Channel Islands National Park sits silently off the coast of Southern California. While only about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, the park is among the least visited in the country. That might be because to get to Channel Islands National Forest, you must take an additional boat trip.
The islands can be seen frequently from locations like Ventura and Santa Barbara, and like every other national park, it has some unique things you’ll just discover there.
Here’s how to get to Channel Islands National Park and why you need to check out.
1. You Need to Choose an Island and Schedule a Ferry
(Source: Island Packers) Island Packers is the main ferryboat company for the Channel Islands, but before you can reserve a ferryboat, you need to pick an island. There are 5 islands, with boats running daily from harbors in Ventura and Oxnard, California. The most popular island to see is Santa Cruz, where boats run most days of the week. The ride has to do with an hour long. A private boat is the only other way to get to the islands. As soon as you exist, you’ll have to get around on foot. 2. Prepare yourself for a Ton of Marine Life
While a ferry trip might look like a trouble, in truth, this is where the adventure starts. On the trip through the Pacific Ocean, there’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife. Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to see harbor seals, sea lions, and dolphins, including whales. Periodically, there are even megapods of dolphins swimming around the ferryboat. A megapod can contain hundreds to thousands of dolphins.
3. There’s a Fox That’s Just Found on the Channel Islands
(Source: NPS )One animal you might come across on your check out to Channel Islands National Park is the island fox. The small, gray-colored fox is just found here. It’s smaller than most other fox types– about the size of a home feline. The foxes are known for taking treats and other food products from camping areas, so make certain to store your food effectively.
4. Take A Look At Treking Paths and Steep Cliffs
(Source: Lisha Riabinina) You’ll find lots of hiking in the park, especially on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. They may appear small on a map, however the islands are in fact fairly big. Santa Cruz is four times the size of Manhattan. Hikers will discover plenty of elevation gain and spectacular views from neglects and high cliffs like Potato Harbor.
5. There’s Plenty to Explore by Boat and Undersea
(Source: NPS) Regardless of having a lot of land to explore by foot, you can’t get the entire Channel Islands National forest experience without renting a kayak or snorkeling around the island. A rental service on Santa Cruz is not far from where the ferryboat docks. Kayaking will let you check out the rocky shoreline, and snorkeling will get you close to the kelp forests filled with marine life.
To get to Channel Islands National Park, you must take an extra boat trip. Here’s a take a look at everything you require to plan a go to.