The dam is beautiful even if only 4 of the channels are running.
1 / 10

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway

4.6
·161 reviews·Auburn, United States

A breathtaking natural escape with a dam spillway, waterfall, and river, perfect for scenic hikes and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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The dam is beautiful even if only 4 of the channels are running.

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking natural escape with a dam spillway, waterfall, and river, perfect for scenic hikes and stunning sunset views. Reddit

4.6
(161 reviews)

"A very beautiful and breathtaking place, perfect for photos and enjoying nature's serenity. Reddit"

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TIP

Check Trail Status First! ⚠️

Fires can impact access. Verify trail conditions on the ASRA website before you go.

Easy-Moderate Hike 🚶‍♀️

About 4 miles roundtrip with gradual incline. Good for families, but start early!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway

Auburn, California

Witness the impressive spillway, a beautiful waterfall, and a meandering river. Perfect for photography and enjoying nature's serenity.

Reddit
Rocky Shoreline

Rocky Shoreline

Along the lake

Explore the rocky shores, offering unique vantage points for photos and a chance to get closer to the water. Be cautious as rocks can be slippery.

Reddit
Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Overlooking the lake and hills

Experience a breathtaking sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the lake and surrounding hills. A truly romantic and picturesque scene.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Check Trail Status Before You Go

Recent fires can impact trail access. Always check the ASRA website for the latest updates on trail conditions and closures before heading out to Lake Clementine Dam Spillway. Reddit

Prepare for a Scenic Hike

The hike to the spillway is generally easy to moderate with a gradual incline, about 4 miles roundtrip. An early start is recommended, especially with children, to avoid the heat and potential fatigue. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Stunning sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lake Clementine

Check Trail Status First! ⚠️

Fires can impact access. Verify trail conditions on the ASRA website before you go. Reddit

Easy-Moderate Hike 🚶‍♀️

About 4 miles roundtrip with gradual incline. Good for families, but start early! Reddit

Slippery Rocks! ⚠️

Be cautious when walking near the water; rocks can be very slippery. Reddit

Parking Fee: $10 🚗

Per vehicle. Arrive early for better spots. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Trail Status First! ⚠️

Fires can impact access. Verify trail conditions on the ASRA website before you go. Reddit

Easy-Moderate Hike 🚶‍♀️

About 4 miles roundtrip with gradual incline. Good for families, but start early! Reddit

Slippery Rocks! ⚠️

Be cautious when walking near the water; rocks can be very slippery. Reddit

Parking Fee: $10 🚗

Per vehicle. Arrive early for better spots. Reddit

Drone Friendly 🚁

Great spot for aerial photography if you have a drone. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(161 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Lake Clementine Dam Spillway, highlighting its romantic ambiance, stunning sunsets, and the serene natural music of the falls. It's praised as a place for photography, boating, and peaceful walks, though caution is advised on slippery rocks. Reddit

"Awesome! 🤩
A very beautiful and breathtaking place.🤠🫶
A large lake, a waterfall, a beautiful meandering river, a rocky shore, hills and a stunning sunset make this place incredibly romantic.🌊🏞⛰🌅🥰
You can take many beautiful photos, fly a drone, go down to the river, ride a boat and many other things you can think of.🤳🚁🚤

We walked at sunset and enjoyed the beauty and scenery of this beautiful place.☀️🌅👫
A place you want to return to)😇🥰
Highly recommended 👍"

DMYTRO YEFIMOV

"Seat, listen natural music of falls & feel serenity"

Bharat Mehta

"It's a great easy-moderate hike at a gradual incline. Our 2 young kids made it ok, only complained a little and ask for piggy back rides on the way back. Get an early start to avoid kids tiring out. It's about a 4 mile hike."

Charlene Becker

What People Like

Beautiful and breathtaking scenery
Romantic atmosphere
Stunning sunset views

What People Dislike

Slippery rocks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway is located in Auburn, California. Access typically involves a hike from a designated trailhead. It's recommended to check local maps and trail guides for the most current access points and parking information. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, typically costing $10 per vehicle. Arriving early is advised, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

The most common way to reach the spillway is via a hike. The trail is described as an easy-moderate, gradual incline, approximately 4 miles roundtrip. Reddit

It's crucial to check for recent fire activity or other events that might affect trail access. A Reddit user mentioned a fire near the Foresthill Bridge, so verifying with the ASRA website is essential. Reddit

Yes, Lake Clementine is a great place to boat in and camp. There are launch ramps available for boat access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There isn't a traditional ticket system for entry to the hiking trails. However, there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Reddit

The area is generally open from 8 AM until sunset. It's always a good idea to confirm these hours closer to your visit. Reddit

While there isn't an explicit park entrance fee, a parking fee of $10 per vehicle is typically charged. Reddit

