Lake Clementine is one of the most beautiful, serene lakes in Northern California. Located on the North Fork of the American River in the Auburn State Recreation Area, this stunning destination is split into two sections: Upper and Lower Lake Clementine. Whether you’re an avid paddleboarder or kayaker, or prefer hiking, boating, or swimming, indulge in a day trip of fun and adventure. One of California’s hidden gems, discover the charm of Lake Clementine for summer outdoor activities.
Key Takeaways
- Two distinct areas: Upper Lake Clementine is a seasonal day-use beach (April 15 to October 14) with no motorized boats. Lower Lake Clementine is open year-round for boating, water sports, and boat-in camping.
- Weekend reservations required: Upper Lake requires a day-use vehicle reservation on weekends from May 1 through September 30. Book at least 2 days ahead, up to 10 days out. There are no day-of reservations, and weekend visitors without one are turned away at the gate. Weekdays remain first come, first served, but the lot holds 150 vehicles and fills. Book through LAZ Reservations.
- Golden mussel boat inspections: Since April 14, 2025, trailered and motorized boats must complete either a 30-day quarantine or a hot-water decontamination, which allows a same-day launch, before launching. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are exempt from inspection but must still arrive clean, drained, and dry.
- Three hiking trails: The 4.5-mile Lake Clementine Trail passes under the tallest bridge in California and ends at the North Fork Dam. The 2.8-mile Access Trail leads to a swimming beach. The 10.7-mile Foresthill Divide Loop is free to park.
- Clark’s Pool swimming hole: About a quarter mile into the Lower Lake trail, this warm, natural pool is one of the best-kept swimming secrets in the Auburn SRA.
- Arrive early: Upper Lake’s parking lot fills before 11 AM in summer. For boat launching at Lower Lake, get there by 7 AM.
- 45 minutes from Sacramento: About 40 miles from downtown Sacramento to Lower Lake Clementine, making it one of the closest mountain lake experiences to the city.
Quick Comparison: Upper vs. Lower Lake Clementine
| Upper Lake Clementine | Lower Lake Clementine | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | April 15 to October 14 (weekends only April 15 to April 30) | Year-round |
| Hours | 8 AM to 6:30 PM | 8 AM to sunset |
| Parking Fee | $10 | $10 |
| Boat Launch | No motorized boats | $10 launch fee |
| Reservations | Required weekends May 1 to Sept 30. Book 2 to 10 days ahead, never day-of | Not required for day use |
| Activities | Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, floating | Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, camping |
| Camping | No | Boat-in only ($38/night) |
| Dogs | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Alcohol/Glass | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Best For | Families, kayakers, paddleboarders, swimmers | Boaters, water skiers, campers |
Helpful Links:
- Upper Lake Clementine Reservations
- CA State Parks Lake Clementine Page
- CA State Harmful Water Reports
- Golden Mussel Prevention Program Info
- Paddle Boarding Accessories
- Sunscreen
- Coolers
Upper Lake Clementine
Quiet, secluded, and only open seasonally, this spot is perfect for a quick getaway. With the hot summer in full swing, I’ve been exploring different locations to take my lake kayaks and explore nature from the water. The water around Upper Lake Clementine is absolutely stunning, but the water this year is ice cold from the snow melt in the Sierras.
Upper Lake Clementine is the place to be if you want to lounge in the river amongst floatation devices, paddleboarders, families, and the occasional kayaking blogger. Ahem. Motorized boats are NOT allowed on this day use only section of the lake/river.
The main beach stretches along the parking lot and slightly beyond, with plenty of room for popup tents and coolers while keeping a decent-sized buffer from neighbors. The shoreline is rocky pebbles, not sand, so bring fold-up chairs or a thick blanket for comfort. Water shoes are a good idea, especially for kids. The American River moves very slowly in this area, stopped by the Lake Clementine Spillway dam. However, there are a few areas near bends where water moves swiftly and in eddies. I kayaked over one of the eddies for fun and was surprised by how strong it ended up being in such slow-moving water.
Important: No natural shade. Auburn summers regularly top 100 degrees. The beach area has almost no tree cover, so bring a pop-up shade tent, plenty of sunscreen, and more water than you think you’ll need. No food, drinks, or services are available anywhere near the lake.
