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    Sugar Pine Reservoir

    4.1 (19 reviews)

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    The sign reads Stay Out, Stay Alive. This is the view of the dam open from inside Sugarpine Reservoir.
    Bridget W.

    As of the 2017 season, water levels are finally back to normal! The water is clean, warm, and there's finally actual beach surrounding the lake. The coves and adjoining creek are now back to being accessible via kayak or small boat. This truly is a perfect spot for kayaking or canoeing (thanks largely in part to the 10mph wake limit). Unlike nearby large lakes like Rollins or Folsom, there's no fear of getting run over by a drunk boater or a daredevil jet skier. Just calm waters for swimming, paddling, and relaxing with the occasional fishing boat trolling by. A predominately paved trail surrounds the lake for an easy hike of about 4.5 miles that also crosses over the dam for a spectacular view of the reservoir. There are also several benches and nature facts posted along the way. Boat Launch is on the opposite side of the lake from the Manazanita Day Use area. The two campgrounds, Giant Gap and Shirttail Creek are on either side of Day Use. Apparently the secret is out that this is the place to be when the Sacramento Valley hits triple digit temperatures - it's about 90 minutes up Hwy 80 from Sacramento. I've been coming here for years and this is the first time I've seen so many cars overflowing the day use lot. Luckily, this lake is so large that even with every campsite taken in both campgrounds and a packed Day Use parking lot, it still didn't feel that crowded. It's even less crowded when you're kayaking in the middle of the lake ;)

    Hannah C.

    Great for paddle boarding a little bit busy. But it's not bad. parking space is easy if you go early 9am you will find a great spot for parking no hassle to walk with paddle board lol.

    Sugarpine Dam

    Great place to get away from it all. Definitely one of my favorites and just a short drive from Sacramento. The camping is good, too, but bring your own drinking water as the water provided is very high in iron.

    Debbie D.

    Best camping site 22 love this place but was told by the host they are going to raise the damn to catch more water and our favorite ones be under water in the next year or two I hope not it would be a shame

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    8 years ago

    Absolutely breathtaking lake view...refreshing!!

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    Review Highlights - Sugar Pine Reservoir

    The two campgrounds, Giant Gap and Shirttail Creek are on either side of Day Use.

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    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    4.8
    (5 reviews)
    17.3 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
    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

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    20.3 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
    Someone's creation.  Super cool.
    Someone's creation. Super cool.
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
    Peaceful.

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    Peaceful.
    Rollins Lake

    Rollins Lake

    3.0
    (18 reviews)
    7.8 mi

    We kicked off our 4th of July bright and early with a fishing trip to Rollins Lake before heading…read moreto Ripley to catch the parade--and it couldn't have started the day off better! The whole fam-bam was out there by 7 a.m., lines in the water as soon as we could get them in. About 30 minutes in, our middle child--who ALWAYS seems to be the first to catch something--reeled in the first fish. Not long after, our youngest caught one too, literally right after releasing the first! Then I got in on the action, followed by my husband. Our oldest was getting tons of bites but just couldn't land one. With only about 30 minutes left before we had to pack up for the parade, my husband gave him a tip and sent him to his go-to spot. Boom--fish on the line right away! He let that one go, cast again, and caught another within minutes. It was a perfect ending to our morning. Rollins Lake is such a fun spot to fish as a family. Bring chairs, sunscreen, hats, and don't forget snacks and drinks. The port-o-potties weren't bad at all, and there was plenty of parking too. We had a blast and will absolutely be coming back soon!

    100% not the lakes fault but the way this lake is described in a paddling California book is almost…read moreexactly opposite of what it really is. Idyllic paddling and nice beach shores-no Abundant wildlife-no Loud music-yes Loud Harley like speed boats-yes Even louder jet skis-yes Overly crowded shores-yes Tons of wake making kayaking next to impossible-yes Do I think it's worth going? Sure but go as early as possible

    Photos
    The lake with none of the 3 dozen jet skis in the shot
    The lake with none of the 3 dozen jet skis in the shot
    Rollins Lake
    Rollins Lake
    Our middle

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    Our middle
    Auburn State Recreation Area

    Auburn State Recreation Area

    4.5
    (76 reviews)
    15.7 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.

    I luv hiking the multitude of trails in the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). The area covers 40…read moremiles of the north and middle forks of the American River. Lots of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. It is a beautiful area with hills, Foresthill bridge, lake, and the river. I am not an avid hiker. More of a leisurely stroller. There are various trails with different elevation gains, distance, and difficulty. Most of the time that I came out to this area is to just hike near the confluence and sit along the river bank and take in the sights and sounds. If you go in the summer, just be aware that the temperatures can hit triple digits during the day and there can be very little shade on the trails. There is no potable water stations on the trails. Parking is limited to what is available along the side of the road near the trailheads. The spots fill up quickly on the weekend. The fee is $10. But from April 1- October 1 on the weekends 9am-5pm, there is a transit bus rides from designated areas in Auburn to the Ranger station at the confluence crossing (near Highway 49 and Old Foresthill Road). The rides need to be reserved though, details on the ride program (cost, reservations, route) are on the state parks website. The ASRA is managed by the State of California Parks Department.

    Photos
    Tamaroo Bar Trail
    Tamaroo Bar Trail
    Auburn State Recreation Area
    Olmstead Loop Trail

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    Olmstead Loop Trail

    Sugar Pine Reservoir - lakes - Updated July 2026

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