Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, located in the western hills between St. Helena and Calistoga, was in the path of last October’s Glass Fire and much of the park’s forest was burnt. Our family hike there on a recent Saturday revealed a striking contrast between the burnt forest on one side of the Redwood Trail and the lush redwood groves lining Ritchie Creek on the other side of the trail. We could see up close the destructive result of local wildfires, made more intense by hotter, drier conditions and stronger winds due to climate change.

Luckily the fire did not burn the park to a crisp. John Woodbury, general manager of the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, noted at the time, “It was a slow-moving, smoldering fire that from a vegetation point of view is the best fire to have.” The fire stopped shy of the park’s campgrounds and yurts. Bothe has reopened to hikers and campers and was busy with both when we were there.

Our grandkids particularly enjoy exploring Ritchie Creek, searching for crawdads, and rock-hopping from side-to-side. This activity inevitably results in thoroughly soaked clothes and shoes—so don’t forget to bring spares!

Learn more about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park here. Learn how you can help the Open Space District repair our parks and open new areas and trails to the public through the ReLeaf Napa Fund here.

Photos by Chris Benz:

1. Checking out the burnt side of Redwood Trail

2. Exploring the creek (after falling into it)