Are you looking for an unforgettable paddling
adventure? Look no further. The lower seventeen
miles of the Napa River, from Trancas Street in
Napa to Vallejo, including about 6-miles
inside the city limits of Napa, are part of the
most significant estuary system on the west
coast. The Napa River is one of the largest
Central Coast Range Rivers, draining 426 sq.
miles on its 50-mile journey from Mt. St. Helena
to the San Pablo Bay.
The Napa River provides a peaceful,
picturesque setting for a pleasant paddle
with warmer weather than you’ll find
anywhere else on the water this close to San
Francisco. Napa River’s waterways provide a
scenic setting for exploration. In addition
to beautiful views, kayakers can paddle
almost any time of year. Finding a kayak
destination with the right weather
conditions always makes the paddling outing
more enjoyable. Spring and early summer
wildflower displays bring even more color to
the landscape. Both birds and wildflowers
are abundant, with spring blooms providing
splotches of brilliant color in the
clearings.
The Napa River is a tidal influenced river.
Take tidal currents and water levels into
account when planning a visit to here. The
Napa River is a tidal body of water that
flows north from San Pablo Bay. It is
therefore subject to the tide table and wind
conditions. Plan your trip accordingly upon
referencing the day’s tidal flow. The daily
tides influence the Napa River as far north
as Trancas Street. Paddlers need to pay
attention to the tides and locate the
mudflats to avoid getting stranded.
Even though most of the Napa River is
sheltered from the winds that much of the
Bay Area experiences,
keep in mind, paddling
against the wind and tide, can turn a
pleasant paddle into a marathon workout,
where you may feel as though you are making
zero headway against the current and wind.
Map of Napa RIver
|