Visiting California’s Channel Islands National Park

Set off the Pacific coast, Channel Islands is one of California’s least visited National Parks with around 300,000 yearly visitors. Compared to the 3.5 million people who visit Yosemite, this is the California park you want to see if you’re looking for serene hikes with fewer crowds and fabulous coastal views.  

Five islands make up this unique national park, each offering something for either for a day tripper or a multi-island hiking excursion. Since getting from island to island takes some planning, visitors will want to learn more about what each offers then decide how to plan your trip and pack in as much as possible.

Santa Cruz

The largest island, Santa Cruz is a great starting point as an introduction to the islands. It has the most recreational activities offered, it is the easiest to access and it often has the most favorable weather. I chose Santa Cruz as one of the islands I visited, since I was there for only a few days and it was the most convenient with my schedule. If you’re looking for one island that has a long hike, you can take the 16-mile trek between Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage.    

Santa Cruz is home to the painted cave, one of the world’s largest sea caves, you can visit by boat or kayak. 

San Miguel

Elephant seals, harbor seals and sea lions all gather here on San Miguel seasonally making it one of the largest collections of pinnipeds in the world. This is the westernmost island and it’s position makes for some of the harsher weather patterns of all the islands, so it is often windy.

Prince Island trail to Point Bennett is another 16-mile hike that is ranger led. Cuyler Harbor beach has a 2-mile trail you can explore on your own. Permits are required to camp on this island, and there is no potable water source. You need to pack in and pack out all of your drinking water, so preparation is required.

Santa Rosa

Along with San Miguel, these two islands have the highest concentration of archeological prehistoric sites in North America. Another windy island, Santa Rosa is a more wild experience. There is Water Canyon campground less than two miles from the pier, and some limited backcountry camping options.     

Torrey Pines trail is a moderate 7-mile loop where you can see some of the rarest pine trees in the world. 

Anacapa

Iconic arch & seabird sightings, Anacapa may be the most popular island for day trippers. From April through August there are Western Gulls that nest here so during that time they are majorly active. I have heard camping here can be noisy but seeing all of the sea birds is a wonderful experience.

While there are only two 2-mile trails here, the scenery and landscape is unmatched. Kayaking to Arch Rock or Cathedral Cove is a perfect way to see wildlife here, and there is often great visibility in the water so snorkeling or diving on the eastern part of the island is a must.

Santa Barbara

The smallest of the islands, Santa Barbara is only a square mile. Created by underwater volcanic activity, the island while tiny has wonderful representation of plant life on the Channel Islands as well as fantastic opportunities for bird watching.    

Landing Cove Trail is a steep start to the trail system, and routes like Elephant Seal Cove Overlook or Sea Lion Rookery Overlook are both great options when trying to spot wildlife along the stunning shoreline. Both are short but moderate hikes getting you right up along the jagged rock ledges overlooking the sea. 

Overnight on the Islands

While there are day trip opportunities for those with limited time, the best way to really experience the Channel Islands is a multi-day hiking trip. Channel Islands are an ideal place if you’re just beginning your backcountry camping journey. Camp sites are primitive and will come with a fox box for you to store all of your food and other perishable items that critters may want to investigate. These boxes are useful to keep mice, fox and birds from ingesting foods they shouldn’t and to keep campsites clean and tidy.

Potable water is not readily available on the island, but you will find a few water stations within the camp grounds on the islands. Be sure to check beforehand and come prepared if there is not a water station where you are camping.            

Sustainable Initiatives at Channel Islands

Channel Islands has an impressive commitment to the island’s fragile and ever evolving ecosystem.

Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute is a non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and researching marine wildlife in the area. On the ferry, I had the opportunity to meet 2 baby seals and learn about how CIMWI has a program where they re-introduce healthy animals back into the wild.

Wildlife Conservation

You’ll also notice that throughout different mating and nesting season, the park will have sections or whole islands closed in order to protect specific bird species. The islands are a vital part of these shorebird and seabirds lives, as migratory patterns and nesting grounds.

