This is one of our favorite family outings anywhere, and a once-hidden gem of the Motherlode. We're happy to share our secret spot with you! The Silver Fork of the American River starts right at snowmelt-fed Silver Lake, flowing through US Forest Service land before opening up into natural, granite waterslides and swimming holes. These are the Potholes, carved by water, silt and time into nature's waterpark. Prime pothole season is high summer and later (July-Sept), when the flow from Silver Lake is slower and the water is slightly warmer. Nowadays, be prepared to encounter crowds on warm summer afternoons.
What to bring for a perfect day at the Potholes:
walking shoes for the hike in and out
swimming suits, towels, sunscreen (water shoes optional)
picnic supplies
Please be aware there are no facilities at the Potholes. Help keep the area pristine by packing out all trash. Be safe and look out for others, especially small children.
How to get to the Potholes:
If the water level and flow are safe (which was not the case on the day these pictures were taken) you’ll want to find a place along the banks of the river to set up your spot for the afternoon. If the water is too high, do as we did and explore the vast plateau of granite before you.
