With all the rain we have received this winter, we are sure to encounter a wonderfully abundant bouquet of spring flowers along the roads and by-ways between The Bay Area and The Sea Ranch. This is sure to make our location a hot spot in the world of flower tourism. We especially anticipate our Sea Ranch meadows, and coastal bluffs to hold a vast bloom of wildflowers to greet you as well as the seasonal migration of whales, the birth of harbor seals, deer, and many of our other wild life residents.
In our “Springs Flowers” post we offer up answers to frequent questions our nature lover guests have asked about wildflowers in our area. Also included are suggestions and tips for your trip planning to view the wide variety of wildflowers. Some you’ll find along the roadways. Others you may want to consider adding an extra day or two to your itinerary that you may fully take in the Sonoma County’s springtime floral spectacle. With each location is a listing of some of the wildflowers you may encounter. The list is definitely not exhaustive. There are so many more native wildflowers that you’ll want to discover.
Are All Spring Flowers Native Wildflowers?
Sadly it is likely you will encounter invasive plants as well, including the ubiquitous ice plant and rattle snake grass. If you question if a plant is native or not, we recommend a visit to CalCalscape. The Californa Native Plant Society’s website shows people which plants are really native to any location in the state, helping them figure out which ones they want, and where to buy them and how to grow them.
What Are Common Flowers in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County Regional Parks provides a guide (Pdf) to help you identify a variety of annual and perennial wildflowers that bloom in Sonoma County’s parks every spring. You’ll also find many of these flowers in Sea Ranch as well. The flowers in this guide are organized by color, and more details can be found by clicking on the “More info” link in each entry.
A Guide to Common Native Flowers of Sonoma County (Pdf) is another handy online guidebook to Sonoma County flowers. The handy guide presents some of the beautiful and unusual flowers of Sonoma County, many of which can be found on Sonoma Land Trust’s protected preserves and in Sea Ranch too. For more resources on native California wildflowers, head over to the resources section at the end of this guide.
What Is the History Behind Sea Ranch’s Landscaping?
After the purchase of the ten-mile stretch of the California coast, about 100 miles north of San Francisco, Lawrence Halprin was hired to create a master plan for a residential community. Integrated into his emerging environmental principals were also plans for minimal intrusion into the native environment.
Guidelines for native planting
Halprin developed guidelines and recommendations for growth within the Master Plan for The Sea Ranch adhered to still. The Sea Ranch Association, a homeowners association, includes active Landscape and Archives Committees, which are continually monitoring the implementation of the original concept with regards to new development, and improving and elevating the recognition for Halprin’s contributions within the community. The Association guides owners to select only native, indigenous coastal plants around the perimeter and outside the enclosed courtyards of their homes. While The Sea Ranch community has taken on different stylistic trends over the years, the original intention for an ecologically sensitive and progressive community has remained a constant.
What Are Your Tips for Spring Flower Viewing?
Before you take off to discover the beauty of our coastal flowers, be sure you are prepared. Below is our suggestion list of what to prepare for and pack before you head out the door.
Note for guests staying at our Sea Ranch Abalone Bay vacation home, will find available for your use items that have an asterisk (*) by it.
- Prepare for allergies: Spring is a season of blooming flowers and trees that can trigger allergies in some people. If you’re prone to allergies, you can consider taking allergy medication or bringing an air purifier.
- Plan your route: Consider a scenic road trip to spot seasonal blooms.
- Bring items to identify flowers: Bring a pair of binoculars*, a wildflower identification book*, a journal*, colored pencils for sketching* and camera- we suggest a cell phone with the iNaturalist app to help in quick identification.
- Be sure to dress comfortably, wear good hiking boots, and bring a hiking stick*.
- Book early: Make sure you book early and do research.
- Follow the rules and local laws: Be sure your do not trespass onto private property, stay on the trails, make sure that the hiking area allows pets, and leave the blooms there for others to enjoy too.
- Check both yourself and your dog for any hitch-hiking pests.
Rules for Spring Flower Tourism in Sonoma County and Sea Ranch
Flower tourism as with any form of tourism, must be planned for not only your personal enjoyment and interaction with nature, but also to avoid super bloom bedlam in the area you visit. We encourage you to not only learn about the cultural relationships the blooms have with a community, but also the plant’s history, and its place in nature. We also recommend you plan your flower-oriented trip in relationship to the community you are visiting. With a visit to Sea Ranch this later recommendation is an imperative given the specific rules the home owner association has for guests and owners alike.
These rules include:
- Stay on the trails,
- Remain in the commons areas. Do not trespass onto private property,
- If walking a dog be sure to pick up its poops, bring them back home with you to dispose of them in your home’s trash
- Do not pick or otherwise harm the flora.
