Clementine Trail to Clark's Pool is a 4.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Auburn, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.
kid friendly
birding
canoeing
fishing
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
horseback riding
lake
river
views
waterfall
wildlife
washed out
no dogs
Lake Clementine Trail leads to the spot where the North Fork Dam meets the rocks for an outstanding view of cascading water. Trail passes under the tallest bridge in California, Foresthill Bridge. The waterfall is absolutely amazing. There are rarely any people at the base of the fall but there is an abundance of poison oak so you need to be careful. Another good feature about this hike is about a quarter of a mile into the hike you pass by Clark's Pool - a fairly popular swimming hole. Despite being in the middle of the river, it is actually quite warm and very refreshing - especially since the first half of the hike is totally unshaded and gets rather hot.
Great easy hike. Loved it.
Very mildly trafficked and amazing views. Worth it
Good Family trail. Hiked with 3 kids (4,8&15years old) and didn't have to carry them once. Stopped to let them rest in the small creek area during the hike. Only hard stretch is coming back up the paved hill from the falls area.
Started up the Middle Fork along Quarry Trail to Culvert Trail then down the Clementine Trail. Gorgeous day, very view hikers and just a few mountain bikers. Ended swimming in Clarks Pool and water was fantastic. Phone battery went dead so entire trek didn't register!
If you start at the trail heated 140 then it's all down to the end then all up back. Lots of people traffic which is why I gave it 4 not 5
Nice wide trail most of the way, and most of the way has at least sparse shade if you start early. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but cannot go to the water of Lake Clementine, not even to kayak or camp.
From the trailhead at the Confluence, it is a slow and steady uphill until you reach the end of the dirt trail and hit the pavement down to the lake and the "Rainbow Falls" skills at from the dam at the lake.
I went mid morning on a weekday and had the trail mostly to myself and my German Shepherd. When we got to the lake parking lot just up the hill a bit from the falls, I spoke with the gal working the toll booth and got the skinny on the rules of the lake and hours of operation, where to put in a kayak, etc. Her name was Andrea S., and she was very nice.
I would call this trail family friendly. It has bathrooms at the start, and I'm sure there are some down by the boat ramp, I just did not see them.
It was about 96 degrees in the shade at 1:00 on 6/22/17, the first full day of Summer, so pack accordingly with water, and a wide brim.
I would definitely do this hike again, but would do it more often if my dog was welcome at the lake, as it is, I plan to take the kayak...sans dog, up to check it out at another time.
Collin N.
Hiked this trail on Memorial Day 2017. Moderate trail until the end. I didn't like hiking along the road the last 20%, but the water flow over Lake Clementine Dam was spectacular. The trail was very crowded due to the holiday, so if you don't like hiking with loud music pumping out of wireless speakers along the way, you may want to avoid on Holidays. Don't forget to pay the $10 for parking along the road or you could get a $70 ticket. We received a warning ticket, which allowed us to return to the fee station and pay the ten bucks after our hike. Apparently this is not the norm, though.
This is a great out-and-back trail for just about anyone. Most of the trail is within view of the North Fork of the American River though, never near enough for danger. My 10 and 13 year olds had no problem with the elevation changes. For sure, bring plenty of water as the last mile on the return is full sun. Lots of others hikers out on a Thursday before noon.