Entry No. 52 — the San Diego file — filed under: ruins

Buckman Homestead Ruins

Located off Historic Route 80, these ruins are all that remain of a once-thriving 1880s resort and bottling town founded by Amos Buckman. Buckman bottled naturally carbonated 'Lithia Water' here until his death in 1898, after which the town faded and was eventually bypassed by Interstate 8. Visitors can explore the crumbling stone walls of the homestead and the nearby concrete foundations of the bottling plant.

The move: Take a scenic drive along Historic Route 80, park near the ruins, and take a short walk to photograph the historic stone walls and search for the nearby grave of Amos Buckman.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located on public land within the Cleveland National Forest and are easily accessible just off Old Highway 80.

• 📍 Pine Valley
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: QGC5+M4, Pine Valley, CA 91962, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: sidetrackadventures.com · hmdb.org

last checked: 2026-07-20