The Potholes at Silver Lake

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:

Head east (upcountry) on Highway 88 toward Silver Lake. When you see the sign for Kit Carson Lodge on the left (north) side of the highway, turn right into the parking lot and park. Note: the restrooms here are the only such facilities for the area!

Backtrack on foot a short way down the highway until you see the gate on the northern side. It is not recommended to park here.

Trail access is down the steps right in front of the gate

The trail is flat and follows the river through the forest

After a short walk, you will emerge into a clearing. You made it!

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.

Yup, that's snowmelt brrrr! But very refreshing!