The Potholes ("The Pots")

48400 Kays Road, CA
4.3
6 Reviews
The Potholes ("The Pots")
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Details

Distance
1.53 miles
Elevation Gain
121 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Groups
Wildflowers
Waterfall
Food Nearby
Dog Friendly
Romantic
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About this place

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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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
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Christopher Aarseth
7/7/2025
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Not Crowded
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Eric Ressler
9/16/2017
Great Easy Hike-in Camping
Beautiful scenery, near lots of easily accessible granite bouldering
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Chloe Donlan
8/20/2017
Perfect For Chillin
Great spot! Trail is south of the bridge labeled "PH." Lots of good swimming holes.
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Jess L
7/9/2017
Crazy Beautiful!
We just went yesterday and it was so beautiful and fun! The river was really strong so it was hard to find a place ...
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Mark Cook
11/1/2016
Great views and photo opportunities
Couldn't figure out the free parking as the campsite was closed when we went. Ended up camping near by at an open campsite - ...
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Connor Kelley
9/1/2015
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, ...
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