Auburn State Recreation Area
Years and years ago, the Auburn State Recreation Area was a hotbed for gold mining. Thousands of miners descended on the land with the hope of striking it rich. Today, this 40 mile stretch of wilderness surrounds the North and Middle Forks of the American River and provides pawsome opportunities for outdoor recreation.
With over 100 miles of trails to choose from, your pup
may be a bit overwhelmed. Your best bet is to get a map of the area and plan
your adventure before arriving. While there are several access points and
trailheads, one of the main trailheads can be found near the confluence of the
two rivers where Highway 49 meets Old Foresthill Road.
Canyon Creek Trail is a hidden gem. The switchbacks will
give your pal a nice workout, and the wildflowers and fragrant forests will be
an added treat. Blue Oak Trail is short, but sweet. It travels through rolling
hills and connects a couple other furrific trails. Some of the other pupular
trails include Stagecoach, Quarry Road, Rattlesnake Bar, and McKeon. Perhaps the most notable hike is the Western States Trail. It is 100 miles long and
stretches all the way to Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe. Only a portion of it is
within the recreation area. If your dog is up for an overnighter, plan a
backpacking trip on this trail. Of course, day hiking is also an option.
In addition to hiking, Auburn State Recreation Area is known
for its whitewater rafting, camping, mountain biking, and off roading. It’s
also a haven for wildlife. While hiking with your pup, keep your eyes open for
black-tailed deer, rabbits, raccoons, and a variety of birds. Don’t forget to
bring clean up bags and plenty of water. While your pup may not bring home a
gold nugget, they will definitely have a furrific time exploring this area!
