A springtime ride through the Sierra Foothills can be scenic, pleasant and challenging at the same time.

Sutter Creek Road: Nice, straight pavement in some parts. This is the part just after you leave Church Street in Sutter Creek.

Heading out of the town of Sutter Creek in Amador County, just off Highway 49, to the unincorporated town of Volcano, via Church Street (which turns into Sutter Creek Road just outside of Sutter Creek), you will encounter a mixture of gentle, cleanly paved sweeping curves, tight and narrow corners, and a few roughly paved sections.

Curves Ahead: A good sign. Lots of twisty curves ahead, of varying degrees of difficulty. Just outside of town begins with a smooth, mostly straight road, transitioning into tighter sections with more curves when you are near the creek itself.

Nearing the creek

Nearing Sutter Creek Sutter Creek - another viewYou will catch glimpses of the creek between the trees as you get closer to the creek.

The water was flowing this spring day, after a strong winter snowpack had begun melting. Not many places to pull over and see the sights, but you can find a few good spots, even if it means you have to turn around and go back. If you aren't in a hurry, you can find places to pull over and take in the sights.

On the way to Volcano

Clean CurvesRoad Hazards

One thing to watch out for - you might encounter bicyclists - so be cool; take your time and share the road.

Other hazards: cage drivers sometimes cross the centerline while driving these backroads; it's even worse when you are in the tight and twisty bits as you near Volcano. Be mindful of this and avoid cutting across the double yellow line - it could save your life!

More clean curves

Rougher pavement

This section, closer to Volcano than the town of Sutter Creek, is narrower and has older, rougher pavement - some sections are rough; use good sense and avoid trouble here.

Directions

• Take Highway 49 to Sutter Creek.
• In Sutter Creek, take Church Street east, and follow it to Sutter Creek Road.
• Follow Sutter Creek Road to Volcano.
• Enjoy!