 20 years, the water is always beautiful and we have meet some…read morereally great people here. We usually visit 2-3 times a year for 3-4 day weekends. We'll usually get down to purdon crossing around 11am and spend the entire afternoon enjoying the sun, shade where we can find it or make it and swimming. We have meet some really great single guys and couples there to share our picnic with, so if you ever see us on the river don't be shy and say Hi.

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    South Yuba River Trail and Campground
    South Yuba River Trail and Campground
    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

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    Pioneer Park - Swimming pool

    Pioneer Park

    4.3(12 reviews)
    19.4 mi

    Some people remember their first bike or their first baseball glove. Me? I remember my first…read morefavorite park. Pioneer Park in Grass Valley will always hold a special place in my heart because it's the very first park I can remember absolutely loving. Back then, it felt enormous. There was green grass, a little creek, baseball games, families everywhere, and after church or a Little League game, it was the place to be. But the real star of the show was that swing. If you grew up in the '70s or '80s, you might remember it. It looked like something the safety inspectors would have a panic attack over today. It had a long bar across the top with swings on each end, and my dad would grab one side and start running. If he got enough speed, the kid on the outside would lift way up into the air. To me, it wasn't a swing it was a helicopter. I swear I thought I was about to take off for Sacramento. I'm pretty sure they quit making those because someone, somewhere, decided children should survive their childhood. Fair enough... but man, they were fun. As I've gotten older, I've realized something funny. Places don't actually shrink... your perspective changes. I went back recently, and Pioneer Park isn't some giant adventureland anymore. It's a beautiful little park tucked into the corner of Grass Valley. There happened to be a concert going on that evening, music filled the air, and for a moment I wasn't thinking about today I was thinking about being a little kid again. A few years ago I even dropped my phone in the creek. I drove away before my car announced, "Phone disconnected." Nothing like fishing for your phone in the same creek where you used to play as a kid. Apparently, some traditions evolve. Looking back, this park means even more to me because of who brought me there. My dad wasn't perfect. We all have complicated relationships with our parents. But when I think about parks, I don't remember my grandparents taking me. I don't remember my mom taking me. I remember my dad. Maybe he just wanted to get out of the house. Maybe he wanted to cool off. Maybe that's how he showed he cared. Whatever the reason, those afternoons became one of the happiest memories of my childhood. That's the funny thing about places. Sometimes they aren't famous because they're the biggest or the fanciest. They're famous because they're where life happened. So thank you, Pioneer Park, for giving a little kid his first taste of adventure, for the "helicopter" swing I'll never forget, and for reminding me that some of the best memories in life don't get bigger with time... they just become more meaningful. Five stars. Not because it's the biggest park I've ever visited, but because it will always be the biggest one in my memories.

    Pioneer Park is in the foothill town of Nevada City, CA. It's a beautiful 16 acre park with…read moregorgeous mature trees. There's a baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, bocce ball court, horseshoe pits, little league field, playground, green lawn space, picnic area, and bandshell. The walkways are paved and ADA. In addition, the public swimming pool and Lodge are located here. The park hosts summer concerts and special events. The Lodge is a hop skip n jump next door to the pool, playground, and basketball courts. It's an event building available for rent. It has a kitchen, restrooms, tables, chairs, projector, and seating for 120 for dining. There are picnic area throughout the park as well. The areas have tables, BBQs, and some have electrical hookups. These can be reserved via the parks and recreation website. There is a creek that runs through the park that's makes a beautiful trickling sound when the water flow is high. Peaceful vibes. But as in all public spaces, please be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

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    Pioneer Park
    Pioneer Park - Horseshoe pits

    Horseshoe pits

    Pioneer Park

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    H2O Adventures - Chundry... amazing!

    H2O Adventures

    5.0(804 reviews)
    37.5 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

    Emerald Pools - hiking - Updated August 2026

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