4 Marin Wildflower Hot Spots (and one guest appearance)

Recently, an editor friend asked me to weigh in on some of the best places to see in wildflowers in Northern California. Moi?! Well, anyone who has followed this blog since its inception a few weeks ago can already gather that I'm kinda partial to wildflowers, so I thoroughly enjoyed traipsing around the state--at least in my brain for now--conjuring up my favorite spots and why. Whether or not any of these places will make the final cut is up to the gods (okay, editors at Sunset Magazine), but in the mean time, I can share some of my faves with you, since they're right here in Marin County. Plus you'll have to wait until next year for Sunset, and these flowers are blooming NOW, perhaps in the biggest profusions in a long, long time. Of course, these are by no means the ONLY places to see the springtime show, just some of my favorites--and I do get to keep a few secrets, don't I? For more local wildflower hot spots, check the website for the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.


Mt Burdell Open Space Preserve, Novato. You like poppies? You got poppies. Simply the best I've seen in Northern CA--barring the stuff that is spray-seeded along the freeways. Those don't count. Climb the fire road off San Andreas Drive and keep climbing. You'll hit a valley sprinkled with buttercups (and false tidy tips in the wettest spots). Keep climbing to Hidden Lake and continue east on Middle Burdell Fire Road. On the steep slopes rising north, you got it, poppies. Gazillions of them. Just add Dorothy.


Big Rock Open Space Preserve, Lucas Valley. Climb about two miles up the main trail heading east. The first half-mile flanks you with poppies. Once you pass through the cow gate and boot a cow or two out the way and start climbing the switchbacks, you'll be greeted by a month-long show of all the Marin classics: blue dick (yes, that is its name), baby blue eyes, paintbrush, mules ears, checkerbloom, wallflower, iris, sage, on and on.


Mt Vision, Pt Reyes National Seashore. The trail to Chimney Rock gets deserved attention--and crowds. But there are more secret blooms here. The most spectacular ceonothus (wild lilac) shows I've ever seen--bushes 10 feet tall, completely covered with pale-blue blossoms, line the trails climbing the west side of Mt Vision. Bloom coincides with yellow bush lupine, which are not only spectacular but smell like classy French perfume. Lots of Douglas iris and paintbrush too.


Miwok Trail, Marin Headlands, GGNRA. Start to climb north from the junction of Bunker Rd. First you'll notice the orange day lilies as high as your head. Next its the profusion of poppies on the slopes flanking the trail. Then, at the summit, sweeping views of the Pacific and Mt Tam framed by irises. Not bad.


And one further afield…
Bear Valley, Williams (about 30 mi east of Clearlake, but that's not saying much). So out in the middle of nowhere you really need to wanna get here, but when you do, OMG. Consistently noted as one of CA's best wildflower displays. Mid-April is usually peak. Even in a crummy year it's amazing. Only drag is there is truly nothing nearby. A huge trek for a day from the Bay Area., and you would do your body good by staying over in Napa or the Clear Lake region. Gotta houseboat? Here's a shot by garden photographer Saxton Holt. Enjoy.