FRIDAY FIVE
There is one upside to a rainy start to the year: spring wildflowers. It’s true—the wildflower bloom in California, most notably that of the California poppy (whose scientific name is Eschscholzia californica), is one of the greatest pleasures of being in the state right now.
The California poppy is the official state flower and is also known as the “flame flower” because of its orange, yellow and red hues. While it’s definitely in full-bloom swing right now, other types of wildflowers are also turning grassy hillsides into spots with seriously stunning views. Sure, we’ve all heard about the super bloom in Southern California, but luckily for us Bay Area folk, we don’t have to travel far to see these spectacular blooms.
1. Mount Diablo State Park
Even without the wildflowers, the sights during a hike on Mount Diablo are amazing. Of course, the higher you go, the more beautiful the panoramic views of the Bay Area are. However, during the spring, a meanderer will be graced by the presence of fields of California poppies, daffodils, dove lupine and other varieties of wildflowers. The fields near Rock City on Mount Diablo and the road past the South Gate entrance are said to be the best. For those who haven’t been to Mount Diablo, it’s located in Danville in the East Bay.
Mount Diablo State Park | parks.ca.gov
2. Mount Tamalpais
A symbol of Marin, Mount Tam is a beloved spot for Bay Area residents to go in order to get a break from the hustle and bustle of life and find some peace in nature. During the spring, it’s also a great place at which to see the wildflowers bloom. The Yolanda Trail and Phoenix Lake Loop Trail both take you past streams and waterfalls where larkspurs, popcorn flowers and, of course, California poppies are in full force, guiding you along the way. Mount Tam is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Flower chasers can take Highway 1 to the Stinson Beach exit and follow the signs up the mountain.
Mount Tamalpais State Park | parks.ca.gov
3. Little Yosemite
Have you ever heard of the little East Bay gem that is Little Yosemite? Located in the hills of the Sunol Regional Wilderness is a moderate four-mile hike full of waterfalls, wild cattle, wildflowers and breathtaking views of East Bay canyons. It’s (kind of) like the real thing (Yosemite) but in the East Bay. The fields are painted yellow, orange and blue thanks to the California poppies, goldfields and lupine flowers. Little Yosemite is in Sunol, California, which is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco.
Sunol Regional Wilderness | ebparks.org
4. Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve
Since February, wildflowers have been painting the hills and ridges of Mount Burdell’s grassy hillsides pink and yellow. This is a great spot at which to catch a glimpse of California’s wildflowers, from California poppies to irises. Perhaps the most picturesque view can be found halfway up this mountain’s peak at Hidden Lake, which is home to frogs and salamanders. Mount Burdell is located in the Novato Valley floor on the northeast side of Marin County in Novato. The trailhead is located at the north end of San Andreas Drive.
Mount Burdell | marincountyparks.org
5. Point Reyes
If you want elephant seals, dramatic coastal drop-offs and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean to be the backdrop of your wildflower viewing, the Chimney Rock Trail of Point Reyes is your spot. From February through August, these trails showcase California poppies, buttercups, sun cups, irises and lupines. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to spot whales on their migration too. Point Reyes is in Marin County, about 30 miles from San Francisco.
Point Reyes | nps.gov