Home » Auburn » FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the good Hiking Trails?
2. Can I still pan for gold?
3. Where are the closest Giant Redwoods?
4. Do you have OHV information?
5. What is the weather like in this area?
6. Do you sell SnoPark Passes?
7. Can you help me get to San Francisco and what is there to see?
8. Do you have Biking Trail Maps?
9. Do you have a map of California?
10. Do you have camping guides for California and local areas?
11. What are your hours?


1. Where are the good Hiking Trails?
The best hiking trails are in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Stop in at the California Welcome Center - Auburn for free trail maps, or browse the more detailed books and US Forest Service maps for sale.
 
2. Can I still pan for gold?
Yes, the American River, Yuba River and Bear River are open for Panning.
 
3. Where are the closest Giant Redwoods?
Placer Big Tree Grove in Foresthill has the largest redwoods in Placer County.
 
4. Do you have OHV information?
Yes, we have maps of many trails in Placer County.
 
5. What is the weather like in this area?
Average temperature 60.5 - Average rainfall 35.91 inches. In summer, the temperature can soar into the 100s during the daytime, with cooler nights at the higher elevations. Winter sees temperatures dropping well below freezing in the higher elevations, with overnight temperatures occasionally below zero in the mountains. Occasionally, snow falls as low as Auburn (around 1500 ft elevation), but unlike up in the mountains, never stays on the ground for long. The weather is changeable and is apt to close the highways in winter, so always carry chains and be prepared for weather extremes.
 
6. Do you sell SnoPark Passes?
Yes, available November thru May. they are $5.00 for a Day Pass and $25.00 for the Season Pass, and include maps.
 
7. Can you help me get to San Francisco and what is there to see?
We have maps of San Francisco and many brochures telling you what is available to see and do.
 
8. Do you have Biking Trail Maps?
Yes.
 
9. Do you have a map of California?
Yes. As a matter of fact, we have maps in several languages, as well as travel planners.
 
10. Do you have camping guides for California and local areas?
We have California and Placer County guides to camping.
 
11. What are your hours?
Monday-Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 - Sunday 11:00 to 4:30
 
Must See Image
Take a Wild Ride Down the American River

Yes, everyone knows about the American River (gold was discovered here at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, launching the Gold Rush). And yes, in summer it seems as if almost everyone with an inner tube comes here.

It’s true the South Fork (less turbulent than the North and Middle Forks) of the American is the most popular stretch of whitewater in the state. And why shouldn’t it be? It has history and scenic beauty, and once you’re plunging through a rapid, the roar of water in your heart and your ears, you might as well be alone anyhow.

Winter melt makes spring flow the fastest, and by summer things have slowed, but a summer raft trip down the South Fork still offers plenty of zip. And where it doesn’t, there is nothing like spinning lazily beneath blue sky ringed by green and gold foothills. And there are rapids too—a parade of them through the steep granite canyon known as the Gorge, not to mention the standing waves and growling holes of the Triple Threat rapids.

If you’re experienced you can go it alone; if not (or you want someone else to do the work), sign on for a trip with Grass Valley–based Tributary Whitewater Tours . They’ve been running the river for over 25 years and they offer a range of trips: half-day, full-day, and a two-day trip that covers 21 miles of the South Fork and includes camping. You haven’t lived until you’ve fallen asleep to the soft grumbling rush of a river.

Local Events Image
» Walking the Grade
April 11, 2009 12:00 AM to March 31, 2010 12:00 AM

Kicking off a special “lincoln’s california legacy” focus happening at various museums in downtown sacramento, leland stanford mansion state historic park proudly presents “walking the grade: contempory views of the pacific railroad.” Located in the majestic ballroom, this special exhibit underscores lincoln’s broad-ranging vision for the future of american railroads and includes nearly two dozen black and white photographs taken by respected rail photographer shen-chih (sam) cheng plus artifacts highlighting chinese rail workers.