Aside from the birds, there are only a few endemic population of animals on the island. Fox were once near extinction and the population was saved by conservation efforts. The island’s fragile ecosystem is in direct correlation with the foxes numbers. Bald Eagles had once nested and hunted here and in the 60’s the introduction of DDT wiped them out. Once the Bald Eagle was out of the area Golden Eagles began to occupy the islands and began preying on the native fox. The parks began a captive breeding program for the fox as well as relocating 40 Golden Eagles to Northern California to lessen the culprit of the foxes dwindling numbers. In 2016 the Island fox was removed from the endangered list and I’m happy to report you’ll easily see them scampering around the islands today.

Indigenous History

Just like wildlife conservation plays a critical role in preserving these islands, Indigenous history also is equally important. The Chumash people once inhabited this region and still participate in activities like annual boat crossings. Like centuries before, Chumash ancestors make a yearly journey across the Santa Barbara Channel in a traditional canoe called the ‘tomol’. Beautiful boats made from local Redwoods, navigating the tomol over rough waters and shows the deep connection these Indigenous peoples had with these islands and surrounding waters.

Juana Maria, known as the ‘Lone woman on San Nicholas Island’ is a fascinating story about one Indigenous woman’s life of solitude on the neighboring island. Author Scott O’Dells book “Island of the Blue Dolphin” was inspired by Juana Maria, one of the only surviving member of her Nicoleño tribe. Her story has evolved over the years as we learn more information about European colonization, the otter hunting in the region and the Catholic missionary involvement.

Channel Islands; The Particulars

Getting to the Channel Islands

Part of the reason for fewer visitors to Channel Islands National Park might be for the amount of pre-planning. Because it’s 22 miles off the California coast, a bit of logistics is involved when arranging a trip to the islands.

Island Packers is the only ferry operator that runs day trips and overnight campers to the islands. Their office and boats are based in the Oxnard and Ventura marinas.

Ferries run specific times of year and on different days to different docks, so if you are trying to visit multiple islands in one trip you’ll need to plan by using the multi-port map to see the distance between each island and if transportation runs where you need it. In my experience Island Packers was very helpful with any questions I had about bookings via email, they were quick to respond and were informative you if you need help plotting your multi-port ticket, they should be able to answer any questions.

It is worth noting that once on the island, there is no transportation methods available. Just you and your feet are what is going to power you around unless you have plans to use a kayak or have come on your own private boat.

Best time to visit Channel Islands National Park

The best time to go to Channel Islands may depend on the type of trip you’re looking for. While technically it could be an all year round destination, there are certain things to be aware of during different seasons. Springtime still may see some rainfall, but the wildflowers are in full bloom. Sea birds begin nesting, and island fox puppies are born. If swimming and warm weather is preferable, then a summer visit is best. Baby birds are leaving their nests and the whale watching season kicks off. The islands see the most visitors from June through August.

Autumn continues with warm water temperatures and great visibility for snorkeling or diving. Whale watching comes to an end and fall brings bird migratory flights. Lastly, winter is known for cool temperatures and gorgeous sunsets. The grey whale will be found in the area and harbor and elephant seals will begin pupping.     

Each season offers something different for visitors, so knowing the weather patterns and wildlife activities may help when determining the best time for you to plan your own trip.  

Things to do on the Channel Islands

Even as a small chain of islands, there is many different possibilities for filling your time while visiting. Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole rental company on the island when it comes to outfitting visitors with kayaks and snorkel equipment if you don’t bring your own with you.

The true magic of the park is under the water with the biosphere reserve offering a glimpse of what marine conservation can look like. Not only are the islands themselves protected, but the surrounding waters are part of a National Marine Sanctuary. In addition to hitting the trails, be sure you carve out time to spend on and in the water. You’ll have a chance to see massive kelp forests, bird watch and explore some of the caves that dot the coastline of the islands. If you’re really interested in exploring, I recommend going with a guided tour as some of the cave systems are deep and could be dangerous if you aren’t familiar with the area.