Your CreekS CALISTOGA
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STORM DRAINS FLOW?
Calistoga, nestled at the northern end of the Napa Valley, is graced by several creeks that contribute significantly to its local ecosystem and character. The most notable is the Napa River, which has its headwaters in the mountains just north of Calistoga, emerging from trickles and springs into a more defined waterway as it flows south through the valley. Tributaries like Ritchey Creek and Mill Creek also meander through the area, feeding into the Napa River and contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region. These creeks and their associated riparian habitats provide essential corridors for wildlife, supporting a variety of plant and animal species, including the potential return of salmon and steelhead to the upper reaches of the Napa River.
Beyond their ecological importance, the creeks around Calistoga have also played a role in the area's history and development. The presence of mineral-rich hot springs, influenced by the geothermal activity that also affects the local waterways, was a significant draw for early settlers and continues to be a defining feature of Calistoga. Historically, these water sources were valued by the native Wappo people for their therapeutic properties. Today, the creeks and the Napa River contribute to the scenic beauty of the landscape, supporting recreational activities like hiking and providing a vital water source for the vineyards and agricultural lands that define the Napa Valley.