Island Time, California-style

Channel Islands National Park has been at my front door for almost 25 years while living in Southern California, yet I never ventured the 22 miles out to sea….until now.

Located off the mainland of Southern California, Santa Cruz Island had fewer than 150 people on the island the day we visited which included passengers from two ferry boats that made the early morning crossing, along with a handful of National Park staff and maintenance. To stand on this basically uninhabited island and realize that just a short boat ride away there are 25,000,000 people in Southern California, really put the pristine, welcomed quietness of this national park into perspective.

With my 14-year-old grandson, Jack, and backpacks filled with lunch and drinks, we boarded the ferry for the one hour, 15 minute ride across the channel. My other sidekick, g’girl Betsy, who would have enjoyed this adventure, was enjoying a long weekend with her Nana.

Known as the North American Galapagos, visitors we chatted with on the ferry came from around the United States to experience this unique national park. Established in 1980, the five islands of Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz, make up approximately 250,000 acres with Santa Cruz Island the largest at 100 miles, or 64,000 acres. The extensive marine sanctuary which surrounds the island is phenomenal and the crystal clear waters allowed us to see kelp 15-18 feet deep clinging to the ocean floor from our viewing point on the pier.

We chose an easy hike with a 350 foot climb to take in the vistas and to see the coast of Southern California from a completely different viewpoint. With a past history of ranching, a few implements remain along with a visitor’s center on the island. Lucky for us we spotted both the island scrub jay, a brilliant blue jay; and the island fox, the largest native island resident, yet no bigger than a large house cat. Both critters are to be found only here on the Santa Cruz Island.

Enjoy sea kayaking? On Santa Cruz Island you can rent a kayak along with the mandatory helmet to discover one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world, Painted Cave. Camping, with reservations, is also available to those interested in spending a quiet island evening with minimal amenities.

No time to visit the Islands? The visitor’s center in Ventura provides a well produced historical video of the islands along with topographical maps and the ability to work on your Junior Ranger badge.

It was great to experience this national park with my grandson. My only regret is not getting out to the islands sooner – and more often – over the years. One of the least visited national parks, it’s definitely worth the effort.