Guided Hikes
In the fall, winter and spring our staff and docents lead hikes in different areas of the park. These hikes vary greatly in lenght and intensity. The hikes focus on flora, fauna, or the history of the canyon. They are free, though a $10 day use fee applies in marked areas.
We recommend arriving early, dressing in layers, wearing sun protection, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and bringing plenty of water and snacks.
Geology Ramble at Auburn Dam Site
- When: Postponed due to rain. Check back soon
- Where: Oregon Hill Parking Lot
- Hike Description: China Bar / Birdsall takeout river area, Oregon Bar river area. Geology Ramble below the Auburn damsite (1.5 miles)Learn about this area’s geologic history and diverse rock types in a river-edge exploration with geologist Sarah Roeske. From Oregon Hill we will carpool down to the China Bar/Birdsall takeout and Oregon Bar areas. We will spend some time at China Bar looking at rocks exposed by blasting for the dam site, continuing on to examine the interesting granite plutons and other formations along the river at Oregon Bar. Total distance walking about 1.5 miles, total elevation gain of 150 feet. Short scrambles off trail to access rock outcrops along the river, optional spots of tricky footing. Plan on 2.5 hr. Meet 9:00 am at the Oregon Hill parking lot, located 1.25 miles down the park road inside the China Bar entrance (across from 490 Maidu Dr, Auburn). Parking $10 cash or free with park permit. Bring water, optional snack, shoes with good traction, essentials.No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Joe Shanahan (530-863-8848) Peggy Egli (530-718-0448)
Middle Fork Fall Views
- When: Friday, Oct 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
- Where: Quarry Trail Parking Lot
- Details: Approximately 7 miles round trip from the trailhead to Browns Bar and back. About 4 hrs. Easy pace, minimal elevation change (~ 210?) on mostly wide, level trail. The terrain is gentle and undulating. Great views of the Middle Fork American River along this historic route of the gold rush era. Stop for snacks at the river before turning back. Great views, wildflowers and bird sighting. Meet at 9:00 am at Quarry trailhead parking area. Follow Hwy 49 S from Auburn, crossing the American River towards Cool. Turn left down the small dirt road ¼ mile south of the river crossing. Parking $10 cash or State Park pass at the trailhead (or cash/credit at Confluence kiosk on Old Foresthill Rd). Bring water, snacks, trail shoes and essentials. Friendly dogs on leash welcome. Rain or poor air quality cancels. No need to RSVP. lucyl2rock@gmail.com
Interested in scheduling a guided hike for your group? Call the Auburn SRA interpretation office at (530) 745-2202
For more hike information, visit https://www.canyonkeepers.org/ or email joseph.shanahan@parks.ca.gov
Junior Ranger Program
During the Summer, Auburn SRA hosts weekly Junior Ranger Programs. Junior Rangers is a free program designed for ages 7-12, but all ages are welcome to attend. Programs are led by park staff and docents and typically last 1-2 hours.
Summer 2025 Program: SIGN UP NOW
June Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Auburn Sector Office
- June 7 - Native Gardening
- June 14 - Recreation Roundup
- June 21 - Rocks and Minerals
- June 28 - Junior River Guards
July Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Oregon Hill Parking Lot
- July 5 - Plant Adaptations
- July 12 - Animal Adaptaions
- July 19 - Slow and Say Hello
- July 26 - Wilderness Preparedness
August Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Mammoth Bar Staging Area
- August 2 - Bicycle safety and maintenance
- August 9 - History of Gold
- August 16 - Aquatic Environments
- August 23 - Fishing
Our mission is to provide educational experiences both in Auburn SRA and in the classroom, assisting educators with curriculum needs and offering activities that enable students to investigate, research, and participate in interactive learning. All programs are free, though regular day use fees apply.
Interested in an off season program for your group? Contact the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530)745-2202
Junior Cubs Program
The Junior Cubs Program is designed for ages 3-6 and typically includes story and craft. Join State Parks educators with your little ones for this free program.
- When: The 1st Saturday of each month 10:00-11:00 AM
- Where: Murphy House (501 El Dorado Street Auburn)
- Details: Programs include a nature based story, craft, sometimes music and a short walk in the garden. Programs will be held outdoors weather permitting otherwise they will be held indoors. No need to RSVP. Brought to you by Auburn SRA Interpretation and Education (530)863-8848
Interested in an off site program or would like a program on a different date? Contact the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530)745-2202
School Groups
Auburn SRA offers K-12 programs for schools both in the classroom and in the park. If you are interested in scheduling a program or seeing a list of our current programs call the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530) 745-2202. or fill out a Program Request and we will reach out to confirm.
Campfire Programs
During the Summer, Auburn SRA hosts campfire programs. Campfire programs are interactive educational programs that take place in the evening. Led by park staff and volunteers, campfire programs are thematic, interactive and theatrical and typically last one hour.
Interested in scheduling a campfire program for your group? Call the Auburn SRA Intperpretation Office at (530) 745-2202
