I am a beginning hiker and I went here on a whim because of parking being an issue. I do have to say 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. read more

Have now done this hike/loop a few times now and it's definitely worth the drive and parking fiasco. 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! read more

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Beautiful 4.4 mile hike. My friends and I were originally over here for another hike; however, we had 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. read more

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I would like to preface this review by saying that I don't hike. I'm not in great shape because I don't exercise or hike, so when I do go on a very infrequent hike, I need it to be easy. Luckily, this one fit my requirements. The hike is kind of hard to find. I tried using my car navigation and it led me astray. Then google maps did the same, but finally, I managed to find it. Hopefully, I'll remember where it is for next time. You have to park on the side of the road and go to a window to pay for parking. The people at the window will tell you how to find the start of the hike in case you're geographically challenged like I am. There are also bathrooms next to where you pay to park. And a map in case you're good at maps. (The only maps I like is the yeah yeah yeahs song.) The beginning of this hike is my favorite because you're walking alongside a pretty river with ducks. I brought my dog, which was nice, but it also meant the trail had a ton of dog poop on it because humans are very irresponsible and don't pick up their dog's poops. So watch where you walk! And not to give you conflicting messages, but also look up! If my dog hadn't told me to, I wouldn't have looked up and I'd have missed the bear that was having lunch on the hill!!! This is only the second time in my life that I've seen a bear in the wild so it was quite a treat for me. I also saw tons of different kinds of butterflies! I was there in May, so I don't know if that's a popular time for butterflies and bears or if this hike is always like that, but I was very into it. The end of the hike has a waterfall. And there was a car parked there which made me wonder if you can just drive to the waterfall and save yourself all the hiking. There's a bench by the waterfall where you can sit and have a snack while you stare at it. The hike back is just going back the way you came. The entire hike probably took me a couple hours. I was fine in sneakers and a dress. Don't forget sunscreen. I brought a parasol. read more

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We did this trail and had a great time. It is super chill and lots of places to park. Depending on when you're there you may want bug spray and if taking a pet check your furry friend for ticks. read more

Hike is listed as "moderate" according to all trials but it's daily easy if you're a person who goes on walks fairly often. I get why they would consider it moderate because the trial does take you up and down different elevation levels but nothing too extreme. Pace yourself and you can get through it. Some areas are paved some are not and it's gravel with rocks, but other than that if you pay attention you'll be fine. Trail is easy to find and start, it's pretty self explanatory and should have no worries of taking a wrong trail or turn. It's a very popular trail so you'll have plenty of hikers to pass by and say hi to. Dogs are allowed. They have an outhouse toilet to use. They have it cleaned and stocked with tp throughout operation hours. There is a $10 parking fee. There's a stand with a worker that allows you the option to pay electronically, but if not open or the worker isn't here you must pay by self completing a form to drop in the drop box. Place receipt on window as your parking permit for the day use. Parking is a bit limited but hikes come and go all at different times, you might have to go up and down a few times but you will find a parking spot. The dam's waterfall is well worth seeing and it's pretty rewarding. read more

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Came Monday morning (holiday) at 8:30a. By the time we left, around 11a, it was packed. Notes: Heavily traveled trail, not overly crowded but large groups of people. Parking is $10 cash, make sure you have pen handy. You will need to put in your car information on a form. About 2hrs total for the trip to the damn and back. Very nice "walk", very very rocky, watch your step. Nice views, pleasant paths. I encourage checking it out. Bonus if you skip a few rocks under the bridge. read more

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Such an amazingly beautiful place. I wish we took more photos while staying here but of course when you're living in the moment you just enjoy and take it all in. The drive here isn't too bad it's about 1.5 miles of windy roads which is narrow. You have to drive it slowly because a lot of people ride their bikes and walk since a lot of trails are in the area. We went down to where the boar ramp is which is at the bottom next to the Dam is and first thing we noticed is they have bathrooms and lots of parking. Once we parked, had lunch and relaxed we took a hike. Trying to figure out what trail we wanted to take we started to just walk against the lake and to the Dam enjoying the sounds of the water and the trees. This place is just so amazing the clear air, mother nature working at its best. I am definitely coming back here and glad we found this gem. So many hiking trails and such beautiful scenery. read more

Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - This place is so beautiful - Parks Near Me - Auburn, California

The Clementine Lake Loop is an excellent hike that's absolutely worth the view. My friend and I came here for a celebratory hike in January. There was ample parking, but we did get a bit lost on our way there. We stopped to ask a park ranger for instructions which was super helpful! However, a few lessons learned to share as to what I'd do differently next time: - Because of the close proximity of the waterfall, the ground gets to be a bit wet and the rocks tend to be a little slippery. I highly recommend wearing grippy shoes (something with solid tread). I wore a pair of my older tennis shoes that were a bit scuffed up and I was slipping around quite a bit. - Take your time! The hike has bits of downhill with mud, protruding branches, and lots of rocks, so use extra caution. - A word of warning for my fellow hikers with lots of hair: bring a hair tie! My hair got so frizzy and curly, again because of the close proximity to the waterfall. - The earlier, the better! My friend and I started much earlier, so we were able to experience the loop with minimal foot traffic. But by mid-afternoon, it was getting packed. However, everyone was respectful, distanced, and masked-up. Once you get your footing on this hike, it is so much easier to soak in the view. My friend and I brought a picnic + blanket and set ourselves up pretty close to the waterfall (but outside of the splash zone) and had an amazing time soaking up the sun, breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the view, and listening to the birds and the waterfall. Such a peaceful day! read more

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Great hike. Wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty or muddy. A shoe with a good grip sole would be great. Some narrow areas with rocks. Not recommend for small children. Pack water and snacks. Apx 4.5 miles round trip. No garbages or toilets- take out what you bring in. The view of the Dam is beautiful. Might even catch a rainbow at the bottom. There is a 10$ parking area before the bridge read more

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On a recent hiking trip with my gym, we made our way to the Lake Clementine dam. This is one of those hikes that I have seen many friends post photos about but I was never quite sure where it was located. So when the opportunity to do this hike arose, I jumped on it. It was super easy to find the trail head and there was plenty of parking; however, I have been told that in the summertime this is quite a popular spot and parking can be quite tricky (we came in late October). The trail itself is very doable for people of all fitness levels. There are some inclines and some areas where the path gets narrow (and there are more rocks). But overall it was a gravel path that was wide enough for plenty of hikers. Dogs are allowed on leash and I highly suggest bringing a picnic to enjoy once you get to the dam. read more

The trail is more shaded more & it's perfect for morning hike & also for beginner hikers since the trail is mostly flatland and runs alongside the river. I parked near the dam where there's less traffic, but you have to drive all the way down for parking. Family & dog friendly. You can deep your feet in the water to cool down. You will enjoy it! read more

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I've hiked around this area several times ober the years but for some reason never made it back to Lake Clementine until now. The hike to the dam is a little over 2 miles so about 4.5 miles round trip. A slight incline as you work your way to the dam but nothing too strenuous. Pretty cool because you also get to walk right underneath the Foresthill bridge. Once you're at the dam there's not much to do except take in the views. There's one picnic table so if that's occupied there's really no where else to hang out except for sitting on the concrete. Regardless, it was a great hike. Perfect for getting out of the house for a little bit. read more

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To get to this trail, we parked near the "no hands"bridge. There is a park ranger station close by that has restrooms and maps for trail markers. The park ranger was helpful and showed us which trail head to start with after we explained we wanted to get to Clementine Lake. We didn't do the full loop and decided to turn around once we got to the dam and edge of the lake. It was a little over 5 miles round trip. It was breath-taking. Hikes like this make me thankful to live in California! The swimming hole was very tempting, we will be back this summer to swim. WARNING: be hyper-aware of where you are walking. We stayed on the marked trail and still saw THREE snakes. One of which was a rattle snake in the middle of the trail, my husband was inches away from stepping on it. read more

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This is a beautiful place to visit just for a look or for a hike. The road going in at the lower lake is paved but narrow and winding with steep cliffs so give yourself some extra time to take the drive slowly and enjoy the views. read more

Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Seeing and hearing the water flowing over the Clementine Dam is amazing! - Parks Near Me - Auburn, California

Looking for a place for a quick ride on the way to Tahoe? No more than 3 minutes off Highway 80 in Auburn is this great ride. Exit on Elm and turn left onto Lincoln and then proceed to Russell Rd. Make a right onto Russell and follow until the road turns hard right. Trailhead starts at the turnout on the left, it looks like a little parking lot. The trails starts with a 2 mile descent on a fireroad, you want to control your speed here since a lot of people walk on this road. You end up at the North Fork of the American River. Take the bridge across the river and head up along the Old Lake Clementine Road Trail, don't make my mistake and start climbing, the view is nice but this trail take you nowhere. Don't worry once you get to Lake Clementine Road, you get three solid miles of climbing. But of course this means you get three miles of downhill on the Culvert Trail. Woo hoo, technical single track, if you are uncertain of your bike handling, you will need to hop off your bike a few times. I went over my handlebars in one section and I ride 2 or 3 times a week. But it is fun. This takes you to the Confluence trail with more singletrack, again be on the lookout for hikers and don't get distracted by the girls swimming in the river, this is a technical section. This trail pops you out at Old Foresthill Road, cross back over the bridge. You now have 2 miles of climbing back up to your car. Enjoy. read more

Love this place! My fiance go here atleast 4 times a year! The hike is nice. several to chose from. Love the rock you can jump off into the water as well. Also the water is super clean. Went super early one time and saw a baby bear as well. read more

Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Crazy how high the water is this year compared to last! - Parks Near Me - Auburn, California

A nice time! Nice views! Be careful of broken glass, stolen signs and other such bored teenager leftovers. My only suggestion would be to drive up higher in elevation, when the heat of summer is at its peek; unless you like a steady 105+ degrees many days. If you're going up there to roast, be very careful about narks of all ages (and cops) and be careful not to spark a fire (this is a VERY, VERY dry area many times of the year). read more

Great hiking/biking trails. Easy access to all areas. Place is very well kept up. The single trails are awesome...best part is that there are several trails all within a handshake of each other. One path will lead to many more as you go. Clulvert Loop is very fast and rocky. Great view throughout all the trails. Down the Fire Trail, you can find several water access trails. read more

A kickass trail close to Sacramento or on the way to Tahoe if you're so inclined. This is a trail that is accessible to low-intermediate to advanced riders and promises a lot of fun both uphill and downhill. I've ridden the loop 4 times now and you can vary the distance a little, but be prepared to put in 10 miles if you do most of the loop - of course, you can always go out and back, but the loop itse;f provides lots of varied and technical terrain. I've been impressed lately to see a wider variety of riders out here, including plenty of other women riders. Please note that the trail is also open to horses and hikers, so take a bit of care when you're screaming downhill. The trail is very well-maintained, although it gets a bit muddy after some rain. Also, Auburn is scorchingly hot when it's hot in Sacramento, so be sure to bring lots of water. Happy riding! read more

I decided to go here on a weekday since I had the day off from work and I figured it would be a nice hike. It actually was a nice hike and there was some shade along the way which was good. I went in the morning. Parking was easy since I was willing to pay the $10 fee so I parked pretty close to the entrance. I did have problems finding the right gate to the hike so I stopped by the ranger station and they were able to help me out. The hike itself was not hard, the hardest part was probably climbing up and down on semi slippery rocks to get a good picture of the falls. Even though I went on a weekday it was still pretty crowded because a lot of teenagers were there too. I am guessing the schools probably had it off. read more

i love the scenery here, its so lovely and breath-taking. it was kinda scary at first, nature's beauty will melt away the jitters. BEAUTIFUL.. nice place to camp. read more

Really nice loop trail with single track and dirt and paved roads about 6 miles total and a good hill climb. MTB's usually run this clockwise, if you are hiking or running it, counterclockwise is best. Great views of the middle fork, foresthill bridge and some faint spur trails lead to some nice spots on the north fork upriver from the bridge. A short detour will take you to the dam at lake Clementine. read more