Northern California Has Its Own Old Faithful and Most People Have No Idea
The name “Old Faithful” conjures images of Yellowstone National Park’s iconic geyser for the vast majority of people. But there’s a Californian counterpart to this scenic landmark, located among the vineyards of Napa Valley, close to the picturesque town of Calistoga.
Although it isn’t quite as big as Yellowstone’s geyser, Old Faithful in California is just as dependable, exploding as promised every 10 to 45 minutes. This destination remains under the radar for many Napa travelers keen on wine tasting, but it’s certainly worthy of a visit.
The geyser’s magnificent appearance is a result of the area’s volcanic history. A significant volcanic eruption that took place about 4.3 million years ago is what created the present-day Napa Valley. The Petrified Forest is what remains of the nearby redwood forest after it was massively compressed and petrified. The lingering embers of this long-extinct volcano that lies beneath the valley are what power the region’s well-known geothermal features and hot springs.
Strangely, the Old Faithful Geyser was actually the result of chance and human intervention. The dramatic explosion of a geyser occurred in the late 19th century when a settler, while drilling for water, accidentally crossed a natural steam vent. In 1906, Fran Rache and Grace purchased the property and dug a second well—accidentally letting off a second geyser—on the property. The second geyser coexisted with the first one for a while, but finally it was capped off to form a healing lava rock pool that is empty today.
The 1974 purchase of the land by geyser enthusiast Howard Cream and his wife Olga began a new chapter for the property. They transformed it into a popular destination for tourists by adding a visitor center, a mini-museum of geology, picnic areas, and bocce ball courts. To top it all off, there’s a little zoo with some interesting animals such as llamas, Jacob four-horn sheep, and Tennessee fainting goats.
Following their 1987 divorce, Olga became the sole owner and remained so until her death in 2008. Geologists from several institutions, including Berkeley and the United States Geological Survey, have studied the area. What makes this geyser interesting is that it has a tendency to slow down its eruption patterns just before earthquakes, which might make it a partial earthquake predictor.
Visiting the Old Faithful Geyser can be a fun experience for the whole family, as it offers an adventurous look at science and the area’s volcanic history. Pair it with a trip into the beautiful town of Calistoga, and you have a stellar itinerary.
The Town of Calistoga
People in search of tranquility, excellent wine, and mouthwatering food will find it in the town of Calistoga.
For wine enthusiasts, you can visit the world-renowned Chateau Montelena Winery, whose Chardonnay helped bring California wines international renown, and the gorgeous Castello di Amorosa, a winery and castle in the manner of a 13th-century Tuscan fortress. Housed in a petrol station from the 1930s, the Tank Garage Winery also offers a variety of eccentric mixes and provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to taste wine
Charming boutiques and art galleries line the town’s main street, selling a variety of goods, from artisanal home goods at Blackbird of Calistoga to handcrafted jewelry at Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte. For those who like books and local writers, a pilgrimage to Copperfield’s Books is an absolute must.
It’s hard to ignore the wide variety of delicious cuisines to try in Calistoga. Solbar at the Solage Resort serves up informal farm-to-table food that is famous for its inventive, seasonally-driven dishes. You can also dine on sustainable, locally sourced Mediterranean fare at Sam’s Social Club, where you’ll enjoy a more rustic atmosphere.
After a long day of eating and shopping, you can relax in one of the town’s many spas, such as Indian Springs Resort or Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, and soak in the town’s famous natural hot springs or mud baths. The same volcanic activity that feeds the Old Faithful Geyser heats these springs.
When looking to plan a trip in Northern California, I typically opt for a more rugged experience. But at least once a year, it’s important to prioritize self-care and relaxation. You can find that in spades in Calistoga and the Old Faithful Geyser.
