Foresthill Bridge
California's tallest bridge, soaring 730ft over the American River, offering stunning views and hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Foresthill Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
California's tallest bridge, soaring 730ft over the American River, offering stunning views and hiking trails.
"Awesome bridge just minutes away from downtown Auburn. Great hiking trails at the upper and lower river sections."
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Park on one side and walk across to enjoy views from both directions. Be mindful of traffic.
🥾 Strenuous Hike
Trails descend to the river but the hike back up is challenging. Wear good shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Foresthill Bridge Walkway
Pedestrian lane
Experience the thrill of walking across California's tallest bridge, 730 feet above the American River.
Breathtaking Canyon Views
From the bridge and trails
Marvel at panoramic vistas of the North Fork of the American River and the surrounding wild landscape.
Notes of Hope Signs
On the bridge
Read poignant messages of encouragement, a touching reminder of resilience and hope.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Walkway Access
Hiking Trails & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Park on one side and walk across to enjoy views from both directions. Be mindful of traffic.
🥾 Strenuous Hike
Trails descend to the river but the hike back up is challenging. Wear good shoes!
📸 Capture the Scale
Bring your camera for stunning foresthill bridge photos. Wide-angle lenses are great!
🚗 Be Aware of Cars
Cars speed by on the bridge. Stay in the pedestrian lane and be alert.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
Park on one side and walk across to enjoy views from both directions. Be mindful of traffic.
🥾 Strenuous Hike
Trails descend to the river but the hike back up is challenging. Wear good shoes!
📸 Capture the Scale
Bring your camera for stunning foresthill bridge photos. Wide-angle lenses are great!
🚗 Be Aware of Cars
Cars speed by on the bridge. Stay in the pedestrian lane and be alert.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and impressive scale of Foresthill Bridge, calling it a must-see architectural marvel. The hiking trails offer a chance to connect with nature, though the return hike can be strenuous. The 'Notes of Hope' add a poignant and emotional layer to the experience, making it memorable for many.
"Awesome bridge just minutes away from downtown Auburn. Great hiking trails at the upper and lower river sections. 730 feet tall makes this a must see!"
APF Mike
"Scary if you aren’t fond of bridge walking! This bridge has a path from parking to the pedestrian lane of bridge. Beware as cars are speeding and passing by very fast all while you are walking over a span of 2,428 feet, a very long and noisy walk, but quite exhilarating!
Known as Californias tallest bridge coming in at a towering 730 feet above the North Fork of the American River, this is a sight to see!!
Built in 1973 this bridge is also known for a much sadder story. As of 2022 98 souls have lost their lives to suicide and a very tall guard was built in an effort of prevention.
If interested in posting signs of encouragement as seen in my videos contact “Notes of hope suicide prevention” on Facebook.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988."
Let’s Go! Crew
"Great for jumping off of. The water is deep enough but just make sure to jump off directly above the deep areas of the river. Do not jump outward or to the side, just hop off real gently straight ahead and you should avoid landing on the boulders. Would definitely recommend this bridge for diving!"
Max LaRock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Foresthill Bridge is located near Auburn, California. It's accessible by car, with parking available on both sides of the bridge. Many visitors drive from Sacramento.
Yes, there are parking spots available by the road on both sides of the bridge, making it convenient for visitors.
While you can't 'walk' to it from a distant point, you can park and then walk across the bridge itself.
Hiking trails are accessible from the upper and lower river sections near the bridge. Be prepared for a steep climb back up.
The pedestrian walkway on the bridge is generally accessible, but the hiking trails can be steep and challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Foresthill Bridge. It's a public access area.
Foresthill Bridge is generally accessible at all times, though specific trail access might vary with daylight.
There is no entrance fee to visit Foresthill Bridge or the surrounding hiking areas.
While there's a pedestrian lane for walking, climbing on the structure itself is not permitted and can be dangerous.
Be mindful of traffic when walking on the bridge and follow any posted signage. Respect the 'Notes of Hope' messages.
📸 📸 Photography
The pedestrian walkway offers great vantage points. Also, explore the hiking trails for different perspectives of the bridge and canyon.
Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for dramatic foresthill bridge photos.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the immense scale of the bridge and canyon. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park services before flying a drone in the area.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to photograph the 'Notes of Hope' signs, which add an emotional layer to the experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the bridge, enjoy breathtaking views, and explore hiking trails along the American River.
The bridge has a pedestrian lane, but cars pass by quickly. Stay aware of your surroundings.
These are signs of encouragement posted on the bridge, offering a message of hope and support for those struggling.
The area is wild and you might see deer, birds, and other local wildlife.
Walking across the 2,428-foot span can take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main bridge walk is manageable, the hiking trails can be quite challenging, especially the climb back up. Consider the age and stamina of your children before embarking on longer hikes. The 'Notes of Hope' signs can also spark conversations about kindness and support.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to emphasize the bridge's grandeur. Golden hour in the late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for stunning foresthill bridge photos. Don't forget to include the 'Notes of Hope' signs in your shots to add a unique narrative element.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Walking the entire length of the bridge is also a good way to get your steps in. The combination of the bridge walk and a trail hike can make for a fulfilling active day. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel
For those interested in its construction, the bridge was built to accommodate a planned but never completed highway project. Despite this, it remains a popular destination for its impressive stature and the dramatic views it provides. Visitors often marvel at the engineering required to build such a structure in this rugged terrain.
When visiting, remember that while the bridge is an engineering feat, it's also a place that carries a somber history. The presence of 'Notes of Hope' signs underscores the importance of respecting the site and its emotional significance.
Hiking and Nature Exploration
Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding experience. While descending to the river is generally enjoyable, the hike back up to the bridge can be strenuous. This uphill climb is a good workout and offers a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the landscape. Visitors often report seeing deer, birds, and other wildlife in this relatively wild area.
For the best experience, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The effort is well worth it for the chance to explore the diverse ecosystems and enjoy the serene river areas below the towering bridge.
The 'Notes of Hope' Initiative
The 'Notes of Hope' initiative is a community effort, with individuals and groups contributing to spread positivity. Reading these messages can be a powerful reminder of shared humanity and the importance of mental health awareness. If you're interested in learning more or contributing, you can contact 'Notes of Hope suicide prevention' on Facebook.
This aspect of the bridge adds a layer of profound meaning to a visit, transforming it from just an impressive structure into a place of reflection and connection. It's a testament to the community's commitment to supporting one another.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit