Lake Clementine Trail, Auburn CA

Walked out to Clark's Hole swimming spot - the best swimming near Sacramento. The water is the PERFECT TEMPERATURE, unlike most places in the river that are cold cold cold. I was told the water warms up in the reservoir upstream and spills off the top to fill these clear, deep pools. We spent an enjoyable few hours swimming and sitting on the warm rocks, had the 1/4 mile pool mostly to ourselves, as most people either don't want to walk out, or head all the way to the reservoir. Heavenly, some of the best swimming ever.

We were very pleased with the trail to Lake Clementine. The trail has lots of shade and a few full sun spots. The trail is 1.7 miles to the lake with small inclines, with beautiful views.

Lake Clementine Trail is a captivating and picturesque hiking experience nestled in the heart of Northern California. Embarking on this adventure with two children brought about its fair share of hardships, but the profound sense of joy and accomplishment once we completed the trail made it all worthwhile.

From the moment we set foot on the trail, the vibrant foliage and the tranquil melody of birdsong welcomed us. However, with children in tow, the pace had to be adjusted to accommodate their tiny legs and curious minds. This necessitated frequent stops for rest, snacks, and the occasional exploration of nature's wonders along the way. While it slowed us down, witnessing the children's excitement as they discovered wildflowers, intricate spider webs, and enchanting critters made these breaks a delightful part of the journey.

The trail meandered alongside the emerald waters of the American River, and as we approached the cascading Clementine Falls, the initial hardship of the steep climb was momentarily forgotten. The children were in awe of the majestic falls, their faces lighting up with pure wonderment. We seized the opportunity for a refreshing break, allowing them to dip their toes in the cool water, which was met with squeals of delight and laughter that echoed through the canyon.

As we continued further, the trail presented more challenges, with uneven terrain and occasional rocky patches. Yet, the shared determination to reach Lake Clementine spurred us onward. The children's enthusiasm and eagerness to conquer each obstacle renewed our motivation, turning the hardships into bonding moments of encouragement and support.

Finally, after what felt like both a lifetime and a fleeting moment, the shimmering blue expanse of Lake Clementine came into view. The sight of the tranquil lake mirrored by the azure sky was nothing short of breathtaking. The sense of pride and accomplishment that washed over us was palpable, and it was evident in the children's beaming smiles and triumphant cheers.

We settled by the lake's edge, enjoying a well-deserved picnic while the children splashed in the water and built sandcastles. The serenity of the surroundings offered an opportunity to reflect on the journey we had just undertaken. The hardships we faced were overshadowed by the joy of witnessing our children's resilience and wonder in the face of nature's beauty.

Lake Clementine Trail taught us valuable lessons about patience, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit of children. It served as a reminder that sometimes, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. The hardships we overcame together created cherished memories that will be etched in our hearts forever.

In conclusion, the Lake Clementine Trail might present its challenges, especially when trekking with two young adventurers, but the sense of joy and fulfillment attained upon completing the journey is beyond compare. It's a trail that not only takes you on a physical journey through nature's wonders but also leads you to discover the profound joys of experiencing the world through the eyes of children. If you're seeking an unforgettable family adventure that blends hardships with boundless happiness, the Lake Clementine Trail should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.

Beautiful trail! Perfect for a hike. About 5 miles round trip. It does have some elevation that could be tough for some. I would say it's Moderate in difficulty.

Nice hike, mostly shaded, beautiful views. Fairly easy trail but with some semi-steep grades.

Beautiful walk/hike. Took the family here Sunday and was surprised by the beauty. Definitely a great spot to hit if you're in the area

Very nice park. Access is through a tight and winding road. Rangers were very kind and helpful. Nice crowd of walkers, everybody seems to be in a great mood. The dam is really impressive and the clouds of water coming from the waterfall is very cooling on a hot day. We saw hummingbirds, hawks, and some crazy-looking caterpillars.

Most amazing views. The water is good for swimming on a hot day. Me and my husband really enjoyed this place. Hiking trails also.

This trail was well traveled by a lot of people. The first portion of the trail was fairly easy as it was mostly flat. The further you traveled, the more of an incline there is. The last 1/4 of the trail is more downhill until you get to the waterfall. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a nice area to view. I always recommend getting to Auburn by 8 at the latest as parking fills up quickly. Because there is more street parking than some of the other trails, you can expect this trail to contain more people. Parking is $10 and they do have Rangers patrolling and handing out tickets. On the opposite side of the Clementine trail, there is a similar trail with beach access as you will see in the images below

Nice trail. Single track at times but mostly very wide. After 0.75 miles, it gradually climbs.
From the start It's about 1.8 miles to the green gate, then take a left onto pavement. Another 0.4m to the waterfall overlook.
Round trip, about 5 miles from confluance parking.

Its a 4mile total hike to the dam and back and some of the climbs were gradually uphill. My calves were screaming.lol.so do your stretches before and after.

An excellent hike, around 4.8 miles roundtrip. I would definitely wear hiking boots and not regular sneakers like I did, unless your sneakers have ankle support. I rolled my ankle three times due to the uneven and at times rocky terrain.

This is the best hiking spot close to Sacramento. Great views with steep hillsides, rapids, and a cool bridge. A nice drive to get here too.

Amazing scenery and hiking experience. This is one of the reasons we moved to Auburn CA. All this in our backyard! Come check out this gorgeous trail.