A Host of Hidden Daffodils

For wildflower enthusiasts, a trip to Point Reyes National Seashore is a must and one of my favorite areas is Limantour Beach. Starting in February, the land is covered with the brilliant colors of Irises, Indian Paintbrushes, Buttercups, Queen Anne’s Lace and Poppies which continue to bloom throughout springtime.

There is also an abandoned daffodil farm tucked away near the hostel at Limantour Beach. The daffodils only bloom for a couple of weeks at the end of February and sometimes into early March. It’s not a long or hard trail. The perfect mini adventure young kids can easily do. The daffodils are completely hidden from regular trails but if you venture out you will be treated to a large meadow of wild and exotic daffodils.

To get there, find the culvert right across from the Limantour Hostel’s driveway to the trailhead. It is not marked, look for trail leading into the brush. As you walk along the trail, you will see a beautiful still pond covered in duckweed. Keep following the trail and it will lead you to a creek where there is a rope to scale down. Balance across a log over the creek and then climb up on the other side. Continue along the trail and bright hints of yellow and orange should start to appear until it opens to a meadow.

You will also notice that you are not alone. Large mounds of sticks and evidence of other life are here too but make sure not to disturb them. Be aware of poison oak and nettles and no picking the flowers.

It is a really spectacular site to see wild daffodils carpeting the ground and after this years rain they should be spectacular! Observe this magical world around you. Bring a field guide to learn more about California wildflowers, have a scavenger hunt, start a nature journal or make a fort but make sure to deconstruct it before you leave. Then traverse back the way you came.......and continue the fun on Limantour Beach.