Foresthill Bridge

The Foresthill Bridge, located in Placer County near Auburn, is California's tallest bridge. It stands 730 feet over the American River, and has a span of 2,428 feet.

The bridge spans the North Fork of the American River between the towns of Auburn and Foresthill in the Sierra Foothills. Pedestrians can walk the length of the bridge in both directions. The bridge has become popular for BASE jumping, and unfortunately, for suicides. At least 45 people have fallen or jumped to their deaths from the bridge.

Exploring the bridge
Hiking to the bottom of the Auburn Ravine from the bridge can be a rewarding 1-1/2 to 3-hour experience. There are winding trails that are mountain-bikable. It's also possible to climb down parts of the slope if you don't mind a few cuts and scrapes. The American River can be crossed at the bottom, as there are places where it's only knee-to-waist deep, though the river bottom is rocky and slippery.

Originally constructed to accompany the Auburn Dam,the bridge was built in 1971 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and opened in 1973. Had the dam been constructed, the bridge would most likely not be the tallest.

The bridge can be seen in the beginning of the action movie xXx, in which Vin Diesel's character Xander Cage is seen driving a stolen red Chevrolet Corvette off of it, then jumping from the car mid-flight and parachuting to his accomplices at the bottom of Auburn Ravine.

Suicides
The bridge's prominence has made it a beacon for suicidal jumpers. There has been discussion about creating safety barriers, such as a net or fence, but county officials have balked at the cost ($700,000 for a mesh fence) and, as have San Francisco officials in regards to the Golden Gate Bridge, been reluctant to mar the bridge's beautiful views. In 2005, the county installed solar powered phones - two on each end, and two in the middle of the span - where distressed persons could reach a suicide hotline.

Deaths include:

• July 2007: Thomas Moore, 53, is believed to be the first to hang himself from the bridge
  

• October 2005: Bryon, 45, and Sallee Kincannon, 43, were believed to be the first couple to jump from the bridge. They also took their pet dog with them.

"Heartbreak bridge", July 23, 2007, Todd Milbourn - Sacramento Bee