The waterways of Placer County attract people from all over the world.
The lakes, reservoirs and rivers offer whatever activity you may prefer. Water ski in picturesque Lake Tahoe, raft the whitewater of the American River or fish for bass in Folsom Lake. Rollins Lake in Colfax is a popular spot for water skiing, house boating, fishing and swimming.
Several reservoirs and lakes offer boat-in campgrounds, boat launching or docking facilities. Hell Hole Reservoir, 25 miles east of Foresthill, offers 15 boat-in campsites and is an ideal location for fishing, canoeing or swimming. One of the most exciting and fun things to do in Placer County is spending a day whitewater rafting on the American River in the Auburn State Recreation Area. If you are in the mood for a more challenging paddle experience, one to three day trips are offered on both the North Fork or the Middle Fork of the American River. Both of these rivers offer segments from expert level down to novice. For listings and direct links to 25-plus outfitters who are permitted to run trips visit California Outdoors.
It can get hot in the foothills so jump in, get wet and stay cool!
The Valley
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Offers excellent opportunities to spend a day riding along with the wind in your face on a Jet Ski or one can experience the thrills of sailing the picturesque shoreline with the chance to see many different species of wildlife that utilize the lakes in their daily search for food and shelter. If you enjoy water-skiing then this is the place for you. This 18,000-acre recreation area is located in the Sierra foothills, about 15 miles east of Sacramento, accessed via Highway 50 or Interstate 80.
California State Parks
Folsom Lake Recreation Area
7755 Folsom-Auburn Road
Auburn, CA 95630
916 988-0205
SunSplash in Roseville
Is Northern California's biggest and most thrilling waterpark. Adrenaline-pumping water slides excite even the most extreme thrill seekers. With slippery rides like Vortex, Master Blaster Water Coaster and The Stealth, you're sure to hoot and holler as you zip past friends and family. Water attractions for young children and non-swimmers include and arcade, laser tag, miniature golf and raceway.
Roseville Golfland Sun-Splash
1893 Taylor Road
Roseville, CA 95813
916 784-1273
The Gold Country
Auburn State Recreation Area
At Lake Clementine the enjoyment of traveling behind a powerful boat while gliding across the water on small wooden sticks, then water skiing is for you. It also is the perfect place to do a little paddling in a canoe or lake kayak.
California State Parks
Auburn State Recreation Area
Lake Clementine
Lake Clementine Road
Auburn, CA 95603
530 885-4527
Swimming Holes
A dip into a refreshing "old swimmin' hole" in the Gold Country along the American River. Some are accessible only by footpath and others down old dirt roads, like Clark's Hole, Yankee Jim's and Ponderosa Way Bridge. Directions and brochures available at the California Welcome Center.
California Welcome Center
13411 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
530 887-2111 or 866 752-2371
Gold Panning
Popular panning spots along the American River, the Bear River, and small streams and tributaries include: American River in Weimar; Bear River in Weimar; North Fork of the American River in Iowa Hill; and the Bear River in Colfax. Direction and brochures available at the California Welcome Center.
California Welcome Center
13411 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
530 887-2111 or 866-752-2371
Rollins Lake
Whether your pleasure is water skiing, wake boarding, launching a canoe or kayak, relaxing on a patio boat or trolling for fish Rollins Lake with 26 miles of shoreline has it all. It offers rental of fishing boats, patio boats, kayaks, canoes, water bikes and paddle boats.
Rollins Lake
Colfax, CA 95713
530 346-6166
If you are looking to rent a raft check out the following:
Canyon Raft Rentals
169 Borland Ave
Auburn, Ca 95602
530 823-0931
Sierra Outdoor Center - Raft Rentals
440 Lincoln Way (at Hwy 49)
Auburn, CA 95603
530 885-1844 or 888 502-7066
The High Sierras
Rafting The Truckee River
Take a leisurely, self guided float from Tahoe City down a 5 mile stretch of the Truckee River. You will float peaceful and quiet stretches, a variety of exciting rapids and pools. The open meadows and timbered mountain slopes are spectacular. Check out the following companies that rent rafting equipment:
Truckee River Raft Company
185 River Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530 583-0123
Truckee River Rafting with Mountain Air Sports
Highway 89 at the Tahoe City "Y"
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530 583-7238 or 888 584-RAFT
Parasail at Lake Tahoe
Imagine being harnessed into a parachute and flying off in the sky, high above beautiful Lake Tahoe. Experience Tahoe's most exciting way to get an aerial veiw of the lake. The "stay dry" adventure experience includes a cruise in a beautiful new speedboat.
King Beach Aqua Sports
Pier across from Taco Bell
Kings Beach
530 546-2782
Lake Tahoe Parasailing
Tahoe City Marina
700 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530 583-7245
North Shore Parasailing
Steamer's Pizza
8290 North Lake Boulevard
Kings Beach, CA 96143
530 546-7698
North Tahoe Watersports
King Beach State Recreation Area
Kings Beach, CA
530 546-WAKE
See Lake Tahoe from a Paddle Wheeler
Glide over Lake Tahoe's crystal clear waters to Emerald Bay and enjoy the views of the West Shore and some of California's most lavish and historic real estate, Erhman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point, spectacular Rubicon Point, Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island are just some of the many places to see. During your voyage, you may be able to see Osprey, Bald Eagles and other wildlife along the shoreline as your captain gives a narration on the historical and ecological issues of the Tahoe Basin. To ride the Tahoe Gal contact the North Tathoe Cruises.
North Tahoe Cruises
850 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530 583-0141 or 800 218-2464
Sailing
In the High Sierra one can experience the thrills of sailing on Lake Tahoe. The lakes offer a picturesque shoreline along with the chance to see many different species of wildlife that utilize the lakes in their daily seach for food and shelter.
Tahoe Sailing Charters
700 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530 583-6200
Kayak, Canoeing or Jet Skiing
In the High Sierra offers the perfect settings for all types of paddling crafts from canoes and lake kayaks to river kayaks. Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake can be found to have all forms of paddling sports, plus the opportunities to spend a day riding along with the wind in your face on a Jet Ski.
King Beach Aqua Sports
Pier across from Taco Bell
Kings Beach, CA
530 546-2782
North Tahoe Watersports
Jet Skis, Kayaks, Canoes and Lake Tours
King Beach State Recreation Area
Kings Beach, CA
530 546-WAKE
Tahoe Adventure Company
Kayak Rentals & Tours
Agatam Beach
Tahoe Vista, CA
530 913-9212 or 866 830-6125
Tahoe Aquatic Jet Ski
8290 North Lake Boulevard
Kings Beach, CA 96143
530 546-2419
Water Skiing
Enjoy gliding across the water on beautiful Lake Tahoe. If you don't have your own or know how to ski the following company can help you.
High Sierra Water Ski School
1850 W. Lake Boulevard
West Shore, CA
530 583-7417