Auburn SRA & Bridges of the American River Canyon

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Just minutes from our home in Cool, in the heart of the gold country, the Auburn State Recreation Area (Auburn SRA) covers over 35,000 acres along 40-miles of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Once teeming with thousands of gold miners, the area is now a natural area offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities to over 500,000 visitors a year.

Major recreational uses include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, gold panning, equestrian riding trails and off-highway motorcycle riding. Whitewater recreation is also very popular on both forks of the river.

Auburn SRA is made up of the lands set aside for the Auburn Dam. California State Parks administers the area under a contract with the US Bureau of Reclamation.

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Photos

American River Confluence
Where the North and Middle forks of the American River meet at the Auburn SRA, Foresthill Bridge in the background.

Foresthill Bridge
California's Highest at 730 feet to the riverbed below.

Foresthill Bridge, top view
Looking East towards Foresthill.

The Mountain Quarry Cement Bridge
Just downstream from the Foresthill Bridge. The Mountain Quarry Cement Bridge, later known as "No Hands Bridge," was completed on March 23, 1912

No Hands Bridge
Today, primarily used by horsemen, runners and hikers. The name "no hands" came from veteran rider, Ina Robinson, who would drop her reins to ride across the then guardrail-less bridge.

No Hands Bridge, another view
View taken from atop the Foresthill Bridge.

CALSTAR Med Evac
In action, during an actual rescue medical evacuation. The American River Canyon is rugged and steep, the river waters are cold and the current strong. Many times injury and even death can result to those who are careless.

Foresthill Bridge
Spanning the North Fork of the American River.

Salmon Falls Bridge
Steel Truss Type, South Fork of the American River.

Salmon Falls Bridge
Salmon Falls Road at Skunk Hollow.