Napa River Trail

The Napa River Trail is a 2.4-mile hike that is located from Trancas Street to Clark Street. It is a rather smooth trail that only takes about 45 minutes. The Napa River is 55 miles long stretching from Mount St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the Napa River was an important route for the transportation of people and goods, steamboats were used to navigate the river. What is unique about this trail is how it overlooks the Napa River allowing visitors to observe all of the wildlife that prospers within this ecosystem. 

The Timberhill Park Trail is a rather short 1.5-mile hike that is located on the outer perimeter of Browns Valley. I love how secluded this trail is, from the rest of the well-known trails located inside the land belonging to Westwood hills. This trail is also dog friendly. The best part of this hike is watching all of the cows that graze in the hills. The cows are especially active in the colder months of the year such as November, December, and January.

The Alston Park Loop trail is a 2.7-mile hike that is located off of dry creek road. This park is named after the Alston Family, who were early settlers in Napa. This hike takes about an hour to complete. Alston Park is a very dog-friendly park both on and off-leash. Although there are some points where they do not allow for dogs to be off-leash. My favorite part about the hike here is all of the native plant species that those in the community of Napa aim to protect by holding days where those who wish to help can come and remove non-native invasive plant species. Along with planting more native organisms such as the valley oak tree.

The Skyline Trail and Manzanita Trail Loop is a 4.3-mile hike a at is located within Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa California. Skyline Park is home to Lake Marie, which is a very popular boating and fishing spot. Upon entrance, hikers must pay a six-dollar entrance fee the proceeds are said to help maintain the well-kept trails. In the summertime, especially hikers are to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes. Mountain Lions have also been known to be spotted along this trail. This hike takes about two to three hours to complete. While this trail is long and at some points steep I like how this trail overlooks the city of Napa and makes one feel as if they are looking at Napa from a bird's eye view. 

The Westwood Hills Park Loop is a 2.2-mile hike a at is located within Westwood Hills Park in Napa California. Westwood Hills is home to many natural springs which were used by early settlers in the valley as a source of drinking water. This hike takes around an hour to an hour and a half to complete. I liked how many different paths could be taken to complete the same loop. For example, one could choose to go a much steeper route challenging themselves, or a much smoother depending on the level of intensity one wishes to pursue. All allowing for both types of hikers to enjoy the same beautiful lookout points and scenery.