The highest bridge in California (730 ft)—a free, stunning photo op.
The Foresthill Bridge is the tallest bridge in California, soaring 730 feet above the North Fork of the American River and ranking among the highest in the entire country. Stretching 2,428 feet across the canyon, it opened on Labor Day in 1973, originally built in anticipation of the never-completed Auburn Dam that would have flooded the gorge below. Today, pedestrian walkways on both sides give families breathtaking, vertigo-inducing views deep into the river canyon, making it a memorable and entirely free stop. Older kids and teens are especially wowed by the sheer scale and the dramatic drop, while parents can appreciate the engineering and the history behind it. Easy to reach and instantly impressive, the bridge is one of the Auburn area's most striking viewpoints and a favorite spot for unforgettable photos.