Tag: American River
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the surrounding canyon into an important...
Codfish Falls Trail: The biggest adventure is driving there
Codfish Falls is a 65-70 foot waterfall located on Codfish Creek in the Auburn State Rec Area. The creek, and waterfall, flows down toward the North Fork of the American River. The trail to the waterfall is roughly 1.5 miles long with pleasant views of the river, canyon and plant life. There is a small trailhead to …...
South Fork American River: From Iowa Canyon Waterfalls to Slab Creek Dam
Along the South Fork American River, in El Dorado County, sits the Slab Creek Dam which was built in 1967. This dammed portion of the river creates the Slab Creek Reservoir and just a little ways down from the reservoir is where the Iowa Canyon Creek flows into the American River. This creek spans roughly …...
Pennyweight Falls: My two cents on this Placer County waterfall
Directions Take I-80 east from Sacramento to Colfax Take exit 133 off I-80 (Canyon Way) and head 1.1 miles Turn right onto Iowa Hill Road Drive for 2.7 miles to the sharp right turn in road before crossing American River Trailhead is just north of the river bridge on east side of street Park on …...
A look at both the old and the new Iowa Hill Bridges
The older bridge, which was built in 1928, was no longer safe or suitable for modern transportation needs. However, instead of tearing down and replacing the older bridge, the county decided to leave it standing for all to enjoy. This presented a unique scenario of two bridges sharing the same name and location. Directions …...
Clarks Hole: an enchanting swimming spot on the American river
In fact, the city of Auburn used to manage Clarks Hole as a municipal swimming pool over 100 years ago. The swimming hole used to have concession stands and lifeguards. Today, this hole remains very popular especially during the summer months. Origin Many believe that Clarks Hole was the result of mining activity in the …...
Foresthill Bridge: soaring over the American River
Construction was completed in 1973 with the purpose of spanning the planned Auburn Lake. Unfortunately, the Auburn Dam was never built and the lake (reservoir) never came to fruition. However, the bridge still spans the North Fork American River near the Confluence where the North Fork meets with the Middle Fork. The Foresthill bridge...
Lake Clementine Trail: All the makings for a beautiful hike
Typically, I only embark on hiking trails that offer scenic views of a lake, a waterfall, a river or a cool landmark like an old bridge or historic building. And, rarely do I ever find a hike that offers all of the above. So, when I discovered that the Lake Clementine Trail had all of …...
Mountain Quarries Bridge aka “No Hands Bridge”
The Mountain Quarries Bridge, aka “No Hands Bridge,” was originally constructed in 1912 for the Mountain Quarries Railroad, owned by the Pacific Portland Cement Company. It was reportedly the first concrete bridge of its kind in all of North America and it was designed by John B. Leonard. Leonard was an advocate of concrete...
Auburn waterfalls: exploring the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls and Hidden Falls park
Auburn is a wonderful town filled with a wealth of history. Additionally, it also has one of the state’s finest recreation areas. There’s so many places to visit in the Auburn State Recreation Area, that a week wouldn’t be long enough for visiting all that this region has to offer. A day was barely enough …...
