Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is the valley's best low-cost break from wine, a wooded park on Highway 29 and 128 about five miles north of St. Helena and four miles south of Calistoga. Its stands of coast redwoods, along with tanoak, Douglas-fir and madrone, give it a cool, shady character that feels far from the vineyards just outside the gate. The park advertises well over ten miles of trails, including the Redwood Trail in Ritchey Canyon, so walks range from short, easy strolls near the day-use area to longer hikes into the canyon. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. Beyond walking, the park has a swimming pool that is open on weekends, from 1 in the afternoon to 5, with a lifeguard on duty and a small entry fee, which makes it a favorite with families in summer. Camping is a major draw, with tent, group, hike-and-bike, remote and RV-access sites, along with cabins and yurts reserved through the state reservation system and a few first-come drop-in sites mostly in the off-season. Two small cultural sites add interest: a Pioneer Cemetery near the day-use area that is being restored to its mid-1800s appearance, and a Native American Garden that displays plants important to the Wappo people. Vehicle day use carries a modest fee, and the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The visitor center opens only intermittently, when staffing allows, so do not rely on it for information. It is an easy pairing with Bale Grist Mill, which sits nearby on the same highway.

Trails and redwoods. The Redwood Trail in Ritchey Canyon is the headline walk, taking you under the park's coast redwoods, which are a surprise in a valley better known for grapes. Other paths link the day-use area, the cemetery and the garden, so you can build a walk of an hour or a half-day. Wear good shoes, carry water, and remember that dogs are not permitted on the trails. The shade makes the park especially welcome on hot summer afternoons when the valley floor is baking.

Camping, pool and facilities. If you want a night among the redwoods, book a tent site, cabin or yurt through the state reservation system, and note that drop-in sites are limited. The pool is a weekend-afternoon feature with a lifeguard and a small fee, and it can be a lifesaver for children on a hot day. The park is not a resort: facilities are simple, the visitor center is staffed only some of the time, and you should plan as you would for any state park.

Fire and weather. Wood fires are periodically banned at the park, and charcoal can also be banned during red flag warnings or periods of high heat and low humidity. Check the park's alerts before you go, particularly in late summer and fall, and have a backup plan for cooking. Vehicle day use has a fee, so bring a card or the exact amount. Allow two to three hours for a visit with a walk and a stop at the cemetery and garden, and combine it with Bale Grist Mill or a spa day in Calistoga.