Most Napa Valley visitors come for the wineries along Highway 29. Just off that highway is a 1,991-acre state park where coast redwoods grow farther inland than in any other California state park, according to Wikipedia. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park was established in 1960 on land that was once part of the Rancho Carne Humana Mexican land grant.
Ritchey Canyon and the trails
California State Parks recommends an easy walk in Ritchey Canyon on the Redwood Trail, with ferns along a rocky creek bed. The park has well over 10 miles of trail through stands of coast redwood and forests of Douglas fir, tanoak and madrone. Fall is a good time to come: the state says daytime temperatures are more pleasant then and the leaves begin to turn. Summer highs can reach 105 degrees. Nearly 45 inches of rain can fall in a single winter, mostly between December and March.
Cabins, yurts and camping
The park now offers restored historic cabins and yurts as well as regular campsites. All are booked through ReserveCalifornia, and the campground has pay showers. The day-use area has large picnic grounds, including a covered group area with a horseshoe pit nearby. The swimming pool opens only in summer, with a lifeguard on duty, and charges an extra fee.
Fire rules
Wood fires are banned at the park from time to time. Charcoal, propane grills and camp stoves are allowed, and the state suggests using them year-round. Charcoal can also be banned during red flag warnings or periods of high heat and low humidity.
A park saved by the county
In 2011, during the state budget crisis, Bothe-Napa and the adjacent Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park were among the parks targeted for closure. The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District petitioned to run the park so it could stay open, Wikipedia notes. State Parks points visitors to Napa Outdoors for up-to-date park information.
Next door: the Bale Grist Mill and its water wheel.