Auburn State Recreation Area
State Park · Auburn, California
Auburn State Recreation Area protects a long stretch of the American River canyon in the Sierra foothills around Auburn, where the North Fork and Middle Fork meet and Highway 49 crosses the Gold Country. It is steep, hot and rugged, with whitewater rafting and kayaking on the forks, canyon trails used by hikers, runners, riders and mountain bikers, and old gold-mining remains along the river. The Foresthill Bridge, often cited as among the tallest bridges in California, crosses the canyon high above the river. The area is closely tied to the Western States Trail, the route of the 100-mile endurance run that begins at Squaw Valley and ends in Auburn - confirm. Summer passes 100 F, poison oak is thick and rattlesnakes are common. Mountain lions are possible. Parking fills early on weekends, and fees apply. Bring water, a map and an early start, and expect a working canyon, not manicured parkland.
501 El Dorado St, Auburn, California, 95603, United States
Day use is typically sunrise to sunset, which is typical of California State Parks - confirm the exact times for each trailhead and parking area, because the recreation area is large and spread along many canyon access points with different rules. Raft and kayak operators set their own seasons, which follow river flows and release schedules from upstream dams, and they may start in spring and run through early autumn - confirm with each company. High water, wildfire, smoke and landslides can close trails and roads without notice. Check State Parks for fire and flood closures, and check river flow reports before planning any water trip.
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