Stalactite heaven: underground treasure in a Gold Country cave - Black Chasm cavern, Jackson, California - Brief Article

Sunset, June, 2002 by Brian Beffort

For 150 years, Black Chasm cavern was a secret shared by few. The dark pit in California's Gold Country was dangerous to explore, and the landowners were not interested in developing it. That's changing now as new owners are gradually--and safely--opening the cave's most accessible chambers.

In September 2000, the first public tours in more than a century brought visitors down steep stairs and into the 170-foot-high Colossal Room, a dripping gallery of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and columns with an underground lake.

After a winter of further trail construction, the tour expanded last summer into the Landmark Room, home to a pristine collection of rare cave formations called helictites.

"As we know it now, the cave has three large chambers and three underground lakes," says cavern manager Greg Francek. He hopes to extend tours later this year--into the twisted maze of marble bridges in the Hall of Arches, or across one of the lakes. The recently added Discovery Trip is a physically demanding adventure that goes deep into the cavern.

"We really don't know the full extent of this cavern system," says Francek. "I'm certain there's a lot more to discover."

RELATED ARTICLE: Black Chasm travel planner

The cave is located about 15 miles east of State 49 at Jackson. Take State 88 east to Pine Grove, turn north on Volcano-Pine Grove Rd., and go 3 miles; make a sharp right turn onto Pioneer-Volcano Rd. The entrance is 1,500 feet farther on the right.

Anyone who can climb 150 stairs can do the tour. Wear a sweatshirt, shoes with good traction, and grubby clothes--it's chilly underground and the wet cave has muddy walls. Fifty-minute tours by cavern naturalists are offered from 9 to 5 daily. From $10. (866) 762-2837 or www.caverntours.com.

For area lodging and dining information, contact the Amador County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (800/649-4988 or www.amadorcountychamber.com).