American Canyon Auburn State Recreation Area

October 23, 2025

Scrambling through the thicket

The off-trail crossing of Hoboken Creek

There's the destination below

Middle Fork American River

The Western States 100 race crosses the river near here, with the aid of a rope and some boats

Poverty Bar across the way hosted a lot of gold miners

These photos were shot in 1858:

Back on the Western States Trail after lunch

Turning up the steep Maine Bar Trail

"What did the girdle say to the hat?"

"You go on ahead..."

"...and I'll bring up the rear."

That was about 900 feet — slightly steeper than the Training Hill

I didn't want to take a shortcut and miss this

This well-constructed monument remains intact after 31 years

Trying out Cindy's Shortcut

§: It so happens that our detour and the main trail are the same distance, but I enjoyed the exploration more.  However, missing the first turnoff down to the river resulted in an extra .4 miles of walking.

• Trailhead: Auburn Lakes Trails Third Gate, 6½ miles east of Cool off SR-193
• Distance: 7 miles
• Elevation: 1800' to 700'