River Swimming Warning from the Parks Department:
The rivers in Auburn SRA are running fast and cold with spring runoff. We strongly discourage visitors from swimming this time of year. Please see the Superintendent’s Message regarding water safety and drowning prevention here.
It was a lot of fun kayaking upriver. Paddling fast to move through currents, occasionally getting out and walking the kayak, and nearly dumping myself from fooling around. The effort was worth finding a big open beach area with few people. For the return, I took it easy, slowly drifting down and watching people jump off rocks and families lounge in the shallows.
The water at the parking lot side is very shallow and warm, perfect for younger kids or sitting with a chair in the water. Across the river are a ton of rocks people were jumping off into the deeper water.
If you kayak or walk downriver from the main beach, there are plenty of somewhat secluded areas big enough for one group to set up and enjoy. We ended up tying our kayaks to a tree branch about 20 feet into the river.
Kayaking upriver from the launch point is a bit trickier. The river runs a little faster, and requires getting out and walking the kayaks in some of the shallow spots.
There are plenty of neat beaches to pull up to and lounge away from the many more people closer to the parking lot.
Someone set up a really awesome rope swing into a big deep swimming pool.
With around 4 miles of kayaking potential in nice and easy slow-moving waters, Upper Lake Clementine has made my list of awesome kayaking spots in Northern California. Plenty of shade, wildlife, and clean water. Now if you’ll excuse me, there is a rope swing with my name on it. Cowabunga!
Lower Lake Clementine
Lower Lake Clementine is the actual lake portion of the American River and is the only side that allows for boat access and boat-in camping. The water is often very calm, which makes for some great water skiing or wakeboarding. It’s easy to spend hours on the water here!
Note: As of 2022, Wake Surfing is no longer allowed due to large wakes causing damage to the shoreline and marina. Intertubing is also not allowed.
While there are plenty of beach spots to relax for the day, most of the beaches are reserved for camping and will be marked with a sign.
Keep your eyes peeled for the infamous Robber’s Roost in the middle of the lake, a giant rock outcropping that is pretty hard to miss. This outcropping has an intriguing history of stagecoach “stick-ups” from the Gold Rush days. Would you expect anything less on a lake named after a miner’s daughter?
Robber’s Roost, Climbing & Gold Panning
Robber’s Roost is a scenic landmark with real Gold Rush stagecoach history, but the actual rock-climbing in the area happens at Cave Valley, an old limestone quarry inside the Auburn State Recreation Area with about 50 established sport routes. The canyon walls around Lake Clementine itself contain large limestone deposits worth looking at from the water, but Robber’s Roost is for sightseeing, not for clipping bolts. The lake was created in 1939 when the 155-foot North Fork Dam was completed, and the Gold Rush history runs deep here. Gold panning using the hand-and-pan method is still permitted in the recreation area, so if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at finding flakes, this is a legal and scenic spot to do it. A basic gold panning kit with a portable sluice runs about $55 and gets you started without overcommitting.
Golden Mussel Boat Inspection Program (2025)
If you’re bringing a motorized or trailered boat, read this carefully.
Starting April 14, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation required every trailered or motorized vessel launching at Lake Clementine or Folsom Lake to go through an aquatic invasive species program. Reclamation owns and operates both waterbodies and sets the protocol; State Parks administers it. The target is golden mussels, a highly invasive species first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. They clog engines, attach to hulls, damage water infrastructure, and threaten the ecological health of the entire state water system.
What this means for boaters:
- All trailered or motorized vessels must have a quarantine seal (watercraft band) applied after inspection
- Two ways to comply, and this is the part most guides get wrong. A 30-day quarantine earns a red seal: the day of inspection counts as day 1, so you launch on day 31 or later. A hot-water decontamination at an approved station earns a green seal and lets you launch the same day. A same-day trip is possible; it just costs you a decon instead of a month of waiting.
- Your seal must be intact and verified at the launch site before entering the water. A decontaminated vessel cannot touch any other water between the decon and the launch.
- Where to get inspected: State Parks runs free quarantine inspections at Granite Bay, Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Budget about 15 minutes plus wait. The site closes for the day if it rains. Third-party inspection and decontamination vendors set their own prices.
