High season for California starts in March and runs through May. One of the coolest spots to wander among the blooms is McLaughlin’s Daffodil Hill. Located in the Sierra Foothills about half an hour outside of Sutter Creek, Daffodil Hill lies on a private ranch that the family opens to visitors each spring when the flowers bloom. Why? They’re nice people, basically.
Don’t know the way to Daffodil Hill? Do NOT use Mapquest or Google Maps to locate the ranch, or you’re likely to find yourself negotiating dirt roads, fording small creeks, and stopping at private property cow fences. (I speak from regrettable experience.) Instead, drive to downtown Sutter Creek, then follow the signs to Daffodil Hill. In season, volunteers stand in the middle of the road, directing traffic into the sizeable dirt parking area.
To read more about Daffodil Hill, check out my brand new California travel blog–Golden State of Mind. Someday, I’ll feed posts from GSoM directly here.
For a more detailed description of traveling to Daffodil Hill, the nearby gold mining towns of Sutter Creek and Volcano, and other local attractions, check out my recent article on SFGate.
Pretty pictures:
