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In the heart of the gold country, the Auburn State Recreation Area (Auburn SRA) covers 40-miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American river. Once teeming with thousands of gold miners, the area is now a natural area offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities to over 900,000 visitors a year.
Major recreational uses include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, gold panning, equestrian/horseback riding trails and off-highway motorcycle riding. Whitewater recreation is also very popular on both forks of the river, with Class II, III and IV runs. Over 30 private outfitters are licensed to offer whitewater trips in Auburn SRA.
Auburn SRA is made up of the lands set aside for the Auburn Dam. California State Parks administers the area under a contract with the US Bureau of Reclamation.
Operating Hours & Contact
Auburn SRA hours vary by area and season. Please check with the park before visiting.
Telephone: 530-885-4527
Summer Season: Apr. 15 - Sep.14
Robie Point 6am - 9pm
Auburn Staging Area 6am - 9pm
Cool Staging Area 6am - 9pm
Upper Lake Clementine 8am - 9pm
All Other Areas 6am - 9pm
Winter Season: Oct 1 - Apr. 14
Upper Lake Clementine Closed for Winter
Auburn SRA hours vary by area and season. Please check with the park before visiting.
Telephone: 530-885-4527
Summer Season: Apr. 15 - Sep.14
Robie Point 6am - 9pm
Auburn Staging Area 6am - 9pm
Cool Staging Area 6am - 9pm
Upper Lake Clementine 8am - 9pm
All Other Areas 6am - 9pm
Winter Season: Oct 1 - Apr. 14
Upper Lake Clementine Closed for Winter
Camping
Four primitive campgrounds are available in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, with a 30 day total camping limit per year.
Camping is only allowed in the following designated areas:
Mineral Bar (off Iowa Hill Road)
On the east side of the North Fork American River, where the Colfax Iowa Hill Road crosses the river. There are 18 designated campsites with tables, firepits, and dry toilets. No drinking water is available. A narrow paved road serves the campground. There is a 14 day camping limit. From Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon way turn right onto Iowa Hil Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river. Fees: $25.00 year-round per night. One extra vehicle allowed per campsite is $10.00 per night. Dogs are allowed.
Ruck-A-Chucky (Drivers Flat Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)
Five primitive campsites are located on the north side of the river on the Placer County side. Toilets and trash cans are provided. No drinking water is available. The campground is at the end of a 2.5 mile gravel/dirt road. Vehicles with high clearance are strongly recommended. The road can be closed during inclement weather. From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill Rd. Going towards Foresthill turn right onto Drivers Flat Road, a 2.5 mile dirt road down to the site and river. Fees: $25.00 year-round per night. One extra vehicle allowed per campsite is $10.00 per night. Dogs are allowed.
Boat-In Camping At Lake Clementine (Lake Clementine Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)
Boat-in camping in 15 primitive sites with pit-toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Open May 15th - Oct. 1st. Fees: $35.00 per night, $8.00 boat launch, $10.00 for extra vehicle. Directions: From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill. Follow Foresthill Rd. 3.5 miles , then turn left at Lake Clementine Rd. Follow 2 miles down to the boat ramp. There is no vehicle access to the camp areas, which are accessible only by boat. No drinking water is available and dogs are not allowed. There is a 14 day camping limit.
River-Trail Camps
Permits are available for camping in some areas outside of the designated campgrounds for those rafting the American River only from October 16th to June 31st. River Permit camping is prohibited July 1st- Oct. 15, due to high fire danger. Information and permits are available at the Auburn SRA Ranger Station, 501 El Dorado Street in Auburn.
Make Campground Reservations
Mineral Bar Campground and Ruck-A-Chucky Campground are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Four primitive campgrounds are available in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, with a 30 day total camping limit per year.
Camping is only allowed in the following designated areas:
Mineral Bar (off Iowa Hill Road)
On the east side of the North Fork American River, where the Colfax Iowa Hill Road crosses the river. There are 18 designated campsites with tables, firepits, and dry toilets. No drinking water is available. A narrow paved road serves the campground. There is a 14 day camping limit. From Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon way turn right onto Iowa Hil Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river. Fees: $25.00 year-round per night. One extra vehicle allowed per campsite is $10.00 per night. Dogs are allowed.
