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    Lake Clementine

    4.5 (148 reviews)

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    Candace C.

    Nice time at Lake Clementine. It was our first visit. We arrived late (near 10AM) and the good Lord saw fit to save one parking space for us lol. The pay system is archaic so be sure to bring cash (parking is $10). The weather was perfect, didn't even need our light jackets. The crowd picked up at the morning progressed; we found every walker and biker to be friendly. Watch for the dog poop. The lake provides pet waste bags so not sure why pet owners don't remove their dogs' waste. There is a very narrow "strip" of path, so narrow it's not shareable; you'll have to allow the passerby to go before you or vice versa. A little scary (new hiker here) for me so not sure I'll do the lake again, but sharing so everyone can be mindful, particularly if on a bike or hiking with children. I felt so accomplished once I reached the water! It was refreshing, a number of people congregated "at the finish" to take pictures, as I did as well. There are some areas of incline but it was good, small challenge for my endurance. Overall a good experience. I did notice people at the lake enjoying the water as I headed back towards to car. I told my husband we should return, pack a lunch and enjoy the water.

    Chelsea M.

    I've been coming to Auburn for a while to do hikes and I love it it's one of my favorite spots to go to. The parking is only $10 weekdays isn't to busy weekends can get little busy with parking there are spots along side of the road. The one thing that is cool about this place is they have few different spots you can hike. You can hike to the bridge or the dam. I love this area. They do have markers on what trail you are on and where you are going to. This trail was nice easy going nothing to steep or uphill half of it is shady and the other is sun.

    Livy F.

    Such a beautiful day trip! The lake is incredibly clear and stunning, and paddleboarding down it was such a cool experience. The only downside was the drive--the windy dirt roads made getting in and out pretty difficult. Still, totally worth it for the views!

    Signs galore!
    Anamaria L.

    Loved the hike! We get there early & park. Parking is $10. A friend didn't pay and she got a $110+ parking ticket violation. Not bad of a trail. There are some bikers & you need to allow them to go. They can be aggressive (2 of them). Most were nice the past 3 times I have gone. They have a few port a potties & 2 bathrooms. No running water so their toilets in the 2 bathrooms are not your typical toilets like at a restaurant. Bring water! & be aware of poison oak! They DO NOT want dogs there but people still bring them.... You get an envelope and put your money in there & take off the top to place on your dash. The troopers for the site get there around 8am. Go early, have water & enjoy!!

    Post hike reward.
    Sonya E.

    We drove in midday -- the drive itself is incredibly scenic. The main attraction of this hike is the giant dam the streams a majestic and dramatic waterfall which is so mesmerizing to watch. We didn't do the longer hike because it was already about 3pm, and it was really warm outside. We just strolled along the stream of water which was largely shaded which was probably a mile at best. I plan on returning in the near future to experience the full hike leading back to the waterfall backdrop. I'm told it's about 5 miles roundtrip.

    Hiked with friends. Deer looking at me and I looking at them. August 27, 2022

    September 15, 2024 Review (Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please) number one hundred forty one. F our years late, it was September 2020. Three us went hiking. Very nice trail! There one area. To me is memorable. The mother deer and her fawn are eating. They look at us and we look at them. I was surprised the doe did not try at all to take the fawn away. One person on the hike saying animals have a way to know if person is trustworthy! It was a great hike. Maybe due to the date, look at the month I put, we're not that many people. The Finish Line, so to say, is the very big dam at the end! One can hear the loud sound of it!

    Bella M.

    One of our go to trails to hike if we aren't planning on going anywhere too far. Absolutely beautiful views. We love to hike trails that have water/waterfalls and this trail has both. This trail passes under the tallest bridge in California. The Foresthill bridge. Absolutely magnificent bridge. IG worthy for sure but the bridge isn't the only IG worthy. The waterfall is AMAZING! We normally go to the base of the waterfall to take a few fabulous pictures and videos. It is about a 5 mile hike that is a bit of a good workout but not too strenuous. It is so worth it. I absolutely recommend this trail. The river is quite impressive right now with all the rain we had. I have two tips for everyone who is planning on hiking here....first tip... COME EARLY. Parking can be challenging because this area is very popular plus there are quite a few trails to choose from. Second tip....BRING CASH. Parking isn't free. There is a $10 parking fee. Now go get some fresh air and enjoy a nice hike with beautiful views!

