Auburn

Auburn is like the girl next door, waiting at the school dance for Mr. Right to notice how much she has to offer. Most boys bypass her as they head straight up the hill to Lake Tahoe. Others stop for pie at her famed roadside stand run amok, Ikeda's. Every so often, someone realizes there's more to this American River town and man, are they stoked. It all started when a group of French gold diggers set up camp in Auburn, creating a rip roaring Wild West mining town. These days you won't have much luck panning for gold, but outdoor adventurers will want to pay attention. Auburn State Recreation area boasts over 100 miles of trails, making ...

Auburn is like the girl next door, waiting at the school dance for Mr. Right to notice how much she has to offer. Most boys bypass her as they head straight up the hill to Lake Tahoe. Others stop for pie at her famed roadside stand run amok, Ikeda's. Every so often, someone realizes there's more to this American River town and man, are they stoked. It all started when a group of French gold diggers set up camp in Auburn, creating a rip roaring Wild West mining town. These days you won't have much luck panning for gold, but outdoor adventurers will want to pay attention. Auburn State Recreation area boasts over 100 miles of trails, making this ole gal popular with runners, mountain bikers, and hikers. Add to the mix a restored old town that seems to pose for lovely pictures, gold mining museums, and a wealth of lakes that beg to be fished (trout are the trophy winners up here). And of course, all that French influence paid off: food invites tourists to linger over crepes, fruit pie, and post mountain bike burgers and brews. Ooh la la.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.