Channel Islandswildflowers
The islands turn green and wildflowers reach peak bloom, especially the yellow giant coreopsis, per the National Park Service (in a year of normal rainfall): usually by late January through March, during a normal year of rainfall. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Channel Islands
Right now in Channel Islands · September
- Humpback whales from whale-watching boats, mid-May to mid-September · May–Sep
- Santa Rosa Island: back beaches and dunes from Skunk Point to East Point closed March 1 to September 15 for nesting snowy plovers · Mar–Sep
Your guide to the area
Best spots around Channel Islands National Park
- East Anacapa's trail systemAbout two miles of trails; after winter rains the tree sunflower (coreopsis) blooms so thickly it can sometimes be seen from the mainland, with red paintbrush, island morning glory and pale buckwheat
- Santa Barbara IslandThe smallest island, 38 miles from the mainland; after winter rains coreopsis blooms bright yellow alongside the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-forever, buckwheat, chicory and cream cups
Nearby
- Cabrillo160 mitypically between late March and early April
- Pinnacles180 miUsually March through MaySatSunny
- Laguna Meadow187 miWildflower viewing is best in May and June
- Ash Meadows Refuge224 mifrom late MarchSatSunny
- San Luis Refuge229 miAprilSatSunny
- Yosemite241 miMarch at the park's west edge to late August in the high countrySatSunny
The year at Channel Islands
- Wildflower peak bloom, especially yellow coreopsis: late January through March in a normal rain yearJan–Mar
- Santa Rosa Island: back beaches and dunes from Skunk Point to East Point closed March 1 to September 15 for nesting snowy ploversNowMar–Sep
- Western gulls nest on Anacapa: nesting from the end of April, chicks in May and June, flying in JulyApr–Jul
- Humpback whales from whale-watching boats, mid-May to mid-SeptemberNowMay–Sep
- Busiest months: June through AugustJun–Aug
- Western gull chicks on Santa Barbara Island: hatch in June, fly in JulyJun–Jul
- Gray whale watching, from the end of December until AprilDec–Apr
Channel Islands in pictures
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Channel Islands National Park in 2027?
The islands turn green and wildflowers reach peak bloom, especially the yellow giant coreopsis, per the National Park Service (in a year of normal rainfall): by late January through March, during a normal year of rainfall. That's the usual peak in the source's own words, not a forecast.
Is it blooming in Channel Islands National Park right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: by late January through March, during a normal year of rainfall, usually.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. There's no fee to enter the park, and the park doesn't sell federal lands passes. Boat trips to the islands are booked with the park's concessionaires.Sources: National Park Service, Channel Islands: Fees & Passes ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Channel Islands: Basic Information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I buy food or rent gear on the islands?
No. There are no food stores or gear rental shops on the islands, so pack everything and reserve kayaks or snorkeling gear from rental shops before you go.Source: National Park Service, Channel Islands: Basic Information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What can't I bring to the islands?
Firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (hiking sticks included), and service animals unless the superintendent has given a permit. The rule keeps non-native species off the islands.Source: National Park Service, Channel Islands: Current Conditions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does the bloom depend on rain?
Yes. The park's late January through March peak is for a year of normal rainfall; the islands start turning green, and the first flowers open, in the late winter months.Source: National Park Service, Channel Islands: When to Visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Channel Islands National Park?
East Anacapa's trail system: about two miles of trails; after winter rains the tree sunflower (coreopsis) blooms so thickly it can sometimes be seen from the mainland, with red paintbrush, island morning glory and pale buckwheat; Santa Barbara Island: the smallest island, 38 miles from the mainland; after winter rains coreopsis blooms bright yellow alongside the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-forever, buckwheat, chicory and cream cups.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Channel Islands National Park?
Santa Rosa Island: back beaches and dunes from Skunk Point to East Point closed March 1 to September 15 for nesting snowy plovers (Mar–Sep).
What is Channel Islands National Park like through the year?
Wildflower peak bloom, especially yellow coreopsis: late January through March in a normal rain year (Jan–Mar), Gray whale watching, from the end of December until April (Dec–Apr), Humpback whales from whale-watching boats, mid-May to mid-September (May–Sep), Western gulls nest on Anacapa: nesting from the end of April, chicks in May and June, flying in July (Apr–Jul), Western gull chicks on Santa Barbara Island: hatch in June, fly in July (Jun–Jul), Santa Rosa Island: back beaches and dunes from Skunk Point to East Point closed March 1 to September 15 for nesting snowy plovers (Mar–Sep) and Busiest months: June through August (Jun–Aug).
How we know · Sources (7)
How we know
National Park Service, Channel Islands: When to Visit (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Fees & Passes (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Basic Information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Current Conditions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Anacapa Island (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Santa Barbara Island (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · National Park Service, Channel Islands: Humpback Whale (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.