When you hear the name, “Old Faithful,” you probably don’t think of Northern California. As it turns out, Northern Californians don’t have to travel to Yellowstone National Park to see Old Faithful because it’s located right here in Napa County!
The Old Faithful Geyser of California is located 2 miles northwest of downtown Calistoga. To find it, head east off Highway 28 on Tubbs Lane.
Flickr/ Kazuho Okui
It’s one of three geysers in the whole world that have been distinguished as “Old Faithful” thanks to the reliability of its eruptions. The most well known, of course, is the Old Faithful Geyser of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Flickr/ Kazuho Okui
The California geyser is surrounded by palm trees and the rolling hills that are typical of the Napa Region.
Flickr/ Bill Stanley
It’s located on land that was once occupied by the Wappo Indian Tribe, who noticed steam rising from the ground here. They used the water and mud from the area for its mineral-rich healing properties.
Flickr/ LABabble
The geyser erupts from the casing of a well drilled in the late 19th century.
Flickr/ jstreit
It can reach as high as 80 feet. The height and frequency of the geyser varies on the time of year.
Flickr/ Paul Blair
In the summer months it erupts every 25-55 minutes and reaches an average of 40 to 80 feet.
Flickr/ Gunther Hagleitner
In the winter, however, the eruptions are much more frequent. It goes off every 5-15 minutes, but the height only reaches 20-35 feet. It’s been known to predict earthquakes by erupting at times not consistent with its schedule.
Flickr/ Wally Gobetz
Relax in the shade as you wait for the geyser to erupt, or you can visit the goat farm or the gardens, have a picnic, play bocce ball, and visit the museum and gift shop. All of these are located on the Old Faithful property, so budget enough time to truly enjoy the experience!
Flickr/ Kazuho Okui
We promise you will be blown away by this really interesting phenomenon. The coolest thing about Old Faithful is that it is located right here in Northern California and almost no one knows about it!
Flickr/ tony perreira
This fun video gives you a great feel for what it’s like to see the geyser in person.
Flickr/ Kazuho Okui
Flickr/ Bill Stanley
Flickr/ LABabble
Flickr/ jstreit
Flickr/ Paul Blair
Flickr/ Gunther Hagleitner
Flickr/ Wally Gobetz
Flickr/ tony perreira
For more information, visit the website.
What do you think of the Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga? Have you ever been to it and what were your impressions? Be sure to share your thoughts with us on Facebook or in the comments below.
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