- On the way out: all vessels get a green seal attached by staff when they exit the lake. That seal is what lets you come back and launch again without starting over.
Exempt watercraft: Hand-launched, non-motorized vessels like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, outrigger canoes, rowing shells, and rowboats are NOT subject to the inspection, quarantine, or seal program. Hand-launched boats with electric trolling motors, including fishing kayaks and eFoils, are exempt too.
Exempt from inspection is not exempt from the rules. Every exempt craft still has to follow clean, drain, and dry. And Order 690-014-2026 goes further than most paddlers realize: no person may possess or introduce foreign water into any lake or stream in the Gold Fields District. Dump the bilge and the hatches before you leave home, not in the parking lot.
For full details, visit the California State Parks Golden Mussel Prevention Program page or call the Auburn SRA Front Desk at 530-885-4527.
Getting There, Hours, and Parking
Upper Lake Clementine
Reservation Required on Weekends and Holidays
Due to ongoing, unsafe traffic conditions on Foresthill Road, Upper Lake Clementine requires a day-use vehicle reservation on weekends during peak season, May 1 through September 30. Weekend visitors without a reservation are not admitted into the park.
The booking window is the part that catches people out. Reservations open 10 days ahead and close 2 days before your visit. State Parks allows no reservations day-of, so deciding on Saturday morning to drive up is already too late. As of July 8, 2026 reservations are available all seven days and are recommended midweek too. Weekdays still run first come, first served, but the lot caps at 150 vehicles and you can be turned away.
Season & Hours:
- April 15 to April 30: Weekends only
- May 1 to September 30: Open daily, 8 AM to 6:30 PM
- October 1 to October 14: Weekends only
- October 15 to April 14: Closed for winter
- Parking: $10 (150 vehicle limit)
Directions to Upper Lake
Parking and entry is $10. Lake Clementine is a unit within Auburn State Recreation Area, and the $10 vehicle day-use fee covers you for the day across Auburn SRA, so a run from Upper to Lower should only cost you once. Ask at the entrance station first if you booked Upper Lake through LAZ, since that is a parking reservation rather than a State Parks day-use receipt and may not carry over.
Upper Lake Clementine is located off the Auburn-Foresthill road. State Parks puts it at 5.5 miles on Foresthill Road from I-80, then 2 miles of steep switchback dirt road down the canyon, in mediocre to very poor condition, depending on washouts and rain. If your vehicle has low clearance or your tires can’t handle rough terrain, proceed with extreme caution. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
I saw a variety of vehicles loaded down with passengers and gear in the small parking lot, but I can’t imagine they had fun getting up or down. The speed limit may be 15mph, but good luck exceeding 5-10mph. The dirt road is one lane with steep drop-offs and ditches in many areas, so remember to look ahead and be courteous to other drivers.
The parking lot is small and will fill fast. If you hold a reservation, none of that matters: State Parks guarantees reservation holders a spot and lets them arrive any time of day. If you’re rolling up midweek without one, target before 11 AM, because the lot caps at 150 vehicles and the gate turns people away once it’s full. Note also that no trailer parking is allowed anywhere on the Lake Clementine access road, shoulders and turnouts included.
Two different closing times matter here, and mixing them up is how people get stuck. Vehicle access closes at 6:30 PM, and every vehicle has to be out by 7:00 PM. The inbound gate may shut 30 minutes before the posted closing hour. Rangers follow the last car up and lock the gate behind them. If you don’t make it out, you are staying overnight and paying for it.
Porta-Potties are plentiful and well-maintained.
Lower Lake Clementine
Hours: 8 AM to sunset, year-round. The winter access rule is the catch: under Order 690-052-2026 the Lower Lake Clementine boat ramp, along with Upper Lake Clementine Road, Drivers Flat Road, and Sliger Mine Road, closes to vehicle, motorized, and trailered access on October 15 and reopens after April 15 depending on precipitation and road conditions. The boat-in campground closes October 1 through April 30. Call 530-885-4527 before a winter trip.
