7 Unique Ways to Experience Northern California Wildflowers

Among the sunny slopes and soft, rolling meadows of Northern California, the wildflowers are shaking off the winter doldrums and opening to a hopeful, new spring.

With this year’s intense winter rains, the wildflower show should be one of the best in recent memory. But if you think hiking is the only way to see them bloom, we’ve got a great surprise in store. From wildflower-watching on a vintage train to ogling the springtime bounty from a raging river, here are seven unique ways to experience nature’s springtime show.

This year, these seven unique ways to experience the wildflowers are best attempted between April and early June.

Wildflowers by Train: Western Railway Museum, Suisun City

Climb aboard a historic train for wildflower viewing vintage-style. The Western Railway Museum‘s annual spring journey travels through fields of blooming poppies, goldfields, sheep’s sorrel, and more. Docents on board, as well as a useful printed guide, will help you identify them all. Spend a few extra bucks on a first class ticket for a posh ride in a restored 1914 Salt Lake and Utah Railroad parlor observation car complete with a seasonal wine tasting, cookies, and lemonade. Scenic wildflower trains run from April 1-30.

Wildflowers by Raft: Merced River

In the springtime, the banks of the scenic Merced River bloom in technicolor. Tufted poppies, redbuds, and dozens of other species come to life with the snow melt between April and June, coincidentally also one of the most exciting times to ride the river’s whitewater (in spring, the usually Class III-IV rapids can reach Class V intensity). Get paddling on an Oars Merced River trip or an All-Outdoors California whitewater rafting tour, full-day rides that each include lunch.

Wildflowers by Trail: North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Oroville

Ok, so it’s not the most innovative way to see this year’s blooms, but what good’s a wildflower guide without at least one classic hike. At North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, the rich volcanic soil and seasonal springs and pools give rise to what is considered one of the best displays in Northern California. The blooms here—lupin, poppies, meadowfoam, purple owl’s clover, goosefoot violet, buttercups—blanket meadows, cascade down rocky ravines, and form colorful fairy circles around mounds of stone. For a long look at the springtime beauty, try the Phantom Falls Trail, a gently rolling, 4.2-mile out-and-back hike; if you’re pressed for time or have little ones in tow, take the 1.5-mile out-and-back Hollow Falls Trail instead. Wildflowers typically bloom at North Table between late March and late April.

Wildflowers by Car: Highway 1, Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz

The wildflowers along Highway 1 in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties are so prolific you don’t even need to get out of the car to see them—though you might have more fun if you do. You’ll find some of the best fields south of Half Moon Bay and at Wilder Ranch State Park. The poppies, Bermuda buttercup, and lupine bloom from mid-March through May.

Wildflower Picnicking: Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore

With colorful spring blossoms, barking elephant seals, and miles of California coastline, there are few locations as utterly perfect as Point Reyes National Seashore’s Chimney Rock for a wildflower-inspired picnic. Pick a spot along the easy, 1.75-mile trail—you’ll have an incredible view almost anywhere you choose—and settle in for an afternoon that will feed so much more than your grumbling stomach. The Douglas iris, Indian paintbrush, baby-blue eyes, and Johnny Tucks are on display late March through April.

Wildflower Backpacking: Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill

Fully immerse yourself in wildflower season with a beginner-friendly backpacking trip at Henry W. Coe State Park. From March through May, the park, the largest in Northern California, gives rise to flowers of every color, shape, and size including blue witch, buttercups, and checkerblooms. All you need to access a number of backpacking campsites is a first-come first-served $5 per night permit (plus an $8 parking fee); campsites range between one- and 7.5 miles from the Coe Ranch entrance. Download the Pine Ridge Association’s wildflower album to help you keep track of the flowers you’ll encounter along the way.

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