Old Faithful Geyser of California

Road side sign announcing: Old Faithful Geyser of California.

Road side sign announcing: Old Faithful Geyser of California.

20 ft eruption of the Old Faithful Geyser of California.

20 ft eruption of the Old Faithful Geyser of California.

Many of us have made the journey to Yellowstone to observe Old Faithful.  Fewer are aware of California’s contribution to the name: the Old Faithful Geyser of California. This roadside attraction in Napa County has a rather apt name, given the geyser’s regular eruptions. At the time of our visit, eruptions averaged 10 minutes apart and 20 feet high.

This is one of many geothermic points of interest around wine country, along with The Geysers in Sonoma / Lake counties, and numerous hot springs.

The Old Faithful Geyser of California has also been a point of interest among the scientific community. In an article in Science, “Carnegie Institution researchers reported that the Old Faithful Geyser of California experienced a sudden variation in its eruption pattern one to three days before each of three major earthquakes[1].”

Along with a regularly erupting geyser visitors can enjoy a small geological museum, bocci ball courts, picnic area, and a goat farm (with fainting goats!).  Bring a picnic, a camera, and the kids.

While you are at it, grab a bag of food pellets and enjoy feeding the goats.

Kid goats playing in the Old Faithful farm.

Kid goats playing in the Old Faithful farm.


Geyser’s Eruptions Seem to Predict Some Earthquakes, Scientists Say,” New York Times. 4 September 1992.

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