Best Swimming Holes Near Auburn

When the Sierra foothills bake in July and August, Auburn has a built-in air conditioner: the North and Middle Forks of the American River, running cold and clear at the bottom of the canyon. Generations of locals have their favorite spots, and most are reachable on foot from the Auburn State Recreation Area.

Where to Go

• The Confluence — where Highway 49 meets the river below Auburn; the easiest access and the busiest on weekends
• Below the North Fork Dam at Lake Clementine — deep, green water reached via the Lake Clementine Trail
• Quiet bends along the Middle Fork — found by walking upstream or downstream from the main access points

Safety First

The American River is beautiful and it demands respect. The water is cold year-round—snowmelt keeps it chilly even in midsummer—and currents can be deceptively strong, especially in spring and early summer when flows are high. A few rules keep river days fun:

• Never dive into water you have not checked for depth and submerged rocks
• Avoid the river during high spring flows; wait for late summer when levels drop
• Watch children constantly and consider life jackets for weaker swimmers
• Cold water saps strength fast—get out and warm up before you are exhausted

What to Bring

Water shoes make the rocky entries far more pleasant, and the canyon offers little shade, so pack sun protection and plenty of drinking water—the river is for swimming, not sipping. Carry out everything you bring in; these spots stay beautiful only because the people who love them keep them clean.

The cardinal rule of the canyon: the river is always colder and stronger than it looks. Ease in, stay close to shore, and never swim alone.