Foresthill Bridge and Auburn Ravine

I spent the afternoon exploring the area around the Foresthill Bridge the other day.  Probably not the best choice right after running into the rattlesnake in Fair Oaks.  But I made it without any run-ins.  

The Foresthill Bridge spans the North Fork of the American River just outside of Auburn.  at 730 feet above the riverbed it is the 2nd highest bridge in California and the 5th highest in the United States.   

Built in 1973 it was originally built to span the lake that would have developed if the Auburn Dam had ever been completed.  

It is a very pedestrian friendly bridge with walkways on both side giving some spectacular views of the canyon below.

On a more macabre note this bridge has distinction of being the number 2 target for suicide jumpers next to the Golden Gate Bridge.  Around 70 people have jumped since 1973.  It was enough of a problem that this bridge was mention in the law passed to help prevent people from jumping.  The rails were raised from 4.5 feet to 6.5 feet and suicide-prevention phones were placed on the bridge.

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