Fees:
- Car parking: $10
- Motorized boat launch: $10
- Boat-in campsite: $38/night
- Extra vehicle at campsite: $10
Winter boating restriction: Power boating is prohibited October 15 through April 14. Non-motorized hand-launched watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) and hand-launched electric trolling motors are authorized year-round.
Directions to Lower Lake
Lower Lake Clementine is located off Foresthill Road, 4.4 miles off I-80. Upon turning onto Lake Clementine Road, you will have 1 mile on a narrow switchback road along a cliff. It’s best to take this road slowly, as it can be very difficult to pass large cars and boats.
If you are coming for the day, be sure to get here as early as possible. The few car and trailer spots available in the parking lot fill up fast. If you are towing a boat, it is best to arrive at the lake by 7 AM to ensure you snag a spot.
There is a hard cap, not just crowding. Order 690-044-2026 designates 25 boat trailer stalls, one trailer per stall, with a 50-foot maximum combined vehicle and trailer length. Once those 25 spaces fill, no more boats launch that day, marina slip holders excepted, and an advisory sign goes up at the lot. There is no overflow option: no trailer parking is permitted anywhere on the Lake Clementine access road, including shoulders and turnouts, no vehicle parking in the launch ramp area, and no gear left unattended down there. Load and unload at the courtesy dock.
Boat-In Camping
Camping is allowed at Lower Lake Clementine through boat-in access only. You can book a campsite for 1-7 days with up to 8 people per campsite. This is an incredible camping experience in a very unique location.
The campground runs on a four-phase calendar, and “15 sites” is only true for four months of it. May 1 to May 14: four sites, first come first served. May 15 to September 15: fifteen sites, reservations required through ReserveCalifornia. September 16 to September 30: back down to four sites, first come first served. October 1 to April 30: closed for the winter.
- Season: May 1 to September 30, closed October 1 through April 30
- Cost: $38/night
- Picnic tables, chemical toilets, and fire rings. The fire rings are unusable under the current fire order.
- Campfires currently prohibited (fire season restrictions)
- No garbage removal. Pack it in, pack it out.
- No glass, no alcohol, no dogs
- Reservations: 800-444-7275 or ReserveCalifornia.com (search “Auburn SRA”)
Camping sites go quickly, so reserve a spot as early as possible!
How far is Lake Clementine from Sacramento?
Depending on where you are in Sacramento, it will take you about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Lower Lake Clementine (around 40 miles away).
Hiking Trails at Lake Clementine
The Foresthill Bridge: Tallest in California
Before diving into the trail details, it’s worth highlighting the Foresthill Bridge, because you’ll encounter it on the Lower Lake Clementine Trail and it’s impossible to miss. Standing 730 feet above the North Fork of the American River, with a total length of 2,428 feet and a main span of 862 feet, it’s the tallest bridge in California and the fourth-tallest in the United States. The bridge opened on Labor Day 1973 to serve the never-completed Auburn Dam project, and it now carries roughly 50,000 vehicles a day between Auburn and Foresthill. Walking beneath it on the trail is a genuinely awe-inspiring experience.
Foresthill Divide Loop Trail
While the river access is currently closed at Upper Lake, there are still many beautiful places to hike around the area. Check out the Foresthill Divide Loop Trail, possibly one of world’s greatest trails, which you can find near the entrance to Upper Lake Clementine Road. Parking is free in the small parking area in front of the ranger station.
The 10.7 mile-long loop runs along Foresthill Road and is extremely popular with mountain bikers (who will usually shout to let you know that they are barreling down the trail behind you). The trail does not come close to the river, but is full of beautiful mountain scenery and hills of wildflowers when in bloom. If you are not ready to take on the whole loop, there are many nice spots to set up a picnic and enjoy nature.
Tip: Bring LOTS of water and beware rattlesnakes. A 3-liter hydration bladder is the minimum for the full loop in summer.
| Distance | 10.7-mile loop (must cross a busy road if attempting the whole loop) |
| Parking | Free |
| Elevation Gain | 1,551 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Trailhead | Upper Lake Clementine Road |
Lower Lake Clementine Trail (to North Fork Dam)
The Lake Clementine Hike is a family-friendly hike for those who have no plans to boat at Lake Clementine but want to visit the area and stand near the impressively tall North Fork Dam. I’ve hiked this panoramic trail multiple times and it never disappoints. From walking under the famous 730-foot Foresthill Bridge (the tallest in California) to beautiful scenery and swimming holes along the way, this hike is well worth the small climb.
