Clarks Hole Trail

This is a great family hike to a large, deep swimming hole on the North Fork American River, upriver of the confluence.

This is a great family hike to a large, deep swimming hole on the North Fork American River, upriver of the confluence. In the early 1900s, Clarks Hole (also called Clarks Pool) was managed by the City of Auburn as a municipal swimming pool, complete with concession stands and lifeguards. Today, it is still popular with Auburn locals for picnics and swim parties, although there are no lifeguards.

  • Approx length of time 20 minutes
  • Distance 0.6 miles one way
  • Difficulty Easy to moderate
  • Website Clarks Hole Trail
  • Best Feature The trail passes a small waterfall on the left, and crosses a tiny stream, both of which run during winter and spring.
  • Hiking
  • Waterfalls
  • Swimming Holes

Trailhead is 1¾ miles south of ASRA Park headquarters. Take Hwy 49 south to Old Foresthill Road at the bottom of the canyon. Continue straight for ¼ mile and park on the left. Trailhead is just beyond the parking area at the green gate (#137).

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