    Beautiful area to see
    Greg S.

    Beautiful lake for kayaking or a hike around. There are only boat accessible beaches and coves here, so don't think you will bring the family for a shoreline picnic. The hike up from Hwy 49 to the dam is incredible. One of the best. About 2.5 miles each way. The dam is also accessible by a very windy paved road that narrows down to a single tight lane. Most people walk down the lane from further up. Once at the lower lake, there is parking with real restrooms. Parking is $10 for the state park. Well worth it to support the parks.

    Veronica B.

    This was such a fun outing with my girls. We ended up driving down into the parking lot they have. The road is very tight when there are two cars coming in different directions. We were also coming in contact with people walking. The parking lot does charge $10 (Cash only). They have bathrooms and they were clean. There weren't any sinks to wash your hands. The hike we did was pretty easy and so pretty. We went on a Wednesday and there wasn't that many people out. I could tell with all the signs we saw this place might get really packed on Weekends.

    Johnathan R.

    The Clementine Trail was breathtaking. I had the luxury of going when it was sprinkling so the fog make everything more atmospheric. The dam alone was worth the visit. I'd never seen a dam/waterfall that size in person so it felt incredibly grand and humbling. Expect around a 5 mile round trip trek that will take you down to the river. It's a medium effort hike so it's not going to be super challenging, but you will get a workout. I want to give this trail 5 stars but the only thing that is holding me back is that if you follow the directions on Yelp you will end up parking right next to the dam for $10. I didn't know that the road to the dam would be incredibly narrow where there is no way two cars can fit. It was incredibly stressful to drive BUT the hike was stunning and worth it. Find anywhere along to road to park and go from there. Please go check it out!

    Amy H.

    This hike to the dam is a very nice easy hike. It took us about two hours and had a gradual uphill. We were able to find parking on the side of the road pretty easily and there were public restrooms. The beginning of the hike closely parallels the river which makes for a really nice view and definitely settles any fears about getting lost. The path is pretty wide and so we were able to walk next to each other which was nice. I think personally I like trails that are so small that you feel like you're not quite sure they really are trail and feel more submerged in your environment but this is really nice if you don't wanna think to much about where your going and wanna keep you clothes clean. The hike is a sort of out and back deal as opposed to a loop. The final destination of the trail leads to a large dam that has a gorgeous view of the river. There is also a steep trail to get closer to the water though this is by no means a swimming hole unless you have a death wish. There is also a nice bench that is perfect for a snack or lunch break. Overall I'd recommend the hike really high for beginners but not so high if you're looking for more of a challenge.

    Kathy V.

    Chasing waterfalls? Yeah why not! Needed to get out of the and ended up on Trillest recommendation of hikes. Location: Placerville The views are worth the hike 4.5 mile hike into mother nature's creation. Lake Clementine has tons to offer if you don't want to hike. Feel free to swim, mountain bike, picnic, meditate, nature walk, and chill. Note: go early! Parking is far from the trail and when we arrived it was 930a. The weather was about 100 degrees but worthy at the end.

    Viclaire S.

    If you're looking for a great hike to a pay-off kind of view, this is a place to go. It's about a 4.5 mile hike roundtrip from the parking area. It also gets VERY VERY hot, 90+ degrees hot! (see below for tips) This is a popular spot to hike because even during the COVID period, we hiked on a Tuesday and it there was a good amount of traffic. The hike there is parallel to the river and you can see people cooling off and enjoying the water. We went with our 13 year old, wasn't difficult at all and we saw many children/families. From different angles and depending how the sun hits, you can see a lot of "rainbows" near the falls. Tips: $10 for parking- cash only (tape the receipt to your front window) get there early for a spot and allow yourself time to use the restroom Bring a mask/gaiter (the trails there at times can get narrow) Bring handwipes and sanitizer (for obvious reasons) We brought a lunch (sandwiches/chips) and ate by the falls Bring water, Gatorade Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and bug spray if you're like me) Drive safe there and back- roads are windy and narrow If you don't want to pay for parking, take a right turn at the first bridge and walk to the entrance Rainbow falls is not well maintained so watch out for wet rocks and put your phone away before descending down for a closer look. Don't want to hike? You can drive to the falls, but there is still a parking fee there as well.