Clark’s Pool: A Hidden Swimming Hole
About a quarter mile into this trail you’ll pass Clark’s Pool, a natural swimming hole that stays warm through the summer months. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Auburn SRA. The water is deep enough for swimming and the spot is popular but not nearly as crowded as Upper Lake’s main beach. If you’re hiking with kids and want a quick dip before committing to the full trail, this is the spot.
| Distance | 4.5 miles out and back |
| Parking | $10, side of road |
| Elevation Gain | 785 feet |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Highlights | Clark’s Pool, Foresthill Bridge, North Fork Dam, swimming holes |
| Trailhead | 137 Old Foresthill Rd, Auburn, CA 95603 |
There is a self-pay kiosk by most parking areas. The area near the restrooms is sometimes manned by a ranger who can dispense change. There are multiple trailheads in the immediate vicinity, so make sure you pick the correct one unless you like long detours. Although much of the trail is shaded by conifers and oaks, you should plan on bringing a hat and try not to hike in the heat of the day.
Note: This trail is narrow at points and not stroller friendly. Wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Mosquitoes can be heavy along the trail, so pack insect repellent.
And then the finale, the Lake Clementine Dam, the background of so many selfies!
Lake Clementine Access Trail
This is a 2.8-mile, moderately trafficked out-and-back trail that begins near Foresthill Road and ends at a small beach on Lower Lake Clementine. There is beautiful mountain scenery along the trail and a picturesque lake view at the bottom (if you ignore the floating porta-potty). The water is clean and great for swimming, so pack a lunch and hang out by the water before the trek back.
This trail has an elevation gain of 744ft., which means it is easy going down to the lake but fairly difficult on the way back up. If you are not used to hiking at high elevations, you may find yourself huffing and puffing on the way back. The trail begins at the entrance to Lake Clementine Road. When you come to a fork in the trail, stay right.
Parking is free at the lot across Foresthill Road, adjacent to Lake Clementine Road. There is limited parking at entrance of Lake Clementine Road. If you choose to park along Foresthill Road, please exercise caution, as the speed limit is 55 m.p.h. and there have been many accidents lately due to the increased traffic.
| Distance | 2.8 miles out and back |
| Parking | Free |
| Elevation Gain | 744 feet |
| Difficulty | Easy down, moderate to difficult return |
| Trailhead | Lake Clementine Road |
Note: This trail does not go to the dam. As always, watch out for rattlesnakes and poison oak, and pack out ANY and ALL garbage.
Cyanobacteria & Water Safety
Before you get in the water
Your board counts as a vessel here. Once you are outside a designated swimming area, federal rules treat a paddleboard or kayak as a boat, which means a Coast Guard approved life jacket aboard for every person. California goes further: anyone under 13 has to be wearing one while the vessel is underway. A leash is not required by law, and it is still the piece of gear that keeps your board within reach after a fall.
Swimming is prohibited in the dam, boat launch, and marina areas under Auburn Sector Order 690-048-2026. Worth knowing before you walk the Lower Lake Clementine Trail, because it ends at the dam. There are no lifeguards on this water, the canyon floor drops away fast a few feet out, and the pull below the spillway is stronger than the surface lets on.
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) warning: Algal mats have been reported along sections of the North Fork American River, including areas near Lake Clementine. These mats are particularly dangerous to dogs and can also cause skin irritation, nausea, and other health issues in humans.
Avoid contact with visible algal mats or discolored water. Keep dogs away from the water’s edge where mats are present (dogs are not permitted at either Upper or Lower Lake Clementine regardless). Check the California Harmful Algal Bloom reports before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Lake Clementine?
Yes! The Lake Clementine Access Trail leads to a small section of the lake where you can swim. Clark’s Pool, about a quarter mile into the Lower Lake trail, is another popular swimming spot. Upper Lake Clementine’s main beach has shallow, warm water perfect for wading and floating. The rest of the lake is only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Under Auburn Sector Order 690-048-2026, swimming is prohibited in the dam, boat launch, and marina areas, which matters because the Lower Lake Clementine Trail ends at the dam.
