A major part of the recreation area's 58 mile trail system is the Western Pioneer Trail, which travels from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Weekend backpackers can pitch a tent at a number of trail camps along the river.
The park (which is 20 miles long on two forks of the American River) is situated south of Interstate 80, stretching from Auburn to Colfax. The main access is from Auburn, either on Highway 49 or the Auburn-Foresthill Road.
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