Ruck-A-Chucky (Drivers Flat Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)
Five primitive campsites are located on the north side of the river on the Placer County side. Toilets and trash cans are provided. No drinking water is available. The campground is at the end of a 2.5 mile gravel/dirt road. Vehicles with high clearance are strongly recommended. The road can be closed during inclement weather. From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill Rd. Going towards Foresthill turn right onto Drivers Flat Road, a 2.5 mile dirt road down to the site and river. Fees: $25.00 year-round per night. One extra vehicle allowed per campsite is $10.00 per night. Dogs are allowed.
Boat-In Camping At Lake Clementine (Lake Clementine Rd. off Foresthill Rd.)
Boat-in camping in 15 primitive sites with pit-toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Open May 15th - Oct. 1st. Fees: $35.00 per night, $8.00 boat launch, $10.00 for extra vehicle. Directions: From Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill. Follow Foresthill Rd. 3.5 miles , then turn left at Lake Clementine Rd. Follow 2 miles down to the boat ramp. There is no vehicle access to the camp areas, which are accessible only by boat. No drinking water is available and dogs are not allowed. There is a 14 day camping limit.
River-Trail Camps
Permits are available for camping in some areas outside of the designated campgrounds for those rafting the American River only from October 16th to June 31st. River Permit camping is prohibited July 1st- Oct. 15, due to high fire danger. Information and permits are available at the Auburn SRA Ranger Station, 501 El Dorado Street in Auburn.
Make Campground Reservations
Mineral Bar Campground and Ruck-A-Chucky Campground are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Activities
Hiking
Over 100 miles of hiking and horse trails wind through the steep American River canyons and along the North and Middle Forks of the American River. The most famous trail is the Western States Trail, which runs 100 miles from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, with over 20 miles in park. A map showing the trails is available from the park office.
The major trail heads are as follows:
Pleasant Avenue in Auburn City. This trail head and horse assembly area is at the end of the Western States Trail and connects with trails going to Cool, Foresthill and other park trails in El Dorado County. Traveling west, the trail connects to Maidu Drive and the Auburn-Folsom-Sacramento trail system. Plenty of horse trailer parking.
Maidu Drive (off Auburn-Folsom Road), Auburn. This trail connects to the Auburn-Folsom-Sacramento trail system. Limited parking.
Highway 49 at the North Fork American River and the Old Foresthill Road. Known as the "Confluence", due to the meeting of the North and Middle Forks, this area is the main trail head area for hiking & mountain biking. Trails from this area lead to Lake Clementine, Mammoth Bar, Auburn (Russell Road) and along the North Fork. Nearby is the Quarry Road Trail, on Hwy. 49. Roadside parking is available. Often very crowded on summer week-ends.
Quarry Road Trail, Highway 49, 1/4 mile south of the North Fork American River. Connects with Western States Trail and all trails in El Dorado County (south of the American River). Limited parking in a small lot.
Cool Fire Station Trail Head. Behind the fire station is the parking and trail head for the 10 mile Omstead trail and connector trails. Plenty of parking, including horse trailers.
Mountain Biking
State, County and Park roads open to motor vehicles, are also open to bicycling under the conditions contained in the Vehicle Code. The maximum speed on all trails is 15 mph and 5 mph when passing pedestrians, equestrians, and when approaching blind curves. Mountain biking and other bicycling is allowed on certain roads and trails in Auburn S.R.A.
Whitewater Rafting
The North and Middle Forks of the American River provide boaters with a quality wilderness experience. Swift currents and unseen dangers can provide boaters with unwanted emergencies. These rivers are not for beginners, quite often experienced boaters have trouble on them. Respect the river and come well-prepared when you visit.
North Fork American River
The 9.5-mile river run from the Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge provides several Class IV - V rapids, most notably: Chamberlin Falls, Staircase Rapids, and Bogus Thunder.
Trips down this river are typically made in one day.
Boating the North fork requires a sound background in technical whitewater skills.
The most desirable flow range is between 1,500 - 3,000 cfs.
Middle Fork American River
One, two, or three day trips are possible on this challenging scenic river. The 15 mile run from Oxbow put-in to Greenwood take-out features several Class IV rapids, as well as numerous Class II and III rapids. Most notable are the Tunnel Chute and Kanaka Gulch.