Can you fish at Lake Clementine?
Yes, you can fish with a valid California fishing permit. State Parks lists brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, and catfish.
How long does it take to hike Lake Clementine?
The Lake Clementine Access Trail takes about 1.5 hours round trip. The Lake Clementine Trail to the North Fork Dam takes the average person about 2.5 hours round trip. The Foresthill Divide Loop is a 10.7-mile loop that can take 4-6 hours.
Is Lake Clementine open?
Lower Lake Clementine posts hours of 8 AM to sunset year-round, but under Order 690-052-2026 the Lower Lake boat ramp closes to vehicle, motorized, and trailered access on October 15 and reopens after April 15 depending on precipitation and road conditions, so winter drive-in access is not guaranteed. Call 530-885-4527 first. Upper Lake Clementine is seasonal: weekends only April 15 to April 30, daily May 1 to September 30 with vehicle access closing at 6:30 PM and all vehicles out by 7:00 PM, weekends only October 1 to October 14, and closed October 15 to April 14.
Do you need a reservation for Lake Clementine?
For Upper Lake Clementine, yes on weekends from May 1 through September 30. Reservations are booked through LAZ Parking online, opening 10 days ahead and closing 2 days before your visit. There are no day-of reservations, and weekend visitors without one are turned away at the gate. Weekdays are first come, first served in a 150-vehicle lot that does fill. Lower Lake Clementine does not require reservations for day use, but boat-in camping requires reservations through ReserveCalifornia.com from May 15 to September 15.
Can you bring dogs to Lake Clementine?
No. Dogs are not permitted at Upper Lake Clementine or within the boundaries of Lower Lake Clementine. This includes the camping areas and all trails leading to the lake.
Is there cell service at Lake Clementine?
Cell service is unreliable at both Upper and Lower Lake Clementine. You may get a weak signal at the Upper Lake parking lot, but once you’re down near the water or on the trails, expect little to no service. Download maps and directions before you go.
What is the golden mussel boat inspection at Lake Clementine?
Since April 14, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has required every trailered or motorized boat launching at Lake Clementine to complete either a 30-day quarantine, which earns a red seal, or a hot-water decontamination at an approved station, which earns a green seal and allows a same-day launch. The seal must be intact and verified at the ramp. State Parks runs free quarantine inspections at Granite Bay, Monday through Thursday, closed in rain. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and hand-launched craft with electric trolling motors are exempt from inspection, but still have to arrive clean, drained, and dry.
Can you cliff jump at Lake Clementine?
People do jump off rocks at Upper Lake Clementine, particularly from the rocky areas across the river from the main beach. However, this is at your own risk. Water depth varies significantly depending on the season and water levels, and there are submerged rocks that may not be visible. Always check depth before jumping.
Is Lake Clementine safe for kids?
Upper Lake Clementine is well-suited for families. The main beach has very shallow, warm water near the parking lot side, perfect for younger children to wade and play. Bring water shoes (the shoreline is rocky pebbles, not sand), life vests for non-swimmers, shade tents, and plenty of sunscreen. No lifeguards are on duty. The Lower Lake Clementine Trail is also family-friendly, though not stroller accessible.
Can you gold pan at Lake Clementine?
Yes! Gold panning using the hand-and-pan method is permitted in the Auburn State Recreation Area. The area has deep Gold Rush history, and recreational panners still find flakes along the North Fork American River. No motorized or mechanical equipment is allowed.
Spotting Wildlife
Upper Lake Clementine is highly trafficked, so while animal sightings are going to be extremely rare, you will see the occasional black tailed deer and rabbits during the daytime, while raccoons, opossums, gray foxes and coyotes can be seen at night. Black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and bobcats all live in the area.
Bring your binoculars and try to spot some California quail, canyon wrens, red tailed hawks, and bald eagles.
Identifying Plants
Along the lake’s edge, you will see no shortage of blackberries in between white alders, willows, Fremont cottonwoods, and creek dogwoods. Poison oak dots the foothills alongside buckeyes, interior live oaks, blue oaks, manzanita bushes, deer brush, and tonyons. Conifers spotted include Ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, California black oaks, and madrones.
