Rattlesnake Spring, Napa County, CA

## Overview Rattlesnake Spring is a popular public drinking spring located at the highest point of Highway 29 (Lake County Highway), just south of Middletown in the northwest corner of Napa County, California. Situated near the boundary where Napa, Lake, and Sonoma counties converge, this roadside spring has long been a favored water source for local residents — particularly those in Lake County, who reportedly prefer it over other area springs such as Harbin. The spring emerges through a copper spout set into a narrow fixture with two collection boxes, making it easy for visitors to fill jugs and containers. When the spring is flowing, it's not uncommon to find a line of cars pulled over along the highway, with people waiting their turn to collect water. The spring has been reported to flow year-round, though it may occasionally be capped or plugged by the county for maintenance or other reasons. The surrounding landscape is rugged and scenic, with Robert Louis Stevenson State Park stretching to the west into Sonoma County. The spring sits at a notable elevation along the highway, offering a convenient stop for travelers heading between Calistoga and Middletown. ## Directions 1. From **Calistoga**, head north on **Highway 29 (Lake County Highway)** toward Middletown. 2. Continue climbing as the road ascends through the mountains. The spring is located near the **highest point of Highway 29**, just before you cross into Lake County. 3. Watch for the spring on the **left (west) side of the road** if heading northbound — it is on the opposite side from the direction of travel (described as "the other side of the road" when approaching from the south). 4. The nearest address for reference is approximately **5546 Lake County Highway, Napa County, CA** (some sources list 5377 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515). 5. Look for a **copper spout with two boxes** set into the roadside. If the spring is flowing, you may notice other vehicles parked nearby. **GPS Coordinates:** 38.671455, -122.589729 *Note: Parking is informal along the highway shoulder. Use caution when pulling over, as this is a mountain road with curves and limited visibility.* ## What to Expect Rattlesnake Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring — the kind of stop that rewards those who know about it. The water flows from a **copper spout** into a collection area with two boxes, and filling containers is straightforward when the spring is active. The spring has been reported to flow throughout the year, making it a reliable stop in both wet and dry seasons. However, visitors should be aware that the county has been known to plug or cap the spring from time to time, so there's no guarantee it will be flowing on any given visit. If you arrive and find cars lined up, that's a good sign — it means the water is running and locals are taking advantage of it. The setting is at elevation along Highway 29, surrounded by the oak-studded hills and volcanic terrain characteristic of this part of the North Bay. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is nearby to the west, offering excellent hiking opportunities for those who want to extend their visit. The park features trails leading to the summit of Mount Saint Helena, the highest peak in the area. While many local residents have historically used this spring as a drinking water source and it is well-regarded in the community, water quality has not been independently verified. Visitors should use their own discretion regarding consumption.