Clementine Trail to Clark's Pool is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cool, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Note: There is a $10 parking fee at the lot. 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 falls 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. Dogs are not allowed at Lake Clementine.
State park parking all around. $10 parking fee for day use.
National Park Lover Page http://www.nationalparklover.com
Take plenty of water. In warm weather, bring a swimsuit along to enjoy one of the swimming holes along the route. Clark's Hole, just east of the Foresthill Bridge has been a local favorite for years. This route is not for the faint of heart. To skip the boulder hopping, once you get to the dam, simply return the way you came instead of completing the loop.
From Auburn, take Highway 49 South. At the Confluence, keep going straight - do NOT turn right. After you cross the curved bridge, park off to the right of the road. The trail head is right at the end of the bridge.
January 24, 2021I’d recommend going early as there are crowds that will fill up the trail, many without masks. It is a nice trail, most of it in the shade, ending at the dam. Great photos to get at the top.
January 23, 2021it was nice.
January 23, 2021January 23, 2021This place always does the soul good
January 21, 2021January 19, 2021I am legally blind and was able to manage it !
January 18, 2021great hike, went on a holiday and was heavily trafficked, but not overwhelming. the dam was awesome. 3 kids did it easily.
January 18, 2021January 17, 2021heavily trafficked, easy trail and path.
January 17, 2021A lot of up hill to get to the dam, but a good walk.
January 17, 2021Went on Friday, January 15, 2021. The trail had a fair amount of people on it. There were a number of bikers and some puddles. I noticed in some areas there was a significant amount of water bottle trash thrown off the side of the trail. Could have easily filled up a trash bag if I had one with me and it was easier to access. The dam was built to allow water to flow over the top to capture mining settlement at its base. Also, you can see the tallest bridge in all of California, the Forest Hill Bridge.
January 17, 2021Really busy, but expected for a holiday weekend
January 17, 2021It was a good trial, heavy traffic with other people and bikes, it was just challenging enough for this novice hiker.
January 10, 2021Fun little hike. The best parts are the dam, hiking under the Foresthill Bridge, and that the trail parallels the river.
January 10, 2021January 10, 2021January 9, 2021Great trail! Quite busy. Mostly hikers but also a few bikers. Great waterfall at the Dam.
January 9, 2021The trail was really nice to hike. There is litter as other has mentioned that is hard to pick up but apart from that it got the heart rate up and the views were really nice.
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021Relatively easy hike with some gradual inclines to elevate the heart rate. Sadly, garbage left by awful people who treat our parks like a dump and there's no safe way to get to it to clean it up. Some people really suck! Anyway, aside from the hillside littered with garbage, this is a beautiful, dog friendly hike.
January 7, 2021January 2, 2021It’s a nice up and down hike to the dam. It’s on the easier side of moderate. Ticks in the winter so be mindful, we’re in their world. My daughter had two on her sweatshirt, wife had one and two on our dog. It was not like we were in heavy brush either. So much trash thrown down the hill. Auburn SRA has installed receptacles and they still aren’t used. Lots of dog poop on the cold and muddy trail. Mountain bikers come down from the hill but most are courteous.
January 2, 2021January 2, 2021Lots of people but it was fun. Most people had masks on or were ready with them for when you passed. Enjoyed it!
January 1, 2021January 1, 2021This is an easy hike up. Ran down and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Lots and lots of people on this trail. Mostly everyone had their masks on. I recommend this hike.
