The Potholes ("The Pots")

Pioneer, California

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

1.53 miles

Elevation Gain

121 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jake Young

The Potholes aka "The Pots" located near Silver Lake are natural granite swimming holes with waterfalls and slides. There are also great group camping spots with an easy approach - less than 20 minutes.

This fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small water falls. The area is located next to Silver Lake in Amador County just off of Highway 88.

If you are leaving from the Tahoe area, head southbound on 89 until you reach Highway 88. Head West on 88 towards Carson Pass. You will pass Caples Lake on your way to Silver Lake. Once you arrive at Silver Lake, there is free parking in a pull off just before the bridge near the Kit Carson Lodge Sign.

On the South side of the bridge opposite of the lake on 88, there is a trail that points towards the drainage leaving Silver Lake. Follow this trail that essentially parallels the river until you get to the camping area. The best group site is on the north side of the river and is a large flat sandy area surrounded by large granite slabs.

There are many pools and granite features to explore so make sure you have ample time to see everything that this awesome campsite has to offer.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Camping
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Waterfalls
Swimming Holes

The Potholes ("The Pots") Reviews

Beautiful scenery, near lots of easily accessible granite bouldering

Great spot! Trail is south of the bridge labeled "PH." Lots of good swimming holes.

We just went yesterday and it was so beautiful and fun! The river was really strong so it was hard to find a place to swim, but we managed to find a little alcove with some shade where the water was calm so we could swim without being swept away. I will definitely be going back, it was beautiful

Couldn't figure out the free parking as the campsite was closed when we went. Ended up camping near by at an open campsite - it was ok because it was winter and chilly so we could have fire. We did hike in and the scenery was beautiful. You get to the vast views over the valley surrounded by rushing water and interesting rock formations which is breathtaking. I particularly liked the trees that seem to grow directly out of the rocks. Will try to camp in the summer when we don't need fire for warmth.

Did this during the Summer of 2013 with friends, and Jake! It's incredibly easy to get to if you're already in the Tahoe area, it has a great vantage point for epic Tahoe sunsets, it's nearly silent except for the rush of the water, and there is plenty of space to spread out and think. Worthy!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Granite Lake

Hike to Thunder Mountain at Carson Pass

Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake

Hike The Sisters in the Mokelumnee Wilderness

Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop

Meiss and Round Lake via Tahoe Rim Trail