Sacramento may be considered California’s “City of Trees” thanks to its green areas, but its surroundings offer just as many verdant spaces. While the region is primarily known as the gateway to the state’s Gold Country, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll only end up at perfectly preserved Gold Rush towns like Dutch Flat. In fact, if you look towards nearby Auburn, known for its historic sites, you may be surprised to find a lush oasis full of outdoor activities. The Auburn State Recreation Area (Auburn SRA) is 42,000 acres of oak trees, ponderosa pines, and Douglas firs, as well as wildflower fields blooming with larkspur, lupine, and monkey flowers. What’s more, you have 50 miles of whitewater to explore, along with Lake Clementine’s short stretch of navigable water.
Originally home to the Southern Maidu people, this area attracted treasure hunters in 1848 during the start of the Gold Rush. Mining greatly harmed the environment, but its negative impact has declined over the years. You can still see some ancient landmarks here, such as Foresthill Bridge, which is the highest of its kind in the state at 730 feet. Although nature is the main draw of the recreation area, it’s worth adding a few points of interest to your itinerary, such as the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge.
When visiting in the fall, rain is common, so layer up. Wintertime temperatures are mild during the day, hovering around the mid-50s, but turn cold at night, dipping into the 30s and low 40s. Summertime, on the other hand, features warm temperatures, often in the 80s and 90s. The drive to the Auburn SRA from Sacramento is approximately one hour. Coming from Tahoe City takes a little over 1.5 hours. Stockton, an affordable riverside hub with murals, markets, and trails, is also within driving distance — you’ll reach the recreation area within 1.5 hours.
Camping at the Auburn State Recreation Area
A cozy retreat in nature begs for camping, and the Auburn State Recreation Area is the perfect place to pitch a tent. Visitors can set up camp at three designated areas: Mineral Bar, Ruck-a-Chucky, and Boat-in Camping at Lake Clementine. All three are primitive, so don’t expect drinking water at any of them. Mineral Bar is a year-round campground with 15 sites, with only six spots available from October to April. While operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the warmer months (May to September) require advance bookings. The campground is located on the North Fork American River’s eastern bank and is equipped with pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash cans…