Natural History Wanderings

Having heard Chimney Rock was still flowery and never having never been out there later than April, it seemed like a worthwhile exploration.  Taking Lucas Valley Rd. over from 101 towards the coast there were California Poppies, Red Ribbon (Clarkia concinna), Godetia (Clarkia amoena)and yellow Bush Monkeyflower.  Entering Pt. Reyes it seemed like the main road was in the middle of the yellow season: very yellow California Poppies, Yellow Lotus, yellow Bush Lupine, yellow Gum Plant,  a small spikey yellow Tarweed and of course the yellow alien Mustard.  There  were  pink Davy’s Godetia (Clarkia davyi) as well.  There was also a good display of Tidy Tips  along the narrow road that leads out to the trailhead.

Upon arriving at  the Chimney Rock trail head, it was at first disheartening with lots of tall alien grasses and thistles. However, continuing down the trail to the point there were many species in bloom.  It certainly wasn’t as flowery as peak season, but it was a very nice day.  I identified twenty-six native species in bloom, (See plant list below), the winds were slight until later in the afternoon, the elephant seals were barking and could be seen below, the views were relatively clear, and possibly best of all there were very few people there.  Starting at 10 AM, there was only one other car in the parking lot  and  another person was not seen until almost noon when we got to the point.  Even when we left after one the parking lot was less the half full.  Pretty amazing for a Saturday.

I would suggest taking the alternative paths to the main trial on the way back. (Go to the left after leaving the point and take the lower path at the end).  There is also less wind earlier in the day.  If you go remember there is lots of Poison Oak.

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Chimney Rock Plant List 6/27/10  (click Read More)

(used Marin CNPS plant list last updated April 23^rd, 2010)

Blue-eyed Grass                        Sisyrinchium bellum
Brownie thistle                          Cirsium quercetorum
California Poppies                    Eschscholzia californica
Checkerbloom                            Sidalcea malviflora ssp. malviflora
Coast Buckwheat                       Eriogonum latifolium
Coastal Angelica                        Angelica hendersonii
Coastal Morning-glory             Casystegia purpurata
Coastal Wallflower                    Ersimum menziesii ssp. concinnum
Giant Goldfields                         Lasthenia californica ssp. macrantha
Hairy Coyote Mint                     Monardella villos ssp. franciscana
Indian Paintbrush (red)           Castelleja affinis var. affinis
Ithuriel’s Spear     Triteleia laxa
Lizard Tail                                   Eriophyllum staechadifolium
Pearly Everlasting                      Anaphalis margaritacea
Prostrate Gum Plant                 Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla
Sea-Pink                                       Armeria  mariima ssp. californica
Seaside Daisy                              Erigeron glaucus
Self-heal                                       Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata
Sky Lupine                                   Lupinus nanus
Small Flax                                    Linum bienne
Small-flower Linanthus Linanthus parviflorus
Tidy Tips                                      Layia platyglossa
Weight’s Paintbrush                  Castelleja wightii|
Woodland Hedge-nettle           Stachys ajudoides var. rigida
Yarrow                                          Achillea millefolium
Yellow Bush Lupine                   Lupinus arboreus

For more information on visiting Pt. Reyes check my earlier post: Visiting Pt. Reyes: Wildflowers, Whales and More