Information on advance parking reservations is not readily available. It's best to arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot. Reddit

Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking on the trails around Lake Clementine Dam Spillway, but always check local regulations. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can enjoy the impressive dam spillway, a beautiful waterfall, a scenic river, and a rocky shoreline. The area is also known for its stunning sunset views. Reddit

The hike is generally considered easy to moderate with a gradual incline, making it accessible for most. However, an early start is recommended, especially for families. Reddit

Absolutely! The lake, waterfall, river, and sunset provide numerous opportunities for beautiful photos. Drones are also permitted for aerial shots. Reddit

While the lake is beautiful, swimming safety can vary. Be aware of currents and water conditions. The rocky shores can also be slippery. Reddit

Information on pet policies is not explicitly stated in the provided reviews. It's advisable to check local park regulations regarding pets. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the spillway. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic. Reddit

Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike. Sandwiches, fruits, and trail mix are great options. Reddit

You'll likely need to drive back towards Auburn or other nearby towns to find grocery stores or restaurants. Plan accordingly. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, it's best to check for designated picnic areas or barbecue facilities if you plan to cook. Pack out all trash. Reddit

Bring ample water, especially for the hike. Consider a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages to enjoy by the lake. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The spillway itself, the waterfall, the riverbanks, and the rocky shores offer fantastic photo opportunities. The sunset views are particularly stunning. Reddit

Yes, drones are permitted, making it a great spot for capturing aerial views of the lake, dam, and surrounding landscape. Reddit

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons and evenings are ideal for capturing the dramatic colors of the sunset. Reddit

No specific restrictions on standard photography equipment like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are mentioned. Always be mindful of other visitors. Reddit

Expect to capture wide-angle shots of the dam and lake, close-ups of the waterfall and river, and panoramic views during sunset. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway can be a rewarding outing for families. The easy-moderate hike with a gradual incline is manageable for most children, though an early start is highly recommended to prevent them from getting too tired. Reddit Bringing snacks and plenty of water is essential, and be prepared for potential piggyback rides on the way back. Reddit The natural beauty, including the waterfall and river, can be captivating for kids, but always supervise them closely, especially near the slippery rocks by the water. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Lake Clementine Dam Spillway offers a diverse range of subjects. The dam spillway, waterfall, and river provide excellent opportunities for capturing natural beauty. The rocky shoreline adds texture and interest to compositions. Reddit The sunset views are particularly renowned, making late afternoon visits highly rewarding. If you have a drone, this location is ideal for aerial photography, showcasing the expanse of the lake and its surroundings. Reddit Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best lighting conditions. Reddit

🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers

This destination is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. The 4-mile hike offers a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery. Reddit The sound of the waterfall and the serene atmosphere of the lake provide a tranquil experience. Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the potentially slippery rocks. Reddit Always check trail conditions before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hike to Lake Clementine Dam Spillway

The journey to the Lake Clementine Dam Spillway is a significant part of the experience. Described as an easy-moderate hike with a gradual incline, it spans approximately 4 miles roundtrip. This makes it accessible for many, including families with young children, though some may require piggyback rides on the return journey. Reddit To make the most of the hike and avoid the midday heat, an early start is highly recommended. This also helps in securing better parking spots and enjoying a more serene experience before larger crowds arrive. Reddit

While the trail is generally well-maintained, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. The rocks near the water can be very slippery, so caution is advised when exploring the shoreline. Reddit Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip for this terrain. Checking the ASRA website for trail status is crucial, as recent events like fires can impact accessibility. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway is a photographer's delight, offering a variety of scenic subjects. The dam spillway itself is an impressive structure, often accompanied by a waterfall cascading down. The meandering river and the rocky shoreline provide dynamic elements for compositions. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the stunning sunset views as a major draw, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors over the lake and hills. Reddit For those interested in aerial perspectives, drones are permitted, allowing for unique shots of the vast lake and surrounding natural beauty. Reddit To capture the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning for soft, diffused light, and late afternoon for the dramatic hues of sunset. Remember to be mindful of the slippery rocks when composing your shots near the water's edge. Reddit

Boating and Camping

Beyond hiking, Lake Clementine offers opportunities for those who enjoy being on the water. It's described as a great place to boat in and camp, suggesting that visitors can access the lake via boat ramps and potentially find camping facilities. Reddit This provides an alternative way to experience the lake's beauty, allowing for exploration further from the shore and a more immersive nature experience. Reddit

If you plan to boat, ensure you are familiar with lake navigation and safety regulations. Accessing camping spots might require reservations, so it's advisable to research this in advance. Being on the water can offer a different perspective on the dam, spillway, and the surrounding natural landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

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