Spring flowers are abundant with monkey flowers, fiddleneck, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, lupine, and brodiaea.
Lower Lake Clementine Boating Rules
- Water-ski and boating in a counter clockwise direction only.
- Maximum speed on the lake is 40 MPH.
- Maximum speed within buoyed areas is 5 MPH.
- No wake allowed at the ramp, marina, and camping areas.
- No wake surfing (banned in 2022).
- No towing inner-tubes due to the narrow waterway.
- Swimming and water-skiing is prohibited in Marina Area.
- Beach starts are prohibited.
- No parasailing.
- No power boats upstream of regulatory buoy stating “No Power Boats”.
- No towed inflatables in the ski zone. Towed inflatables may be used in the campground as swim platforms only.
- Personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers and other required safety equipment must be onboard.
- No dogs, no glass, no alcohol within the boundaries of Lower Lake Clementine.
- No garbage removal provided; pack it in, pack it out!
- Golden mussel inspection required for all trailered/motorized boats (see details above).
Kayaking & Paddleboarding Info
| Location | Lake Clementine, within Auburn State Recreation Area, near Foresthill (Google Maps) |
| Parking | $10 |
| Distance | 4 miles (total kayaking potential from launch) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
| Boat Inspection | Not required (kayaks/paddleboards are exempt, but must arrive clean, drained, and dry) |
A day on Lake Clementine is a blast. You might want to check out some of my other posts for gear inspiration:
- Paddle Board Accessories
- How to Choose the Right Paddleboard for Your Skill Level
- Mineral Sunscreen Spray
- Ice Chest Coolers
- Why You Bonk on Long Paddle Board Sessions
- SUP Stretching Guide
- Paddleboard Exercise and Recovery
- Foam Roller Science for Paddlers
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are in force right now under Auburn Sector Order 690-057-2026, effective May 26, 2026 until further notice. The order prohibits all campfires, all liquid fuel torches, and all portable cooking devices fueled by wood, gas, charcoal, pressurized liquid fuel, or jellied petroleum, anywhere in Auburn State Recreation Area.
The exceptions are narrow, and they matter if you were planning to cook. Gas, jellied petroleum, and pressurized liquid fuel stoves and lanterns are allowed only in designated campsites and on registered vessels. Wood-less propane campfires that shut off at a valve are allowed in a legally occupied campsite. Campfires in DPR-provided pits come back only between October 16 and April 14.
So there is no charcoal anywhere, and no propane barbecue at a day-use beach. If you are coming up for the day, plan on cold food. Read the current order yourself before you pack a stove, since it stays in effect until Auburn Sector lifts it: Order 690-057-2026.
Other Nearby Spots
Ruck-A-Chucky Campground
- Five campsites, first come, first served (exception: campsite 2)
- Day spots available
- Parking: $10
- Closed to camping every October 15, reopening only when Drivers Flat Road opens back up for vehicle access, which depends on the winter. Order 690-052-2026 gates that road on the same October 15 date as the rest of the canyon.
Sugar Pine Reservoir
- Spots can be reserved online
- Day spots available
- Parking: $5
China Bar
- Open daily, 8 AM to sunset, year-round (expanded from Friday-Monday to 7 days a week on January 4, 2022)
- Very clean, family-friendly environment
- Please pack out what you bring in
More NorCal Paddling Lakes
If you’re looking for more places to paddle in Northern California, check out these guides:
- Lake Natoma (30 minutes south, calm flat water, 5 mph speed limit, great for beginners)
- Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park (about an hour east, peaceful mountain lake)
- Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe (crystal clear water, stunning scenery)
- Fuller Lake (small, quiet Sierra lake)
- New Bullards Bar Reservoir (remote, deep canyon reservoir)
Pin this and plan your next adventure!
