It’s just 20 miles north of Napa, but Moore Creek Park feels like a world of its own. This quiet park just past Lake Hennessey has a nice 4-mile loop hike combining Moore Creek Trail and Valentine Vista Trail (a section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail).
With sweeping ridgetop views of the lake and surrounding mountains, not to mention oak, Douglas fir, and madrones speckling the grasslands, it’s a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Keep an eye out for bald eagles in these parts too. From the parking lot, take the wide, mostly flat Moore Creek Trail through oak woodlands just above the creek.
At the fork about a mile in, turn right for the Valentine Vista Trail. The trail narrows and gentle switchbacks bring you higher to the ridge, where you’re rewarded with views of Lake Hennessey and distant mountains. Take it all in as you continue along the ridge before descending back to the parking lot and completing the loop.
BONUS BUBBLES: Pair your hike with a refreshing sampler of sparklings at Domaine Chandon’s terrace. Twenty minutes down the road, the first-come, first-served tables sprawl under cover of indigenous oak beside a trickling creek.
From CA 29 N, turn right onto 128 E, and follow it past Lake Hennessey. Take a slight left onto Chiles Pope Valley Rd. and drive past the private residence to reach the parking lot. Parking is free. Dog-friendly!
