I was pleasantly surprised with this outstanding hike from Calistoga. The Oat Hill Mine Trail begins at the Napa Valley floor and steadily climbs to views of the valley and the Palisades above. There are ample places to wander off and scamper among the rocks--for views, bitterroot and fun--before ascending to brilliant, wide vistas of the Palisades and Mt. St. Helena from the rocky, green and flowerful hills. Every step and turn brings more flowers and hills into view. I then took the Palisades Trail through the Palisades, where the ... (more)