Napa's Other Big Red

Try a different kind of liquid refreshment in Napa Valley: a year-round burbling stream flowing through a shaded redwood forest. Ritchey Creek is the centerpiece of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park just north of St. Helena. Miles of hiking trails can be found in the park, including a leisurely 4-mile loop that ambles alongside the creek, far from the traffic noise of Highway 29. Walk among the easternmost coastal redwoods in the state, as well as maples, oaks, and madrones; the tall tree-cover cools things down when Napa Valley's summer heats up. Mixed evergreens and ferns festoon the trail bordering the banks of the creek. After the first 2 miles you'll ford the creek—hopping rocks and logs—to reach a fire road that leads back to the trailhead. Strong finish.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena on Hwy. 29. Park at the trailhead, on the right of the road just past the visitor center. Start hiking on the Ritchey Canyon Trail. Follow it along Ritchey Creek until you reach Redwood Trail. Continue on Redwood Trail; in 1 mile ford Ritchey Creek and make a right on the Ritchey Canyon Trail (fire road). Follow it back to the start. There's an $8 entrance fee. No dogs.