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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Lake Clementine Dam Spillway
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural escape with a dam spillway, waterfall, and river, perfect for scenic hikes and stunning sunset views.
"A very beautiful and breathtaking place, perfect for photos and enjoying nature's serenity. "

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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Trail Status Before You Go
Prepare for a Scenic Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lake Clementine
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!
Slippery Rocks! ⚠️
Be cautious when walking near the water; rocks can be very slippery.
Parking Fee: $10 🚗
Per vehicle. Arrive early for better spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
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!
Slippery Rocks! ⚠️
Be cautious when walking near the water; rocks can be very slippery.
Parking Fee: $10 🚗
Per vehicle. Arrive early for better spots.
Drone Friendly 🚁
Great spot for aerial photography if you have a drone.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is parking available, typically costing $10 per vehicle. Arriving early is advised, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
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.
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.
Yes, Lake Clementine is a great place to boat in and camp. There are launch ramps available for boat access.
🎫 🎫 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.
The area is generally open from 8 AM until sunset. It's always a good idea to confirm these hours closer to your visit.
While there isn't an explicit park entrance fee, a parking fee of $10 per vehicle is typically charged.
Information on advance parking reservations is not readily available. It's best to arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.
Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking on the trails around Lake Clementine Dam Spillway, but always check local regulations.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Absolutely! The lake, waterfall, river, and sunset provide numerous opportunities for beautiful photos. Drones are also permitted for aerial shots.
While the lake is beautiful, swimming safety can vary. Be aware of currents and water conditions. The rocky shores can also be slippery.
Information on pet policies is not explicitly stated in the provided reviews. It's advisable to check local park regulations regarding pets.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike. Sandwiches, fruits, and trail mix are great options.
You'll likely need to drive back towards Auburn or other nearby towns to find grocery stores or restaurants. Plan accordingly.
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.
Bring ample water, especially for the hike. Consider a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages to enjoy by the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The spillway itself, the waterfall, the riverbanks, and the rocky shores offer fantastic photo opportunities. The sunset views are particularly stunning.
Yes, drones are permitted, making it a great spot for capturing aerial views of the lake, dam, and surrounding landscape.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons and evenings are ideal for capturing the dramatic colors of the sunset.
No specific restrictions on standard photography equipment like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are mentioned. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Expect to capture wide-angle shots of the dam and lake, close-ups of the waterfall and river, and panoramic views during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Lake Clementine Dam Spillway
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. 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.
Photography Opportunities
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. For those interested in aerial perspectives, drones are permitted, allowing for unique shots of the vast lake and surrounding natural beauty. 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.
Boating and Camping
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit