Fall vacation time is when my bucket list is just overflowing. Too many good ideas, and not enough time to fit them all in. We decided a ways back to take a trip to Disneyland with my brother-in-law and his 5 and 8 year old girls, both in the prime theme park demographic. Of course, I knew there would be a weekend to sneak down first to get in some nature! And there they were: just sitting off the coast all innocent. Time to reserve a ferry spot and head to the Channel Islands!

We had one day and our reservation call was a bit late for the best odds to do the multi island trip, and so we were able to book a boat to Santa Cruz Island. The ride in and out was my favorite part. The water was pretty calm (heading out, and rougher heading in) and the dolphins were everywhere, putting on a show and jumping in the wake of the boat, just enjoying themselves. The captain pulled over multiple times to take in big schools of fish, birds, and the sea mammals that everyone loves. When we were moving, the waves, wind, and splash of salt water were more adventurous and wild than any ride at Disneyland, and actually real.

The islands are beautiful in that Southern California way, with a dry Mediterranean climate and unique animals and plants, many of which are native to only these islands. What you see on the islands represents what California was like prior to a century ago, before 40 million people decided to move here and lay concrete. The ocean reigns supreme, hammering the islands in the winter with weather, and isolating them from the mainland. The subsequent geologic effects are water carved caves that are most famous on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island where Painted Cave lies. The rugged coasts are perfect for nesting and birds flock to these islands. Sixty different species can be viewed as they migrate and feed. The waters surrounding the islands are a marine sanctuary. The rocky and varied seascapes are extremely hazardous for boating, but heaven for sea life.

We went for a short hike from Scorpion Ranch, climbing on the bluffs to the west and enjoyed the views back towards the mainland as well as the rough and rocky coast which are visible far below. In terms of hiking tips, bring water and sun protection. The area is dry and rocky with lots of short elevation gains and losses. Overall the hiking is moderate intensity with well groomed trails. There is water available at the campground, and bathroom facilities as well, which are fairly primitive pit toilets.

The final few hours of the afternoon, we checked out the campground, which would be a great base camp for exploring the whole island, and just hung out on the beach in the warm early fall sun, watching folks kayak, snorkel, and enjoy the day.

For our one day visit, we were only on the ground for less than six hours, making our trip very brief, but it was very worth it. I am motivated to plan another trip here to backpack around, and see more of the islands. The things we did not see must have been hiding: the famous island fox, which is making a comeback after near extinction, and the bald eagle, which has now reestablished on the islands after years of absence.

We had a great day, enjoying the sea mammals most of all! If you are headed to southern California to enjoy the theme parks, Hollywood, and LA, don’t forget that the natural world persists here as well. Check out Channel Islands National Park, and you will come away with an unexpected California experience.

For more information, check out the following national park website: https://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm