·1 min read
Just five minutes from Gold Creek Cabin, the McLaughlin ranch in the hills above the town of Volcano, California erupts into bloom with multiple varieties of daffodils every spring. Daffodil Hill has been a beloved local treasure for generations, with children who grew up visiting with their parents coming back with their own children to start their own family traditions.
For as far as the eye can see, the rolling hills of the homestead are carpeted in approximately 300,000 daffodils when in full bloom. Visitors are welcome to take their time to explore the many paths meandering through the property. There are daffodils around every corner, tucked into every crevice. You'll come across artists, photographers, families, couples and more, there with the common purpose of admiring the beauty and serenity of this corner of the foothills.
The story of Daffodil Hill starts in 1887, when Arthur and Lizzie McLaughlin purchased the ranch from a native of Holland who had planted a few daffodil bulbs in honor of his home country. Arthur and Lizzie continued to plant daffodils, and over the years through their hard work and the work of their descendants, the ranch was transformed into the landscape we know and love today. Now, the family and devoted volunteers plant roughly 16,000 bulbs every year in preparation for the season. Daffodil Hill opens its gates to the public free of charge when a sufficient number of blooms open, and closes when most of the bloom is passed. The season varies each year and is dependent on the severity of winter and early spring rains. Visit Daffodil Hill and create memories of your own!