SPORTS, REC & TRAVEL

THE REWARDS ARE MANY FOR THOSE WHO MAKE THE EFFORT TO VISIT CHANNEL ISLANDS

by Debbie Stone

Mesmerizing view

Head up to Cavern Point Historic Scorpion Ranch

The island has picturesque caves and coves

Touted as the “Galapagos of the North,” Channel Islands National Park is situated in the Pacific Ocean, just off the Ventura coast in California. Comprised of five islands—Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel and Santa Rosa—Channel Islands is one of the wildest National Parks. And it’s accessible only by boat.

The islands have always been separate from the mainland and it’s this isolation that’s responsible for their rich biodiversity. Everything from teeny-tiny plankton to blue whales call this special place home, with many endemic species of flora and fauna.

As for human presence, the Chumash were the first settlers to the area. Then came the Spanish explorers, followed by fur traders, missionaries and ranchers, who were attracted to the region’s numerous natural resources.

Each of the islands is unique. Santa Barbara is the smallest of the five. Its rocky shores give way to a grassy mesa flanked by twin peaks. Anacapa comes in second, and is known for its bevy of seabirds, middens, arches and sea caves. San Miguel is the westernmost island and gets the most severe weather from the open ocean.

The fourth largest island is Santa Rosa. Rolling hills, sand dunes and Torrey pines are some of its noted geological features.

At 62,000 acres, Santa Cruz is the largest of the islands and the most visited. Here you’ll find secluded coves and beaches, craggy mountains, vast canyons, historic ranches, and stellar hiking opportunities. Island Packers is the company authorized to provide transportation for day trippers and campers to the Channel Islands.

I chose to explore Santa Cruz on my recent visit to the park. The ride to the island takes about an hour, and along the way, we spotted sealions chilling around a buoy.

After docking at Scorpion Beach, you’ll see historic Scorpion Ranch. The ranch dates to the late 1800s and exhibit areas include an orientation kiosk, an array of old farm implements, blacksmith shop and visitor center.

For a good hike, head to Potato Harbor overlook, then return via Bluffs Trail and Cavern Point. Keep your eyes peeled for the island fox!

Along the way, ginormous yellow wild flowers evoke a scene from something out of a Dr. Seuss book, while shadowy canyons emit a mystical vibe. And the coastal vistas are droolworthy. Pounding waves crash into mist far below and the views give a glimpse of what California’s landscape used to be.

Rocky coastline