If you are uncertain about your ability to navigate any rapid, PORTAGE!
Boating downstream beyond Mammoth Bar is not recommended, as the Murderer's Gorge Rapid has claimed lives.
Hiking
Over 100 miles of hiking and horse trails wind through the steep American River canyons and along the North and Middle Forks of the American River. The most famous trail is the Western States Trail, which runs 100 miles from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, with over 20 miles in park. A map showing the trails is available from the park office.
The major trail heads are as follows:
Pleasant Avenue in Auburn City. This trail head and horse assembly area is at the end of the Western States Trail and connects with trails going to Cool, Foresthill and other park trails in El Dorado County. Traveling west, the trail connects to Maidu Drive and the Auburn-Folsom-Sacramento trail system. Plenty of horse trailer parking.
Maidu Drive (off Auburn-Folsom Road), Auburn. This trail connects to the Auburn-Folsom-Sacramento trail system. Limited parking.
Highway 49 at the North Fork American River and the Old Foresthill Road. Known as the "Confluence", due to the meeting of the North and Middle Forks, this area is the main trail head area for hiking & mountain biking. Trails from this area lead to Lake Clementine, Mammoth Bar, Auburn (Russell Road) and along the North Fork. Nearby is the Quarry Road Trail, on Hwy. 49. Roadside parking is available. Often very crowded on summer week-ends.
Quarry Road Trail, Highway 49, 1/4 mile south of the North Fork American River. Connects with Western States Trail and all trails in El Dorado County (south of the American River). Limited parking in a small lot.
Cool Fire Station Trail Head. Behind the fire station is the parking and trail head for the 10 mile Omstead trail and connector trails. Plenty of parking, including horse trailers.
Mountain Biking
State, County and Park roads open to motor vehicles, are also open to bicycling under the conditions contained in the Vehicle Code. The maximum speed on all trails is 15 mph and 5 mph when passing pedestrians, equestrians, and when approaching blind curves. Mountain biking and other bicycling is allowed on certain roads and trails in Auburn S.R.A.
Whitewater Rafting
The North and Middle Forks of the American River provide boaters with a quality wilderness experience. Swift currents and unseen dangers can provide boaters with unwanted emergencies. These rivers are not for beginners, quite often experienced boaters have trouble on them. Respect the river and come well-prepared when you visit.
North Fork American River
The 9.5-mile river run from the Iowa Hill Bridge to Ponderosa Bridge provides several Class IV - V rapids, most notably: Chamberlin Falls, Staircase Rapids, and Bogus Thunder.
Trips down this river are typically made in one day.
Boating the North fork requires a sound background in technical whitewater skills.
The most desirable flow range is between 1,500 - 3,000 cfs.
Middle Fork American River
One, two, or three day trips are possible on this challenging scenic river. The 15 mile run from Oxbow put-in to Greenwood take-out features several Class IV rapids, as well as numerous Class II and III rapids. Most notable are the Tunnel Chute and Kanaka Gulch.
If you are uncertain about your ability to navigate any rapid, PORTAGE!
Boating downstream beyond Mammoth Bar is not recommended, as the Murderer's Gorge Rapid has claimed lives.
Natural Resources
Auburn State Recreation Area has richly varied natural habitats.
Riparian habitat: White alders, willows, Fremont cottonwoods and creek dogwoods line the rivers and stream banks.
Chaparral and foothill woodland: South-facing upper canyon walls support chaparral - small, drought-resistant trees and shrubs. Poison oak grows in the foothill woodlands community, as well as buckeyes, interior live oaks, blue oaks, Manzanita, deer brush and toyon.
Mixed conifer: Ponderosa pines, Douglas-fir, California black oaks and madrone cover the north-facing upper canyon walls. All habitats bloom in spring with acres of wildflowers such as monkey flowers, fiddleneck, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, lupine and brodiaea.
Park Wildlife: Black-tailed deer and rabbits can be seen during the daylight hours, while raccoons, opossums, gray foxes and coyotes rule the night. Black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and bobcats live in the park. The riparian habitat hosts California quail and canyon wrens. Red-tailed hawks and bald eagles soar overhead, seeking their next meal.
Auburn State Recreation Area has richly varied natural habitats.
Riparian habitat: White alders, willows, Fremont cottonwoods and creek dogwoods line the rivers and stream banks.
