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Lake Clementine
aka North Fork Lake -
American River
The lake is located just a few miles west-northwest of Auburn, or roughly 25
minutes from Sacramento. Drive east on I-80 from Sacramento, exit at
Foresthill road and head in direction of Foresthill. In about 3 miles,
turn left onto Lake Clementine Road, and head down the narrow road for just over
2 miles. There are a lot of tight turns, and this is not a road for large
RVs or large boat trailers. Paved launch ramp and very basic marina.
Parking is limited.
There is also access a few miles further along Foresthill Road at Upper
Clementine Road. This is a relatively decent dirt road, although the grade
can be quite steep in places. You will end up at a large parking area
where you can put in at a gravel beach. Parking is ample, and this is a
possible alternative if the limited parking at the paved ramp area is full.
Just upstream the rapids begin.
Lake is narrow, with steep canyons. Trees come down all the way to the
water's edge. We saw several river otters and LOTS of bird activity.
Photos below taken April 2008.
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North Fork Dam - American River at the bottom end of Lake Clementine
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Boat Ramp by the dam at Lake Clementine
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Heading upstream
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Joy heading downstream, marina on left, boat ramp just ahead.
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Two boats at the main ramp, dam just behind us
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Joy at the main boat ramp dock
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Boat ramp by dam of Lake Clementine
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Upper Lake Clementine parking area, accessed by a slightly rough dirt road.
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Lookinf north, at Upper Clementine, with the American River rapids beginning just upstream
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Frog
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Flowers along the river
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