Avoid havoc, respect the ecosystems
As you plan to enjoy what Mother Nature brings forth this year we entreat you to be ecosystem savvy and aware. Understand the ecology at work behind our beautiful scenery. And before you snap that Instagramable photo of a superbloom, make sure you do not overlook the damage you may do to the environment for a couple of likes or reposts.
Sadly, as COVID-19 restrictions lifted and wet winters brought forth an abundance of blooms statewide, a frenzy of floral tourism was unleashed. This led to areas flooded by tourists who crushed the delicate flowers and unleashed chaos upon neighboring towns. As a result, in some areas access to the beautiful blooms are now limited, if not forbidden.
Trip Planning from South San Francisco to Sea Ranch
We know the road is long (nearly 3 hours) from the San Francisco Bay Area to Sea Ranch. For that reason we recommend you plan for travel breaks to stretch your legs. It also allows you time to not only photograph the marvelous vistas along the way, but also to take in the perfume of springtime’s bountiful blooming of local florals and winery budbreaks.
To assure you have plenty of time to enjoy the trip we recommend you plan your departure early in the morning. It will help you avoid the morning traffic congestion as well. Otherwise, plan to add a day or two to your over all itinerary to fully take in not only the floral vistas, but the local region, wineries, and shops as well.
Below are our recommendations for stops along the way from South San Francisco Area to Sea Ranch.
Mori Point- South San Francisco Area
Just south of Pacifica, we recommend you plan a stop at Mori Point. Here you’ll discover the following wild flower blooms in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area,
What You’ll See:
- Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
- Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora)
- Butter cups (Ranunculus californicus)
- Coastal tidy tips (Layia platyglossa)
- California gold fields (Lasthenia californica)
Additionally, the Presidio, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, still preserves tiny remnants of the original San Francisco landscape in its nooks and crannies, and restoration projects are re-introducing native plants to areas where they have long been eradicated. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers abound in many of the natural areas.
Marin Headlands – SCA Trail
What You’ll See:
- Paintbrush (Castilleja subinclusa)
- Checker Bloom (Sidalcea malviflora)
- Blue dicks (Dipterostemon capitatus)
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Springtime blooms continue through April. To access this trail, you’ll want to park at the Headlands parking lot off of Conzoleman Road at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. As for the trail itself, expect a moderate to difficult hike that includes moderately steep switch backs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, you can see plenty of flowers early on in the hike if you need to turn around.
The trail also includes “epic views” of the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island.
Special Notes on the California Poppy
The California poppy has been the Golden State’s state flower for 120 years. The genus is named after Dr. J.F. Eschscholtz who lived from 1793 to 1831. He performed duties as a surgeon and naturalist with Russian expeditions to the Pacific coast from 1815 to 1818.
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife suggest its bright orange petals were viewed as a floral representation of the “fields of gold” sought during the gold rush. This plant a highly recognizable symbol of California has a long bloom period spanning from spring into summer and will last another few months. You are sure to view them along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.
While there is no urgency to enjoy this year’s super bloom, we want to take this time to remind you while seeking the beauty of these or other blooms- Only take photos. Do not touch or pick the flowers. Remember it is illegal to pick wildflowers from national parks without a scientific research permit.
Coastal Poppy, (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima)
Unique to the Coastal region of California, including The Sea Ranch, is our Coastal Poppy (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima). They are not the common California poppy everyone is familiar with but rather, a superior coastal form. In fact within the Sea Ranch regulations home owners are required to use only the maritima variety for their floral landscaping. It is a popular flower for our bumble bee pollinators.
Ethnobotany
The California poppy had cultural significance for many indigenous people of the western United States including Sonoma County’s native people, the Pomo . While some considered the plant poisonous, many routinely used specific parts of the plant as both a food source and drug. The roots, which generally contain higher levels of alkaloids, have been used as sedatives and pain relievers. The flowers,
high in carotenoids and somewhat sweet, were chewed as a gum or candy, while the rich pollen of the flowers served as eye shadow or body paint for special occasions. Entire plants were placed under the bed of children to hasten a restful sleep.
The coastal form of the California poppy is a mounding, low-growing plant with striking gray-blue foliage and blossoms that are the essence of yellow, sometimes with a deep orange center. It is perennial and blooms for at least 3 months. Right on the coast, new plants emerge and bloom for up to 7 months. It reseeds reliably, and is great in a short lived bouquet.
Vistas of Sonoma County Winery Budbreaks and Spring Blooms
What You’ll See:
- Vineyards- ready for budbreak
- Mustard flowers (Brassica juncea)
Early February marks the return of vistas of flowers paired with our favorite plant-based drink (aka fine wine). While Plant lovers know to head to Sonoma County’s many regional and state parks in search of elusive lupine and ubiquitous buttercups, oenophiles keep their eyes open for mustard flowers. They know that whether it’s growing wild or planted by thoughtful vineyard managers, mustard plants provide a feast for their eyes as well as nourishes the earth in which grape vines thrive.
As mustard flowers begin to fill in between the rows of Sonoma County’s wine vineyards you can be assured that budbreaks follow soon after. As you drive past wineries along the way, their sunshine colored blooms bathe our valleys and rolling hills with its bright yellow glow.
AVAs with Wildflowers
Mustard blooms flourish along Sonoma County’s Highway 101, Highway 12, Highway 128 and many roadways that border local vintners. Naturally all of this marks an exciting time for our local wineries.
Check these listings of wineries you may wish to stop at on your trip to Sea Ranch. Don’t forget to bring your smartphones for those instant Instagrammable moments.
Always Be Mindful
Again we remind you to be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property — no trespassing, of course. Also be very mindful that wine tasting/drinking and our curvaceous Highway 1 with its steep 80 feet drop to the ocean rocks below do not mix!
Riverfront Regional Park in Russian River Valley Spring Flowers
What You’ll See:
- Mustard flowers (Brassica juncea)
Discover Riverfront Regional Park located in the heart of Russian River Valley’s prime pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards. The park is minutes from downtown Windsor and Healdsburg. Before reaching the park entrance, you’ll enjoy vistas of mustard growing in the vineyard rows below the elevated, meandering road.
An easy hike with lots of wildflowers, the 3.12-mile trail at this family-friendly park next to the Russian River is great for small kids and slow walkers. Bring lunch (there’s a picnic area with BBQs, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit); bass fishing is permitted in the two small lakes.
Sonoma Coast State Park
What You’ll See:
- Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)
- Seaside (fleabane) Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
- Yellow Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
- Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)
- Wild California Grape (Vitis californica)
- Mustard flowers (Brassica juncea)
- Star lily or Chaparral Zygadene (Toxicoscordion fremontii)
Sonoma Coast State Park extends from Bodega Head to 4 miles north of Jenner. The state park offers rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, hidden coves, and absolutely stunning views along 17 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline in Northern California’s Sonoma County. The park stretches along Highway 1 from Bodega Bay in the south to about four miles north of the town of Jenner.
Besides enjoying springtime’s florals, beach combing, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching are all popular activities in Sonoma Coast State Park. However, because of the cold water, strong rip currents, heavy surf, and sudden swells, it’s not safe to swim here.
Volunteers from the nonprofit Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods often offer docent-led tours, adventures, and special events in Sonoma Coast State Park; check their list of Upcoming Events & Programs.
Stillwater Cove Regional Park Spring Flowers- Jenner
What You’ll See:
- Striped coralroot (Corallorhiza striata)
- Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
- Redwood violet (Viola sempervirens)
- Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Jenner’s Still Water Cove Regional Park is another favorite for floral views on the way to Sea Ranch.
These include many fairly rare varieties such as striped coral root, trillium, redwood violet, and thimbleberry. Stillwater Cove’s 3.19 miles of trails wind beside creeks, beneath soaring redwoods, and through lush fern canyons (and a short trail detour will bring you to the historic Fort Ross Schoolhouse built in 1885).
The Park, located on the northern Sonoma Coast, features a picturesque crescent of beach, a small campground and hiking trails through redwood forest and along ocean bluffs. The park is a popular spot for tide-pooling, picnicking fishing, diving and ocean kayaking. The historic, one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse is located in the park’s interior, moved there decades ago for preservation.
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
What You’ll See:
- Rhododendron (California rhododendron, Rhododendron macrophyllum)
- California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
- Pacific wax myrtle (Myrica californica)
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located adjacent to Salt Point State Park (Highway 1 near milepost 43, Cazadero. 707-847-3221, parks.ca.gov ). Come May, clusters of bright rhododendron blossoms will be competing for attention with redwoods and Douglas firs. There are three miles of hiking trails, but if you only have time for a quick jaunt, the Rhododendron Loop won’t disappoint.
Edward P. Kruse donated the land to the people of California in 1933 as a living memorial to his father, a founder of San Francisco’s German Bank. The land was part of a large ranch established in 1880, on which the Kruse family raised sheep and carried on logging and tanbark harvesting operations.
