It’s worth doing some strenuous hiking to get the most stunning Wine Country views, but there are a number of moderate trails as well. Poison oak is a consideration almost everywhere in warm weather, as are ticks, so dress accordingly. All distances listed for hiking trails are one way unless otherwise noted.
The best hiking destination in the St. Helena vicinity is Bothe–Napa Valley State Park. Rising from the valley floor to about 2000 feet elevation, this outstanding park is fully developed along one side, wild and rugged on the other. Until 1960, the park was a private resort called Paradise Park, owned by Reinhold Bothe.
For those seeking to escape the Wine Country crowds, there are ten miles of hiking trails leading along sloping hillsides through redwood groves. More than 100 bird species inhabit the area, including hawks, quail and six types of woodpecker. There are also coyotes, bobcats, deer and fox here. The park’s developed area, much of it wheelchair-accessible, features spacious picnic groves, campgrounds, a swimming pool open in the summer, restrooms and showers (fee). Day-use fee, $4 per vehicle. ~ On Route 29 about five miles north of St. Helena; 707-942-4575; There are 40 tent/RV sites and 9 walk-in sites; $12 per night. Reservations are recommended: 800-444-7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov.
In the park, the moderate History Trail (1.2 miles) begins at the picnic area and passes the Pioneer Cemetery, where members of the Tucker family are buried beyond a white picket fence. At a three-way junction, the middle path heads up sharply through a mixed forest of madrone, tan oak, black oak and Douglas fir. From the peak of the trail, you descend to Mill Creek and pass a stone dam built by Edward Bale’s daughter. The trail leads to the historic Grist Mill, from which you can return to the start.
The moderately difficult Coyote Peak Trail (1.5 miles) heads away from Ritchey Creek, then climbs up to 1170 feet elevation for scenic views of the Napa Valley. Ritchey Canyon Trail (3.9 miles) starts off easy on an 1860 roadbed that wanders beside a stream and is shadowed by redwoods and firs. Farther along, the trail becomes moderate and leads past a small cascade that flows into a small canyon.
A tranquil hike along Ritchey Creek can also be found on Redwood Trail (1 mile). In spring, redwood orchids and trilliums add to the beauty of this tree-shaded pathway. The South Fork Trail (.9 mile) is a moderately strenuous hike that circles the rim of Ritchey Creek and arrives at a vista point overlooking the canyon.
The Ritchey Canyon Trail and Upper Ritchey Canyon Trail (4.2 miles total) combine for a moderate hike. Ritchey Creek flows beside the early part of the trail, which leads to the old Hitchcock house (home to the family of San Francisco’s famed Lily Hitchcock Coit). You can venture off the trail along small paths that lead to the creek; keep an eye out for the crayfish that thrive here. Trees flower in the springtime, making it one of the loveliest times for a visit. The trail leads to the state park boundary, where you will make an about-face for the return trip.
For an easy walk, much of which is wheelchair-accessible, examine the Petrified Forest Loop inside the only petrified redwood forest in the world. The trail is a quarter-mile long; a meadow walk is open for tours by appointment. Admission. ~ 4100 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga; 707-942-6667.