Auburn State Recreation Area, Natural reserve in Auburn, California, US

Auburn State Recreation Area is a nature reserve spanning the North and Middle Forks of the American River for about 40 miles. The land contains river valleys, hills, forests, and open areas with trails of varying difficulty.

The area saw major gold mining activity along the American River during the 1800s, when fortune seekers worked the riverbed and banks. Old mining sites, dams, and related structures from that era remain visible throughout the land today.

Auburn calls itself the "Endurance Capital of the World" and hosts events in the park such as the Western States Endurance Run, the Tevis Cup equestrian ride and the Way Too Cool 50 Kilometer run. The 2005 book Nature Noir recounts ranger Jordan Fisher Smith's patrols here.

The area lies along the North and Middle Forks of the American River on the Placer and El Dorado county line, with Auburn about 4 km to the southwest. Access is via Highway 49 and Auburn-Foresthill Road. The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages it under a contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Lake Clementine within the reserve has designated zones for water skiing and boating activities that many visitors seek out. Mammoth Bar serves as a separate location for off-road vehicle use, drawing a different crowd of outdoor enthusiasts.