Lake Berryessa/Moskowite Corners/Capell Valley/Spanish Flat/Berryessa Pines

With the creation of Lake Berryessa in 1957, a new recreational area was created in Napa County. Thousands of visitors come to the blue lake waters for fishing, and watersports. Resorts, offering dining, boat ramps, RVLake Berryessa shoreline--click for larger photographcamps, lodging and camping, are found along the west side of the lake. While there are no large cities or towns around the lake, smaller communities have developed. Berryessa Estates is a residential community on a northern inlet of the lake. Berryessa Highlands is another residential community on the southern end of the lake. Between these two extremes one finds homes with excellent lake views all along the western shore as well as parcels and lots. The east shore is undeveloped. Some ranches do exist on that side. Access is by dirt road.

The countryside is mountainous with steep stream-carved canyons.

The hills to the north are grass covered, golden brown in the summer and deep green after the rains. Oaks provide shade. The hills to the south are brush covered, chapperal. The hills are brown or rust covered due to the volcanic soils of the area. Volcanic plugs create fantastic rock forms in various places. Pale green digger pines and oaks stretch their branches. The Communites along the western shore

Berryessa Pines

This small residential community is located off the Knoxville Road a few miles south of Pope Canyon Road. Modern houses offer great views and direct access to the lake.

Spanish Flat

Spanish Flat is a community in its own right. The Village Center has a small grocery store, laundromat, and an Spanish Flat market--click for larger photographinteresting shop, part thrift store and part general store, called The Attic. The Berryessa Senior Center is located in this community. Mobile Villa, a mobile home park is here. The Spanish Flat resort is nearby. Spanish Flat also has a community Christian center offering both Protestant and Catholic worship services.

Capell Valley

Located between Spanish Flat and Moskwite Corners, this valley is a land of ranches. But some development is taking place here. The Capell Valley Elementary school offers a nearby education for children of the Lake Berryessa area.

Moskowite Corners

Founded at the crossing of Hwy 128, from Winters to Rutherford, and Hwy 121, from Napa, Moskowite MCwinery-sm.jpg (6050 bytes)Corners is the perfect stop-off place for visitors seeking refreshements. Steele Canyon Resort and Berryessa Highlands are only 5 miles away. The Corners has a small grocery store and restaurant. Nearby is a gas station and beauty parlor. Several wineries are also located here.

Services and Shopping

Moskowite Corners has a service station, market, and beauty parlor. Lakeside Market and gas is located in MCstore-sm.jpg (8927 bytes)Capell Valley. Spanish Flat has its own country store. But for major supplies and services a trip to Napa is required. Napa is 20 miles from Moskowite Corners and about 25 miles from Spanish Flat.