01
Epic valley panorama
Mount St. Helena via Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
North Of Calistoga • High-Elevation Volcanic Summit Hike • Bucket-List Climb With Big Views
A long, steady climb to one of the broadest 360-degree viewpoints in the North Bay.
This is the big day out for hikers who want both a workout and serious payoff at the top. The route follows fire roads and exposed switchbacks up the flank of Mount St. Helena, with views widening from vineyard patchwork to distant coastal ranges. Go early on clear days for cooler temps and the best chance of spotting the Bay, Mount Tam, and beyond from the summit.
02
Classic ridge walk
Oat Hill Mine Trail
Above Calistoga • Rocky Historic Mining Road • Best For Rugged Leg-Burners
A steep, view-packed climb along an old wagon road into volcanic palisades above the valley.
Starting just outside downtown Calistoga, this trail wastes no time gaining elevation, rewarding you with sweeping looks back over the upper Napa Valley. The rocky tread and exposed sections give it a more rugged feel than many wine-country hikes, making good footwear and water essential. Turn around at one of the viewpoints for a shorter outing, or push farther into the palisades for a half-day adventure.
03
Shadiest forest option
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Between St. Helena And Calistoga • Shady Redwood And Creek Canyon Loops • Go-To Escape On Hot Days
A network of cool, wooded trails with gentle climbs and pockets of redwoods close to Highway 29.
If you want to trade vineyard vistas for ferns and forest, this is the spot. Trails weave up and down mellow ridges and along Ritchey Creek, with enough intersecting routes to tailor anything from a quick leg-stretcher to a several-mile loop. It’s a reliable pick when temperatures climb, thanks to shade, water, and the park’s tucked-away feel despite being right off the main highway.
04
Low-key local favorite
Moore Creek Park
East Of St. Helena Near Lake Hennessey • Oak Woodland And Creekside Singletrack • Quiet Alternative To Busier Parks
Rolling trails follow Moore Creek into a peaceful canyon with seasonal pools and open hillsides.
Moore Creek Park offers the kind of low-profile trail system locals love: scenic, varied, and usually less crowded than the marquee Napa Valley stops. Expect a mix of open grassland, shady creek corridors, and gradual climbs that give you repeated glimpses toward Lake Hennessey and surrounding ridges. It’s a great choice for hikers who want a moderate outing with room to stretch out and hear more birds than voices.
05
Scenic lake loop
Lake Hennessey Trails
Hills East Of St. Helena • Lakeside Paths With Rolling Hills • Best Mellow Outing With Water Views
Easy-to-moderate paths trace the shoreline and nearby hillsides, trading steep climbs for steady lake scenery.
The trails around Lake Hennessey are ideal when you want a more relaxed hike that still feels immersed in nature. Sections close to the water offer reflections of oak-studded slopes, while side paths climb just enough to give you wider perspectives on the reservoir and valley. It’s a versatile pick for walkers, casual hikers, and anyone looking to pair a stroll with a picnic by the shore.