We went to Auburn State Recreation Area on a popular Sunday afternoon People were enjoying hiking and swimming.

Parking is $10 but most people park along the road outside the gate for free. Porta potties and a water fountain at the start of the trail. There are a couple of different ways to get to the one mile Cardiac Hill section. Can either go down the main trail for an easy descent and then at the porta potties head right to go up Cardiac Hill for a steep ascent or Cardiac Bypass for an easier hike. Once at the top of Cardiac Hill, make a right to walk alongside the small aqueduct to get to the gate that leads out to the road a few hundred yards above the parking area. We did this a couple of times consecutively while training to hike Half Dome in Yosemite and it was quick, efficient training. Lots of people with dogs on the trails.

When one takes the windy old Highway 49 down to the American River the view itself is beautiful. Once down by the river there are many cars parked alongside the road and in parking areas. There is a $10 fee to park anywhere so make sure you fill out your ticket and leave it on your dash. The fine is a lot higher! It is a popular draw for hikers and photographers. The north fork and the East fork of the American River come together just above the bridge that crosses over the river and takes one up to the town of Cool. The flows are high, very cold and dangerous during winter rains and Spring when the snow is melting but the river is a sight to see crashing over rocks as it winds down the canyon underneath the famous 101 year old Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge locally called “No Hands Bridge”. There are good trails to hike on both forks of the river. The one to the North fork will take one all the way to Lake Clementine dam where water spills over during high flows with quite a roar. The East fork takes one up to the old quarry and beyond. Lots of photo opportunities during the seasons.