2006: Fast-Forward Another 14 Years -
The Washington-Dunaweal Bike Path

The City of Calistoga took the third big step in its bicycle network when it dedicated a 1 mile multi-use path in 2006. The path connects the end of Washington Street to Dunaweal Lane. You've got to look twice to realize you may use this road by entering it on the left (note the arrow).

The Gateway to the Washington-Dunaweal Bike Path

 Bicyclists, walkers, and joggers appreciate that the City lets them use the access road to the sewage treatment plant for exercise. But wait, wasn't it built with money from the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account? 

A multi-use path.

 An insight into how Public Works keeps house. Just keep riding.

View from your bike of the Corporation Yard.

Sure are a lot of signs with advice for users of the path. Not exactly welcoming.

Mt. St. Helena in the distance.

 Who would wander off into this anyway?

More debris and another warning.

Is it really Art?

More installations and signs.

The bridges were resurfaced last year to be safe for bikes. Used to be wide grooves that caught narrow tires and caused some nasty spills. The safety upgrade is appreciated!

First of 2 bridges on the trail.

The path takes you by a series of sewage treatment ponds that don't smell bad most of the time.  As you go by check out the geese, ducks, egrets, and turtles.

Sewage Treatment Pond.

Currently there are no amenities for trail users, but this spot has been suggested as a great spot for a bench as a rest stop for the many senior citizens who enjoy the path.

Site of future bench for walkers.

The path is really quite nice once past the first bridge.

Heading south toward Dunaweal.

Just across the bridge the path veers to the left around the sewage treatment plant.

Approaching the 2nd bridge.

Someday maybe residents and visitors will be able to stop and take time to relax along the trail too.

Picnic table for workers at the plant.

Once upon a time this was one of the most controversial bits of architecture in Napa Valley. Now Michael Graves' work seems very much at home.

Near the end of the trail is Clos Pegase.

Just across the street is the entrance to Sterling Vineyards and is the point where the Washington - Dunaweal Bike Path will some day link up to the Napa Valley Vine Trail, providing a safe way to ride or walk to Napa Bothe State Park, St. Helena, and eventually all the way to the Vallejo Ferry.

Approaching Dunaweal Lane.

In fact this path will be the northern end of the Vine Trail.  A little upgrade is in order  . . . perhaps to the standards used in the first Class I trails of Calistoga?