Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

Thursday, April 2, 2015

DIFFICULTY:  Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN:  About 1300 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approx. 6 miles with optional  2 mile additions

GENERAL LOCATION: St. Helena

DESCRIPTION:  The main hike will be into beautiful Ritchey Canyon along Ritchey Creek, then up to Coyote Peak.  It is a loop trail, with some retracing of steps on the return to the trailhead ("lollypop").  The trail is mostly sheltered, forested - oak, maple, pine, madrona, elm, redwood - with some chaparral at the higher elevations.   Besides Ritchey Creek, there are several other smaller creeks - lots of water (and crossings). Most of the trail is pleasant surface, but the scramble to Coyote Peak is up very steep rocks.  Two optional additions: 1) an out-and-back fairly-flat hike to an historic area with a graveyard and an old grist mill; 2) a loop hike with a steep climb (about 600 feet) up Ritchey Canyon.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: About 2 1/2 hours. Distance is about 110 miles. This is a $18 driver donation. Please have the correct bills.  This is a CA State Park, so entry fee or parking pass is required.  We will plan to stop for dinner on the way home.  Details will  be worked out later.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Dave Wood/Monique Wood

SPECIAL NOTES:

     FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  Bathrooms at the trailhead.

     PREPARATIONS FOR HIKE:           

1. Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), Health Card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.


2. If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.


3. Always bring an extra pair of shoes with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty shoes after the hike. Do not get your driver’s car dirty by wearing your dirty shoes home.


4. Bring water and lunch.  Trekking poles are advised.  There are several creek crossings.

     RISKS:  Poison oak at this low elevation.  It is generally avoidable, but long pants are advised, because the poison oak is  mostly ankle- to knee-high.

QUESTIONS: Dave/Monique Wood 408-7562

MEETING TIME: 8:00 in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 8:15.

Some prehike photos