Clementine Trail
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.
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.
