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    Auburn State Recreation Area

    4.5 (77 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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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.

    Kelly S.

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

    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

    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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    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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    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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    Hidden Falls Regional Park

    Hidden Falls Regional Park

    4.3(280 reviews)
    10.9 mi

    Another nice, easy hike to add to our list around the Roseville area! Biggest tip is to be sure and…read morego online to reserve ahead of time and pay a small fee, if necessary. Reservations are required on weekends, some Fridays, and selected dates. Otherwise, Mon thru Thu are free with no reservations required. Parking available inside is limited so come early to avoid the hassle. I believe they open at 6:30 AM and closing is dependent on sundown. We hiked with our 2 little girls and dogs. Even with the little ones, we were able to make it to the Canyon View Overlook and back. In case your dog needs a bathroom break, bag it up and I recall there was at least one trash can along the path towards the Overlooks. Help keep this hiking gem clean! Scenery was gorgeous, hike was pretty easy without difficulty, and be sure to visit both Overlooks for some beautiful sights. We took the North Legacy Way, in case you're curious. Great for hiking enthusiasts, families, quality time with nature, and perfect for those that want to avoid lots of foot traffic!

    Paid for the ticket reservation online. $8 for all day parking pass. They have $4 options but those…read moreare for early morning or later in the afternoon. I much prefer a reservation system like this because it saves on the stress and time of fighting for parking and an overcrowded park. People who rated this low are just mad because they didn't do research or come prepared. Theres plenty of trail options here but we did the main hidden falls loop trail that was on AllTrails. (Poppy Trail, N Legacy Way, then Hidden Falls Access Trail, total loop about 3.2 miles) It was a beautiful hike with tons of mushrooms everywhere right now, and hidden falls is flowing! Theres two observation decks. I kind of don't like how the deck at hidden falls is right above the falls so it blocks the falls, you have to look down over the rail/ledge, so there's no way you can get a good photo with the falls behind you

    Photos
    Hidden Falls Regional Park
    Hidden Falls Regional Park - California Sister

    California Sister

    Hidden Falls Regional Park - So pretty here

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    So pretty here

    American River Canyon Overlook Park - Mushroom

    American River Canyon Overlook Park

    5.0(11 reviews)
    7.3 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 - American River 10-25-50 finish area is ADO. Also where you catch the bus to the start.

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    American River 10-25-50 finish area is ADO. Also where you catch the bus to the start.

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area - Not much action... yet!

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    4.8(5 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    On a recent mild sunny winter weekend afternoon, I visited the Halsey Forebay fishing access area…read more It's a water reservoir that's occasionally stocked with trout and crawfish. It's managed by PG&E. The reservoir is a lake with shallow rocky edges. It's just for casting fishing, no humans or animals should go into the water. The access and parking is FREE. And as always, anglers 16 and older need a CA fishing license to fish. I didn't fish here. I looked about and soaked in the sights though. It was rusticly beautiful. However the perimeter doesn't have any shade trees. But vibes were super quiet, I call it library fishing. Shhhh. As I walked about the perimeter of the lake, I noticed folks were quiet even amongst their own groups. Even the elementary school age children there were super quiet. An incredible feat. QuietPlace. And about the fishing situation, not much luck with the anglers that day. Stock was low. Near the parking lot is a short concrete pier with fishing rod holders. This is closest to the water shed. The picnic area is across the watershed. To get to the area from the parking lot, you will have to walk, on a narrow steel grate walkway, over the watershed. The rushing water provides for a dizzying visual effect. The picnic area is set back enough from the lake so if you bring the kiddos, this is the area where they can go about hooting n hollering. The area has 3-4 concrete picnic tables and a several bbq pits. It's first come, first serve. This area is not paved, dirt packed; shaded with big growth trees. Plus let me tell you I learned the hard way that the walking path doesn't connect fully around the lake. I don't recommend attempting the mythical loop. The path is mostly gravel with the other parts being dirt. Watch where you step; there was a lot of poop along the trail. There is a stretch of the path that ends and funnels you out to the narrow bike lane on Christian Valley Road near Bancroft Road. There is no adjacent room to the side of the bike lane, only a chain link fence. Cars are going 50plus miles a hour inches away from you; and they are on a curve. So wait until traffic clears for a significant distance to hightail yourself across that stretch which runs about 50 feet. Don't try to walk with cars coming at you; don't risk getting impaled by a side view mirror or worse. There is a paved parking lot and a public restrooms with vault toilets. Sorry ladies, I can't provide any additional info about the restrooms. As always, I try my best to avoid public park restrooms. But at least they have a restrooms. And to add the landscape of area doesn't provide for any natural discrete spots to answer the call of nature.

    It's gorgeous out here…read more.. We've been fishing at Halsey Forebay Picnic Area quite a few times now. We've caught trout and crawfish! Along with some gnarly mosquito bites. You can pull in and park in a parking space where it leads right up some picnic benches. Just beyond that, a l is a fence with holders for your pole. About 10-12 of them lined up. If you are fishing here, this is where having a 2nd and 3rd pole comes in handy - just be sure to get your license for that!! The water current starts off strong over here and, depending on what you are using, could float downward towards our into the next person's line, so use wisely! Figure it out! On this cool evening, we were catching them left and right. Everyone fishing here is so friendly. It's fun to meet people and see what they're using. When the sun goes down, and most of the heat goes away, Halsey Forebay becomes a sight for sore eyes... as I said... so gorgeous

    Photos
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area - This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.

    This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

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    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Goth butterfly

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop

    4.8(23 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    I am a beginning hiker and I went here on a whim because of parking being an issue. I do have to…read moresay that this hike is stunning and not bad for a beginner like me! If you are hiking in this Auburn area, I do highly recommend that you arrive EARLY for the parking situation. This place gets pretty busy. I believe this is because this area is trending on TikTok for beautiful hikes. We had to circle over and over again and only got parking because a car full of people next to us had the decency to move over a bit to fit two Jeeps with 5 humans and 1 big dog! Back to the hike...this was so nice by the water. There were many places I enjoyed resting to just take in all the nature. For some reason I found hiking to the dam more difficult that walking back to the parking spot. I think it was because it was new for me and I wasn't used to it. This hike was not too bad especially when it comes to inclines and steepness levels. Definitely check out Clementine Lake Loop because it is beautiful and doable.

    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!

    Photos
    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

    Auburn State Recreation Area - recreation - Updated May 2026

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