Emerald Pools Recreational Area is a series of swimming holes and short hiking trails located on Jordan Creek and the South Yuba River in Nevada County, California and the Tahoe National Forest. Located downstream of Lake Spaulding, Emerald Pools sits at approximately 4,200 ft (1,067 m) above sea level. The Upper Pools are situated where Jordan Creek and the South Yuba River converge, near the former settlement of Langs, California. The Lower Pools are located 0.75 miles (1.2 km) further downstream of the South Yuba River towards Box Canyon at the base of a waterfall.