Lake Clementine Trail
One of the most popular and my favorites in the heart of the Auburn State Recreation Area. The trail stretches up the North Fork of the American River before climbing to the paved driving road that drops from the Foresthill Highway to Lake Clementine and the marina at the dam.
...consider taking a side trip down to the dam to view the dramatic overflow of waters
Advanced mountain bikers frequently make a loop by continuing up Clementine Road for 1½ miles.
DESCRIPTION:
1.7 miles, moderate, elevations: 580’-920’, 1 hour, no horses. Map: West Slope.
This delightful trail rolls up and down above the North Fork with some nice drop-offs down to the river. As the trail approaches the dam site, it climbs steadily to the Lower Lake Clementine Access Road.
At the junction, consider taking a side-trip down to the dam to view the dramatic overflow of waters. The trail down to an overlook angles down from the road at a wide spot on the roadside just west of the first paved and designated parking area. From the overlook the awesome view of the water spilling in a steady fall over the dam is overpowering—especially during spring runoffs The “users’ trail” continues to switchback down to the river below the dam for fishing and photograph opportunities.
Advanced mountain bikers frequently make a loop by continuing up Clementine Road for 1½ miles. This road is narrow and a grind for biking or hiking. Watch for cars and boat trailers. On the right (south) at obvious wide spot and trail signs, take the Fuel Break Trail for 0.5 mile then left on Culvert Trail and finally link to Confluence Trail to return (west) to the Confluence. Total loop roughly 7 miles.
No horses.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 580’-920’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Lake Clementine Trail
From Auburn follow Highway 49 south until it drops into the American River canyon. Continue straight as the highway turns right to cross the river below the Confluence. Follow the Old Foresthill Highway for the short distance to the bridge crossing the North Fork. On the far side of the bridge park on right (south). Walk back across the highway to the bridge and follow the trail up the right-hand side of the North Fork.
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking (Rating: Best)
Lake Clementine>Lower Lake Clementine Road>Fuel Break>Culvert>Confluence Trails: 7 miles, 2 miles double/5 single track. Rated more difficult due to climb up the Lower Lake Clementine Road as well as some technical single-track on the Confluence Trails with a steep sidehill to the river. Map. This is a favorite loop combining a little bit of everything. It can also be accessed by the Stagecoach Trail for access directly to and from Auburn.
