Popular Northern California lake closed after chaotic traffic jams pose dangers to visitors
A popular recreational area about an hour north of Sacramento was closed for a weekend and transitioned to a reservation-only system during the weekends and holidays after officials reported chaotic and dangerous conditions over the early summer months.
Upper Lake Clementine in the Auburn State Recreation Area was plagued with "unsafe conditions" on Foresthill Road leading to the lake. There were illegally parked cars on the road, pedestrians were crossing on blind turns, and drivers were making illegal U-turns in traffic.
California State Parks, California Highway Patrol, and Placer County officials recently met to determine how to make recreation area visits safer.
“Due to the ongoing, unsafe traffic conditions on Foresthill Road, Upper Lake Clementine will be transitioning to day-use reservations only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays,” officials said. The closure allows officials to add signs and other features before reopening to weekend guests on July 27.
How to make reservations at Upper Lake Clementine
Weekend guests can make reservations up to 10 business days before their visit by calling 530-885-4527 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekdays will remain first come, first served.
How many state parks are there in California?
California has 280 state parks, more than any other state. The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages these parks, which include a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational resources from as far north as Pelican State Beach, near the Oregon Border, to as far south as Border Field State Park, near the Mexican border.
According to the most recent data, Sonoma Coast State Park was the most popular California state park with 2,602,686 visitors. The park is on Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Jenner, and features beaches, campgrounds, and fishing.
You can search the state park website to discover things to do at the various sites across California.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Upper Lake Clementine in California changes to reservation system