    Baby mushrooms

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    Great area. 5 stars. Not busy. Good location with awesome views. An hour drive from Sacramento

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    Lake Clementine Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lake Clementine

    Is it open to hike and visit the waterfall in December now?

    November 16, 2023 One is able to hike any time of year! Not sure if the waterfall is active for… Read more

    Is there any car parking fee if yes then how much is it?

    Yes unless one has the yearly National Parks pass, it is ten dollars to park! Deposit in the brown box, you get a parking sticker to hang on the vehicle!

    Is upper lake Clementine open for car access? I want to go and am getting conflicting info

    Car access , paved road to the dam.

    I heard the parking is blocked for this place ... where are people parking?

    Hi Gaby, when we were there last, there is parking along the side of the road on the south end of the Foresthill Bridge. From there you may take the trail on the east side of the road which will lead to the Clementine trail. Or, you may also descend… Read more

    Hi, planning to go there tomorrow with some friends. Are they strict about going in large groups?

    Small groups Recomemnded as its very steep and dangerous. The more crowded the more unsafe along the trail.

    Can I bring my dog?

    Yes! Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashes at all times

    Is this a stroller friendly trail?

    No absolutely not

    View All 15 Questions

    Review Highlights - Lake Clementine

    Hearing the water crash as we got closer to the dam was the best motivation to quicken our pace.

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

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    4.8(5 reviews)
    2.6 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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    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls - 24

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    4.6(39 reviews)
    1.8 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.

    Hidden Falls Regional Park

    Hidden Falls Regional Park

    4.3(280 reviews)
    7.7 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

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop - Goth butterfly

    Clementine Lake Loop or Culvert Loop

    4.8(23 reviews)
    2.4 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 - Tamaroo Bar Trail 12/2023

    Auburn State Recreation Area

    4.5(77 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Gorgeous landscape! I recently completed the Quarry trail and it was a beautiful walk. The entire…read morepark is great for enjoying nature and exploring the outdoors for various levels of activity. For the Quarry trail, I recommend parking along the main road if you find a parking spot. The parking lot at the trailhead is tiny, and always full. This trail has plenty of portable bathroom stalls and is paved.

    So lucky to have such a great outdoor recreation area near home…read more Numerous trails along the North Fork of the American River. From easy short walks to all day of hiking, it's all here. Free parking along Highway 49 at the American River and a large and free parking area at the American River Overlook Park across from Railhead Park in Auburn. Perfect access point to the Western States Trail that takes you down to the American River as well as a large assortment of trails that cover the north side of the American River Canyon. Paved as well as natural trails for every skill level. Bikes are welcome on several of the trails as well as horses. The Western States Trailhead at the Overlook has a staging and parking area for horse vans. Regular parking for about 150 cars at the Overlook and no charge for parking. For the advanced hiker you have a well marked trail that will take you from Overlook Park all the way to Folsom. In the late afternoon you might catch deer roaming the hillside. A couple of waterfalls in the area that are worth a visit. Beautiful views of the American River as you hike along the canyon trails. Most trails are well marked. The free app. "All Trails" provides a detailed map of the trail system in Auburn and makes it easy to determine the length of time it will take to hike to most scenic spots.

    Photos
    Auburn State Recreation Area - Tamaroo Bar Trail

    Tamaroo Bar Trail

    Auburn State Recreation Area
    Auburn State Recreation Area - Olmstead Loop Trail

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    Olmstead Loop Trail

    American River Confluence - The gorgeous Confluence.

    American River Confluence

    4.2(11 reviews)
    1.6 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 - lakes - Updated May 2026

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