Kruse Reserve today
Today, this pristine reserve contains second-growth redwood, Douglas fir, grand firs, tanoaks, and a plethora of rhododendrons. Each May these spectacular flowers burst into bloom and color the deep green of the forest with brilliant pink blossoms.There are five miles of hiking trails through the quiet forest with a short loop trail that leads through clusters of rhododendrons. Ferns carpet the canyons where seasonal streams abound. In addition to the rhododendrons, other understory plants include salals, pacific wax myrtle, and California Huckleberry. Please remain on the trails so that the young plants may flourish. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails. Buses are not recommended as the narrow road has no turn around. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Salt Point State Park Wildflowers
What You’ll See:
- Sea thrift (Armeria maritima)
- Coastal Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
- Coastal Poppy (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima)
- Beach Aster Cape Sebastian (Erigeron glaucus ‘Cape Sebastian‘)
- Dwarf brodiaea (Brodiaea terrestris Calflora)
- Coast Lily (Lilium maritimum)
- Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora)
Wild rhododendrons and azaleas can be found on Salt Point trails during the springtime blooming season. You’ll find many other blooms growing in the nooks and crannies of the coastal trails. The trail between the visitor center and Stump Beach cove can be particularly satisfying, with both number, variety and often density of flowers, along with a lovely backdrop of stone, coves, sea lions and beautiful shoreline.
Trees and and more
As the terrain rises northeast of Highway One, coastal brush and grasslands blend into lush growths of bishop pine, Douglas, fir, madrone, tan oak, groves of second growth redwood and quiet meadow areas. At the top of the coastal ridge, at about 1,000 feet elevation, there is a large open “prairie” where elk once grazed. At Salt point’s highest elevation, you will find pygmy forests where stands of pygmy cypress, pine, and even the normally gigantic redwood grow only to stunted sizes. This is caused by the combination of a highly acidic soil that is lacking in nutrients and a hardpan layer just below the soil surface. Similar stands of pygmy forest are found all along the Pacific Coast from Monterey County northward to Mendocino County.
Flowers in Gualala Point Regional Park
What You’ll See:
- Coastal Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
- Coastal Poppy (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima)
We recommend planning time during your stay at Sea Ranch for a long walk along the bluffs overlooking the Gualala River estuary to enjoy the coastal scenery and wildflowers. This oceanfront park in the northwest corner of Sonoma County borders the Gualala River and Mendocino County. The park features an expansive beach and estuary, where the river meets the sea, and a small, forested campground along the river. Trails connect the beach and campground to coastal bluffs and to The Sea Ranch community just to the south.
The park is popular with day hikers, beachcombers, picnickers, birders, whale-watchers and fishers, yet is rarely crowded. A visitors center is open most weekends and includes information on North Coast history, Native Americans, the Gualala River and the marine environment.
Sea Ranch Flowers
What You’ll See:
- Coastal Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
- Coastal Poppy (Eschscholzia californica var. maritima)
- Dwarf brodiaea (Brodiaea terrestris Calflora)
- Coast Lily (Lilium maritimum)
- And much much more
Whether you are visiting Sea Ranch for a day or staying for a week or more, you are sure to be amazed by the abundance of spring time flowers as well as deer, sea birds, other four footed fauna in the fields, and finned fauna between the coast and the horizon.
You may even wish to purchase Wildflowers of the Sea Ranch before you go (note at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay you’ll find a copy for your enjoyment).
Know Before You Go
When vacationing at a Sea Ranch vacation rental be certain you familiarize yourself with the Home Owner Association’s rules listed below.
- All Sea Ranch roads and most trails are private, unless designated as public trails.
- Visitors not staying on The Sea Ranch must park in the public access parking areas on Highway 1 and stay only on the public trails and beaches.
- If staying at The Sea Ranch, be sure to display the tag supplied to you by your host on your vehicle’s rear-view mirror or dashboard. Failure to do so will subject your vehicle to citation and immobilization.
Favorite Floral Trails
Explore the most popular wildflowers trails near The Sea Ranch with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
They include:
Other trails that are sure to please include:
- Bobcat Loop
- Pilots Reach
- Spring Meadow Trail
- Horse Ramble
- Central Loops
- Central Loops
- Monarch Glen And The Dunes
- Chapel Trail
- Saloon Trail
- Pomo Trails
- The Del Mar Landing Marine Preserve
Resources for Sea Ranch Wildflowers and Other Blooms
Illustrated Plant List of Sea Ranch
Flora of the Vascular Plants of The Sea Ranch
Sea Ranch Lodge Map of Flowers Map
Send Us Your Recommendations for Springtime Floral Viewing
What are your favorite wild flowers and viewing tips you’s like to share? Just send us a note in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to book early to assure you’ll have a comfortable, well appointed vacation home for your Spring Flower vacation!
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