More California Lakes To Explore
Greater Sacramento
Sierra Nevadas
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Article Updates
August 7, 2026: Operational pass against the current State Parks posted orders. The golden mussel section had told boaters they could not launch the day they arrived, which left out the hot-water decontamination path that earns a green seal and allows a same-day launch. Also attributed the mandate correctly to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation rather than State Parks, added where inspections actually happen (free at Granite Bay, Monday through Thursday, closed in rain), added the exit green seal, and added the clean, drained, and dry and foreign-water rules that still bind exempt kayaks and paddleboards. Corrected the drive in: State Parks puts Upper Lake at 5.5 miles along Foresthill Road and 2 miles of dirt access road, where this page had 7.3 and 1.5. Separated the two closing times, since vehicle access closes at 6:30 PM but every vehicle must be out by 7:00 PM and the inbound gate may shut 30 minutes early. Added that reservation holders are guaranteed a spot and can arrive any time, which changes the arrive-before-11 advice. Replaced the “15 campsites” figure with the campground’s actual four-phase calendar, moved the 25-trailer launch ramp cap to the boat launch section with the consequence that launching stops when the lot fills, and added the ban on trailer parking along the access road. Added Ruck-A-Chucky’s five sites and October 15 closure. Corrected “Lake Clementine State Park,” which is not a unit; Lake Clementine sits within Auburn State Recreation Area.
August 4, 2026: Corrected several things a reader could have acted on. The fire restrictions were out of date: Auburn Sector Order 690-057-2026 has been in force since May 26, 2026 and prohibits charcoal outright and propane outside designated campsites, where this page had described a charcoal exception at the Lower Lake day use beach. The reservation guidance omitted the booking window, which opens 10 days ahead and closes 2 days before the visit, with no day-of reservations. Added the swimming prohibition covering the dam, boat launch and marina areas, the October 15 to April 15 vehicle and ramp closure, and the life jacket rules.
May 1, 2026: Defensive audit pass on the site’s #1 traffic page. Added required SimpleTOC block after the featured image. Deployed the JSON-LD FAQPage structured data block (staged locally but not previously pushed) for FAQ rich snippet eligibility. Added three custom SVG graphics: an Upper vs. Lower lake schematic showing the canyon layout, a trail elevation profile comparison for the three primary trails, and a year-at-a-glance access calendar for Upper Lake. Inserted five Amazon affiliate links inline (pop-up shade tent, water shoes, hydration bladder, gold panning kit, binoculars) with affiliate disclosure added before this section. Fact corrections from May 2026 verification: Upper Lake season boundary corrected (April 30, not May 1), golden mussel program start date specified (April 14, 2025), China Bar hours corrected (now 7 days a week, expanded January 4, 2022), Robber’s Roost climbing claim softened to point to Cave Valley as the actual sport-climbing area inside Auburn SRA. Foresthill Bridge specs expanded (2,428 ft total length, 862 ft main span, 4th tallest in US, opened Labor Day 1973, ~50,000 vehicles/day).
February 24, 2026: Added Key Takeaways, Upper vs. Lower comparison table, golden mussel boat inspection program (2025), cyanobacteria safety warning, Clark’s Pool swimming hole, Foresthill Bridge details, gold panning and climbing/caving info, updated fees and season dates from CA State Parks, expanded FAQ to 11 questions, added trail info tables, FAQ schema markup, and internal links to paddle boarding content.
September 24, 2025: Removed old COVID disclaimers. Updated helpful links section.
August 1, 2025: Fixed broken links.
July 29, 2024: Updated reservations info and grammar.
March 25, 2024: Updated and corrected misc info.
July 6, 2023: Updated parking info for Upper Lake Clementine.
where is Lake Clementia off Hwy 16 in Rancho Murrieta CA???
Totally different area not related to this lake!
Thank you for the real life info and great photos! Just moved to Auburn, had heard of Lake Clementine, but didn’t find information this useful til now!
Sharon, I’m thrilled to hear you found this to be useful! Hope you get a chance to have a spectacular time at Lake Clementine!
This area looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the clear water and the trees are beautiful! And is that a rainbow below the waterfall? Amazing!
This lake sounds looks like so much fun! I’ve toured a lot of CA, I went to College in NOrcal- but have never heard of this lake! Would love to check it out..
Valerie
Those beautiful green blue waters though! Looks like a beautiful place to visit and I like how you broke down the do’s and don’ts for us.
What a stunning place – so much to see and do! Loving the photos, looks like a perfect getaway!
Beautiful! I had no idea this lake existed! But I’m glad I know now because Clementine is what I want to name my first daughter lol