Attractions in Napa Valley
Old
Faithful Geyser 
The Old Faithful Geyser
of California is one of three geysers in the world with the designation
"old faithful." These are the geysers that perform
at regular intervals. A geyser exists only where conditions are
right. These conditions include a natural deep subterranean supply
of water, a source of heat and a series of fissures, fractures
and cavities that provide a path to the surface of the earth.
Surrounding rock formations must be strong enough to maintain
continual onslaughts of the intense pressure of steam and water
explosions.
Water for the Old Faithful Geyser of California comes from an underground river. When this water flows over the hot molten magma deep in the earth, it boils and expands and is collected in large cavities. Under tremendous pressure from the heat, and assisted by a constriction of the passage upward, the superheated water is forced through the fissures and fractures and erupts with an outpouring of steam followed by a fulmination of hot dancing water.
Under normal conditions, the water, the heat and the underground structure all remain constant and for this reason Old Faithful erupts regularly. Conditions which cause deviations from the normal pattern seem to relate to earthquakes. The Old Faithful Geyser of California is proving itself a predictor of quakes.
Bale Grist Mill
Built in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale. Still functional for grinding grain into flour, the mill is now operated by the Park Service. The 37-foot overshot waterwheel, orginally fed by a redwood log flume, drives mill stones imported from France. About ten minutes south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128.Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Forested 1800 acres with elevations ranging from 400 to 2000 feet. Pine and redwood groves for hiking, picnics and swimming. Campsites with restrooms and hot showers. 3 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128. 800-444-7275/707-942-4575.Petrified Forest
Giant redwoods turned to stone after being uprooted and covered by volcanic eruptions six million years ago. Picnic area, walking trails, gift shop. Admission charged. About 6 miles from Calistoga at 4100 Petrfied Forest Road. 707-942-6667.Sharpsteen Museum and Sam Brannon Cottage
Named for benefactor Ben Sharpsteen, animator, producer and director for Walt Disney Studios for many years. Museum houses many exhibits on the history of Calistoga. Sam Brannan Cottage attached built in 1860. Moved to this site in 1977 and decorated with period furnishings. Open daily. 1311 Washington Street off Lincoln Avenue. 707-942-5911.Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Inspiration for Stevenson's "The Silverado Squatters," the story of his stay in Calistoga in 1880. Trail to the top of Mount St. Helena provides unsurpassed views of the Napa Valley. No facilities. Eight miles north off Highway 29 to Lake County. 707-942-4575.
