The American River and its tributaries offer a wide range of recreational opportunities to people living in or visiting Northern California. At the confluence of North Fork and Middle Fork of the America River is the Auburn State Recreational Area. Within the park are an infinite number of recreational opportunities. With 30,000 acres, the park spans 40 miles of river and hosts 500,000 hikers, runners, whitewater rafters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, hunters, fishermen, and OHV riders each year.
An easy way to sample what the American River SRA has to offer is to hike the Quarry Trail. This one mile riverside walk is flat and very accessible. The trail is actually an access road from the parking area on highway 49 to the Cool Limestone Quarry. Remnants of a limestone loading platform can still be seen at the quarry access road. On the trail you will enjoy river views and picnic tables along the way.
Because this trail connects with the Western States Trail, a one hundred mile route to Squaw Valley, it sees a lot of traffic. About twenty miles of the Western States Trail are within the boundaries of the Auburn SRA. It hosts a number of endurance races each year including the Tevis Cup and Western States 100.
Getting There:
If you are in the Sacramento, CA area, the Auburn State Recreational Area can be accessed by taking Interstate 80 to auburn and exiting on Highway 49 or the Foresthill road. The Recreation Area is south of I 80 (numerous access points).
To get to the Quarry Trail, take I-80 to Highway 49. Go south and turn right across the American River toward Cool. Turn left onto a dirt road 0.25 miles from the river crossing. The trailhead is just beyond the parking area, look for a green gate.
More Information Cal State Parks Publication on Auburn SRA (PDF)
Auburn SRA Website