Natural Sights

Napa River

With its headwaters on Mount St. Helena, this river runs south through the Napa Valley and empties into San Pablo Bay. The estuarine lower section from the town of Napa southward can be explored by canoe and on boat trips. Wading birds pick among the marshes and sloughs.

Lake Sonoma

Lake Sonoma

This lake lies at the heart of a 17,615-acre (7,129-ha) park that serves hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers with more than 40 miles (64 km) of trails.

Milt Brandt Visitor Center
707 433 9483

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Located to the north of St. Helena, this natural forest reserve is one of the most easily accessed parks in Wine Country, and is popular for picnics and camping. Its mostly level hiking trails weave through fern glens and stands of Douglas fir and coastal redwoods. A swimming pool is open on weekdays.

3801 Hwy. 29, Calistoga, 94515
707 942 4575
Open 8am–sunset
Adm
www.parks.ca.gov

Harbin Hot Springs

A Mecca for holistic treatments, this new age retreat is centered on natural hot springs in a peaceful mountain setting. Massages and other treatments are offered, as is yoga, and the clothing-optional thermal pools are a perfect treat after vigorous hikes along trails that lead into the surrounding hills. Guests below 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

18424 Harbin Springs Rd., Middletown, 95461
707 987 2477
Open 24 hrs
Adm
www.harbin.org

Napa River Ecological Reserve

Some 150 species of native birds and animals find shelter in the meadows and in the shade of willows, oaks, and other habitats that line the watercourse in the Napa River Ecological Reserve. A mile-long trail offers easy access.

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Erupting like clockwork about every 30 minutes, this hot-spring geyser spouts boiling water up to 100 ft (30 m) in the air. The scalding pool is surrounded by marsh grasses and stands of California palms. The geyser often “predicts” impending earthquakes by changing its rhythm and strength (For further details see Old Faithful Geyser of California).

Petrified Forest

One of the finest examples of a Pliocene fossil forest in the world, this park preserves fallen redwood trees dating back 3 million years, when a volcanic eruption felled the trees and buried them with ash. Now turned to stone, many are as long as 65 ft (20 m).

4100 Petrified Forest Rd., Calistoga, 94515
707 942 6667
Open 9am–5pm
Adm
www.petrifiedforest.org

Mount St. Helena

Rising above surrounding peaks in the Mayacamas Mountains, this volcanic peak (4,304 ft/1,312 m) was formed about 2.4 million years ago. Beginning in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park (For further details see Mount St. Helena), a steep trail to the summit offers a hike rewarded by fabulous views over Napa Valley and as far as the Pacific Ocean.

Hwy. 29
707 942 4575
Open 10am–5:30pm
www.parks.ca.gov

Lake Berryessa

The largest lake in Napa County, this reservoir provides much of the water that irrigates Napa Valley. Some 15 miles (25 km) long by 3 miles (5 km) wide, it is popular for water-skiing, kayaking, and other recreation. Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl can be viewed from wildlife observation points.

5520 Knoxville Rd., Napa, 94558
707 966 2111
Open during summer
www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

One of the most majestic groves of coast redwoods in northern California, this peaceful reserve is laced by self-guided nature trails that wind beneath giant trees up to 310 ft (94.5 m) tall. The reserve has a visitor center, campsites, and picnic facilities (For further details see Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve).