Volcano: Black Chasm Cavern; things to do

• Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Black Chasm Cavern  

15701 Pioneer-Volcano Rd., (866) 762-2837, (209) 736-2708.  M-F 10-4, Sat-Sun 10-5; in summer daily 9-5.  $15.95, 3-12 $8.50; gemstone mining & gold panning $5+. 

Stalactites, flow-stone, and dragons, oh my!  The easy 45-minute cave tour of Black Chasm Cavern visits the Colossal Room, which measures 100 feet across and 150 feet deep and provides glimpses of a deep, turquoise lake far below, and the Landmark Room, which features a spectacular display of twisting, looping helictite crystals.  The caves are a constant cool 57 degrees.  Gemstone mining and picnic tables are available outside.

entrance to Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano, California

 

"dragon" feature at Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano, California

flow-stone at Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano, California

More things to do in Volcano.

More things to do in Gold Rush Country.  

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Volcano: Volcano Union Pub and Inn; hotel revies + restaurant review

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Volcano Union Pub and Inn 

21375 Consolation St., (209) 296-7711. 4 rooms. Afternoon snack; continental breakfast.

exterior of Volcano Union Pub and Inn in Volcano, California

Built in 1880 for $400, this newly restored vintage building known locally as “The Union” was originally a boarding house for hard-working miners. Rooms at the Volcano Union Pub and Inn are dubbed Lemon, Mocha, Daffodil, and Terracotta, and one has a big tub that accommodates two. A long second-floor front porch beckons to come sit a while and watch the street action. Perhaps it is time to accept the invitation to “come to Volcano, where the stars are your nightlight and the crickets lull you to sleep.”

Downstairs, the Union Pub (L Sat-Sun,D F-M; $$.) serves seasonal comfort food plus burgers, soups, and great fried chicken. Ribs are house smoked, and the butterscotch pot of creme is to-die for. Diners can indulge in complimentary shuffle board and darts on Friday afternoons. Though there are plenty of local wines by the glass, including a Sobon Estate Old Vines Zin, draft beers include a crisp Konig Pils and a smooth Boont Amber Ale.


More things to do in Gold Rush Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers