CA 'Super Bloom' Underway: Where To See Flowers In NorCal

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — After atmospheric rivers pummeled the State of California for weeks on end, the clouds have parted showing the spectacular blooms left in the wake of the historic storms.

Weather forecasts call for light showers in Northern California and unusually warm Easter Sunday in Southern California, and with the promise of sunshine to come across the state, some California residents are wondering: Where can I see 2023's super blooms?

The super bloom phenomenon is a term given to an above-average number of blooms of wildflowers blooming at the same time, according to ScienceFriday.

The last super bloom the state saw was in 2019, and such a phenomenon can only happen when the conditions are perfect — a super bloom requires a high seed bank, just the right amount of rain, and a dry stretch after that to warm the soil. If that is achieved, then Southlanders may start seeing hillsides carpeted with lush wildflowers.

With the record-breaking rainfall this winter, wildflowers are already showing off their colors across the Golden State.

However, before planning your trip, the California Department of Parks and Recreation reminded Golden State residents to respect the wildflower bloom by only keeping to designated trails while visiting any and all California parks.

"California State Parks welcomes all to enjoy the wildflowers, and, in the interest of safety and conservation, asks visitors to please respect the iconic landscapes and be knowledgeable of the area, weather and their body limitations," the department said in a statement.

Here are some of the best places to see Southern California's wildflowers as weather conditions warm across the state this weekend:

Bay Area "Super Bloom"

In Northern California, residents shared with the East Bay Times where their favorite places to watch wildflowers were. One reader raved about the drive starting at Dalton Avenue in Livermore all the way to Danville, commenting that the wildflowers were "spectacular."

"I believe the area is called Morgan Territory but it might also be part of Tassajara Valley," she told the East Bay Times. "The mustard weed is growing in mass profusion and the color combination of vibrant green from the grasses and the brilliant gold of the mustard is not to be missed!"

State parks across Northern California are thriving as well, and the CA Dept. of Parks and Recreation mentioned several of which are experiencing vibrant blooms, including:

• Mount Tamalpais State Park — Marin County
  • On Coast View Trail (from Pantoll), travelers will see footsteps of spring, Pacific hound's tongue, common star lily and dwarf checkermallow. More recently, the narrow leaf mule's ear, lupine, Ithuriel's spear, blue dicks, California poppy and Western blue-eyed grass are expected to start thriving this April. Park hours are from 7 a.m. to sunset with parking at Pantoll Station.
    • For more information on the current status of the bloom, follow the park on: Instagram and Facebook.
• China Camp State Park — San Rafael
  • Residents should look for California poppy, narrow-leaf mule's ear, yellow mariposa lily, Ithuriel's spear and Douglas iris. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset with parking in the main park.
    • For more information on the current status of the bloom, follow the park on: Instagram and Facebook.
• Trione-Annadel State Park — Sonoma County
  • March's blooms at this state park saw buttercup, shooting star, purple larkspur, common star lily, checker lily and Pacific hound's tongue. April and May will bring yellow mariposa lily, ookow red larkspur and purple Chinese houses. Park hours run from 8 a.m. to sunset with parking in the main lot and visitor center lot.
    • For more information on the current status of the bloom, follow the park on: Instagram.
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park — Sonoma County
  • On Lower Bald Mountain Trail, March's blooms saw Pacific hound's tongue, red maids, baby blue eyes, checker lily and more. April and May bring whispering bells, popcorn flowers, Diogenes' lantern, blue dicks, lupine and California poppy. Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with parking in the main lot.
    • For more information on the current status of the bloom, follow us on: Instagram and Facebook.