Volcano has the authentic look and feel of a historic, bustling mining town that rivals any of the numerous old mining camps in the Sierra Nevada. What’s unique is that, even now, few of the historic buildings house glitzy boutiques or antique stores. Within only a few blocks, the now sleepy little village has a rich and photogenic collection of old, old buildings and remnants that have been preserved to tell the community’s history.
The St. George Hotel, one of the Sierra Nevada’s best historic hotels is a bustling center of seasonal events, under its charming façade and beautiful grounds.
Volcano even has its own theatre company offering several plays a season in one of the historic stores converted to an intimate theater.
Volcano may look sleepy, but inside those old buildings it’s far from it. The St. George Hotel, one of the Sierra Nevada’s best historic hotels is a bustling center of seasonal events, under its charming façade and beautiful grounds. There are two B&Bs and fun dining choices besides the fine dining at the hotel. Volcano even has its own theatre company offering several plays a season in one of the historic stores converted to an intimate theater.
The town is little more than a village, so visitors enjoy several optional outdoor activities only minutes away. Each spring, Daffodil Hill is a display of thousands of bright colorful daffodils spreading across acres of rolling foothills with hearty oaks and vibrant green grass. Black Chasm Cavern is only a mile or so away. The cavern was established as a National Natural Landmark in 1976 but was only opened to public tours a few years ago. The unique display of crystalline formations exuding from the damp walls is considered the most spectacular display of its kind in the world. Indian Grinding Rock State Park is just past the caverns and is exceptional in its display of Native American artifacts authentically depicting their lifestyle. About two-dozen wineries are only minutes or less than an hour away. The drive through the foothills renowned as the “Tuscany of California” is worth the trip alone, and wine tasting is still complimentary and marvelous.
Bicyclists love this region and Volcano is one of their favorite destinations. There are numerous options following winding, paved county roads that match anyone’s difficulty choice. The trendy, up-beat, old mining towns of Jackson, Sutter Creek, and Amador City are short, beautiful rides by bike or automobile and are each an enjoyable alternative to Volcano’s quiet ambiance, which like its namesake, is sizzling underneath.
| Population: | 1,264 | Links: | Chamber of Commerce: www.amadorcountychamber.com |
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From the Central Valley and Bay Area, catch Highway 49 or Highway 88 to Jackson, and then proceed east on Highway 88 for 8 miles to the town of Pine Grove. Look for the Bank of Stockton on the right. Next left is Pine Grove-Volcano Road. Follow Pine Grove-Volcano road for 3 miles to the town of Volcano.
From the east side of the Sierra Nevada and the state of Nevada, follow Highway 88 over the Carson Pass and downhill to Pine Grove. Turn right onto the Pine Grove-Volcano Road. Follow Pine Grove-Volcano road for 3 miles to the village of Volcano.