Lake Clementine, body of water
Lake Clementine is a reservoir in California located on the North Fork of the American River within the Auburn State Recreation Area. The water is clear and cold, fed by snowmelt from the mountains above, and the lake consists of two sections: the upper lake with calm water for paddlers and swimmers, and the lower lake where motorboats are permitted.
The lake was created by a dam that holds back the North Fork of the American River for water storage and regional management. The lower area bears traces of the Gold Rush period, including a distinctive rock outcrop called Robbers' Roost, which carries stories from that era.
The name reflects early settlement history when miners and settlers passed through this region. Today visitors use the lake for paddling, fishing, and picnicking, showing how this place has become a meeting point for people seeking a break from daily routines.
The lake is reached via narrow and sometimes rough dirt roads, so visitors should drive carefully and arrive early to secure parking. The park closes in the evening, and swimming is only permitted in a designated area near the Access Trail, so visitors should know these boundaries.
The North Fork Dam above the lake creates rainbows in the spray on sunny days as water cascades over the concrete structure. A popular trail leads to the dam where visitors can watch the force of the water and see the Foresthill Bridge, one of California's tallest bridges, spanning the deep canyon nearby.
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