Epic California Swimming Hole! North Fork Falls, Emigrant Gap, Tahoe National Forest, Top Rated Swim

Rated as one of the top Swimming holes in Northern California!
The North Fork Falls is on the North Fork of the American River at Emigrant Gap in the Tahoe National Forest, Placer County. The waterfall is actually two waterfalls (two-tier waterfall), with the top waterfall pouring into a deep small pool, then overflowing and cascading down the rocks into a much larger bottom pool.
Shaded by cedar and pine trees, the area is an absolutely stunning snapshot of the natural Sierra landscape, that provides families a quiet place to relax and play in the swimming holes.
From I-80, Take the Emigrant Gap Exit (Eastbound, exit 158 / Westbound, exit 158B) and follow signs for Emigrant Gap. Turn right on Emigrant Gap Road and continue down the road for about 6.5 miles to the North Fork Campground. Note: Google Maps shows the road as Texas Hill Road, but the street signs say it is Emigrant Gap Road - they are the same road.
Emigrant Gap Road/Texas Hill Road is a narrow road that hugs the curves of the mountain side and traverses through gorgeous tall trees, scenic viewpoints, and across two bridges. While the distance is about 6.5 miles, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the North Fork Campground. It will feel like forever, like you took the wrong road and you’re driving out into the middle of nowhere. But don’t worry, you’re going the right way!
The hiking trail to the North Fork Falls waterfall and swimming hole isn’t clean or flat. There are lots of rocks and tree roots on the trail, making it very uneven. So be sure to wear sturdy shoes - flip flops aren’t going to cut it. The trail twists and turns through the brush and trees above the North Fork of the American River, and will have you climbing over and around fallen trees. You’ll also get glimpses of the river (that’s more like a creek) and there are a few really great viewpoints to see some Rapids and a little mini waterfall.
The trail isn’t overly difficult - it was easy to navigate and it’s only 0.2 miles one way. The only spot that gets a little hairy is when the trail drops down to the swimming hole. Here you’ll be heading down a fairly steep slope, navigating rocks and tree roots and loose, soft dirt - but the reward is completely worth it. Plus, the tree roots were actually helpful here, giving a solid surface to step on. Much safer that just stepping only on the loose dirt.
If you don’t have a campsite reserved, you must park on the street outside the Campground and walk in. You’ll reach the place where the trailhead is supposed to be, but again, you’ll wonder if you’re in the right place. It doesn’t look like there is a trail. You can’t see a trail and there is no signage until you get to the trailhead. The North Fork Falls Trail starts just between the two campsites #9 and #10.
The waterfall is a two-tier waterfall, with the top waterfall pouring into a small pool, then drops in a beautiful cascade over the rocks again down into a larger pool. Both pools are deep enough to swim in and to even cliff jump into!
The lower waterfall and large swimming hole are both easily accessed right from the trail and are fairly family friendly. The rocks surrounding this swimming hole and waterfall are jagged, rugged, and in many spots sharp and pointy. The upper waterfall and pool require you to climb up steep rocks, at an awkward angle, partly in the water to reach it.
The North Fork Campground sits at 4,700 ft in elevation in the Tahoe National Forest in Placer County. Reached off the Emigrant Gap freeway exit, the campground is open from May to October and has 17 campsites with only a few large enough for a trailer. The campground offers single-family sites, a few of which are designated for walk-to tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The North Fork Falls and swimming hole is located a quarter-mile downstream from the campground. Campers can also fish for Rainbow Trout in the river or follow one of the other nearby hiking trails. While camping does require a reservation, the day use area is open to the public and it’s free. Just don’t park in the campground. Instead park on Texas Hill Road/Emigrant Gap Road.
North Fork Campground:
www.recreation.gov/camping/ca...
Area Status:
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe...
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#californiahiking #waterfalls #mermaid #swimminghole
Little Mermaid Sighting!
Filmed with GoPro 10 Black

[@kaycipiper]

How were the mosquitoes?

[@youmetheworld]

They started to come out once the sun started to go down but during the day we didn't notice any.

[@almaromo7280]

Can we get to the waterfall if the campground is closed?

[@youmetheworld]

As long as the road is open I dont see why not. The trail starts about 100 yards from the road. We parked on the side of the road because we did not have reservations to the campground. There was plenty of parking there when we went.

[@almaromo7280]

Awesome thank you! Was thinking about going this week :) I need a little cold plunge!

[@jaredadamson2447]

Kind of sad. Literally right around the corner. There’s a waterfall three or four times bigger.

[@youmetheworld]

Yes, you are correct about the other bigger waterfall, but you have to climb up the rock face to get there and then either jump off into the water or climb back down to get back. There were lots of wasp up on the rocks by the bigger falls and didn't feel like getting stung.