Wildflower Madness in West Marin

It's mid-April and Northern Calfornia's wildflowers are pretty much at their peak. Spring is kind of an emphemeral time here in Marin, with the vibrant green grass quickly turning to brown by the end of May. For whatever reason we seem to have a bumper crop of magnificent wildflowers here in Marin this season. The wildflower show will be over before we know if, so make sure you get out and take a look before they're gone for another year.

Fortunately, you don't have to go too far to see some pretty spectacular displays. There are even some magnificent sights to be had from the side of the road (check out the lupine-filled fields on the east side of 101 at the St. Vincent's/Marinwood exit). West Marin and Point Reyes are always our go-to areas for wildflowers each spring. You are treated to some pretty amazing sights just on the way out there. We often head out to Abott's Lagoon or Chimney Rock for a hike amidst the flowers, but you can also see some magnificent wildflowers in easier to get to spots, such as the Point Reyes park headquarters and visitor center in Bear Valley near Olema.

We were amazed to see that the large field behind the visitor center—usually occupied by grazing Morgan horses and deer—was filled with vibrant California poppies, blue lupines, and many other types of flowers. It's definitely worth a trip. Bear Valley is one of our favorite areas for a short family hike, and there's plenty there to keep the little ones occupied. You can read more about it in our article here.