Chaparral and foothill woodland: South-facing upper canyon walls support chaparral - small, drought-resistant trees and shrubs. Poison oak grows in the foothill woodlands community, as well as buckeyes, interior live oaks, blue oaks, Manzanita, deer brush and toyon.
Mixed conifer: Ponderosa pines, Douglas-fir, California black oaks and madrone cover the north-facing upper canyon walls. All habitats bloom in spring with acres of wildflowers such as monkey flowers, fiddleneck, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, lupine and brodiaea.
Park Wildlife: Black-tailed deer and rabbits can be seen during the daylight hours, while raccoons, opossums, gray foxes and coyotes rule the night. Black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and bobcats live in the park. The riparian habitat hosts California quail and canyon wrens. Red-tailed hawks and bald eagles soar overhead, seeking their next meal.
Accessible Features
Mineral Bar Area: Restrooms including parking in the picnic area as well as at the raft put in area are now accessible. Improvements to picnic and campsites are upcoming.
Mineral Bar Area: Restrooms including parking in the picnic area as well as at the raft put in area are now accessible. Improvements to picnic and campsites are upcoming.
Getting There
The park (which is 20 miles long on two forks of the American River) is situated south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax. The main access is from Auburn, either on Highway 49 or the Auburn-Foresthill Road.
The park (which is 20 miles long on two forks of the American River) is situated south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax. The main access is from Auburn, either on Highway 49 or the Auburn-Foresthill Road.
Seasons/Climate
Typical California warm/hot summers and cool wet winters. Fall and spring weather can be variable.
Typical California warm/hot summers and cool wet winters. Fall and spring weather can be variable.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge
Enjoy views of the Middle Fork American River Canyon on this easy walk across the historic arched cement bridge
Enjoy views of the Middle Fork American River Canyon on this easy walk across the historic arched cement bridge
Easy
0.5 mi/
0.8 km
0.8 km
Easy Hike to Black Hole Of Calcutta Falls
2.1 mile trail near Auburn, California (also near Sacramento, Cool, and Placerville)
2.1 mile trail near Auburn, California (also near Sacramento, Cool, and Placerville)
Easy
2.1 mi/
3.4 km
3.4 km
Quarry Trail
Walk along the river where the historic railway once traveled and end up at a stunning amphitheater of carved limestone
Walk along the river where the historic railway once traveled and end up at a stunning amphitheater of carved limestone
Easy
3.5 mi/
5.6 km
5.6 km
Lake Clementine Loop Via Trail & Unmarked Riverbank Route
4.6 mile trail near Auburn, Placerville, and Sacramento, California
4.6 mile trail near Auburn, Placerville, and Sacramento, California
n/a
5.0 mi/
8.0 km
8.0 km
Guides
2.1 mile trail near Auburn, California
(also near Sacramento, Cool, and Placerville)
4.6 mile trail near Auburn, Placerville, and Sacramento, California
Walk along the river where the historic railway once traveled and end up at a stunning amphitheater of carved limestone
Enjoy views of the Middle Fork American River Canyon on this easy walk across the historic arched cement bridge
Community Trips
Eric Peach was nice enough to lead us on an interpretive walk of the Quarry Trail in Auburn State Recreation Area. During this 3.5-mile round-trip hike he explained the history of the quarry and the area, native plants and wildlife, and answered our many questions about the Quarry and its history.
Hike to Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge
Auburn State Recreation Area, California, United States
0.5 miles
0.5 miles
This short hike takes you from Hwy 49 across the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge, which was used to carry rocks from the quarry away from the canyon where they could be further refined. The hike is short but the views of the river below are well worth it. Be sure to check cracks in the concrete for signs of the twisted steel technique used for this bridge.
Easy walk along river. There is a climbing area at quarry that looks fantastic, definitely worth it to hike up and see. Or just continue past Hawver Cave, and walk along the riverside.
Great 12 mile loop. 2 climbs, 2 descents.
Beautiful hike overlooking the Middle Fork of the American River and an old quarry.The hike is easy to moderate. There are a few inclines but the trails are flat and well maintained. Much of the trail is on PG&E access roads.This track is only 1/2 of the hike! Everytrail crashed so I was only able to track the return segment.
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