Lake Clementine Trail

Getting There: Take Interstate 80 East, exit CA-49 South, and continue straight onto Old Foresthill Road for a quarter mile; or take CA-49 North, and turn right onto Old Foresthill Road; trail entrance is just past the parking area at the green gate (#139). 139 Old Foresthill Road, Auburn, CA 95630.

Distance: Four miles, out-and-back; 785 feet in elevation gain.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Know Before You Go: Dog-friendly (must be leashed); horseback riding and mountain biking allowed; parking is $10; open year-round.

Fuel Up: Auburn Alehouse (289 Washington Street, Auburn) is just 10 minutes away and provides ample food and drink options. Ten minutes in the opposite direction will take you to Cool Beerwerks (5020 Ellinghouse Drive, Cool) where they offer sushi and house-brewed beer.

Why We Love It: Fairly shaded; great for kids; Clarks Pool (a popular swimming hole) is about three-quarters of a mile in; spectacular views of the tallest bridge in California (the Foresthill Bridge); trail ends at the North Fork Dam with Lake Clementine visible in the back; great photo opportunities.

Trail Notes: Wear shoes with traction and sun protection (hat, sunscreen), dress in layers, bring extra water and snacks, and, as always, pack out what you pack in. Remember to keep to the right and that horses have the right of way over mountain bikers and hikers, and hikers have the right of way over mountain bikers.

By Emily Peter 

For more information, visit visitplacer.com/discover/lake-clementine-trail.