Where to Swoon Over “Superblooms” of Wildflowers in the East Bay
A spectacular “superbloom” of golden poppies, purple lupine, verbena, and other blossoms in Southern California has sparked this spring’s obsession with floral finds. Lucky for you, we know where to go wild for wildflowers in the East Bay, close to home.
As gray skies give way to blue, spend April and May taking any of these six wildflower hikes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. While you’re out there, consult the East Bay Parks Wildflower photo guide and see how many varieties you can find. Just don’t pick or trample, please.
1. Black Diamond Mines Region Preserve
Every spring, wildflowers dot this 6,096-acre historic park in Antioch. Tiptoe through the buttercups, lupines, poppies, and paintbrushes.
2. Coyote Hills Regional Park
Stroll along this Fremont shoreline park of marshland and grassland dotted with colorful pops of orange monkey flowers, yellow star thistles, brass buttons, purple geraniums, and blue dicks. Also visit the bird and butterfly nectar garden next to the visitors center. For information about naturalist-led educational programs, call (510) 544-3220.
3. Briones Regional Park
Mucking through a little mud will be worthwhile when you visit the best wildflower trails in Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County. You get hills, views, and blooms! The Greenbelt Alliance organizes wildflower rambles each spring. There are several trailheads, including from the Reliez Valley area of Lafayette.
4. Mount Diablo State Park
Mt. Diablo is so well known for its spring blooms that local naturalists created a dedicated Facebook page called Wildflower Watch. Bring your camera to capture yellow fiddlenecks, blue eyed grass, red maids, California poppies, and mission bells. Popular sightseeing trails include Mitchell Canyon and Falls. Park at the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area in Clayton.
5. Sunol Regional Wilderness
Green hills, waterfalls, and wildflowers make Sunol a sensational spring destination. Head to the annual Sunol Wildflower Festival (taking place on April 14, 2019) and experience guided hikes, games, crafts, and other activities on the valley floor.
6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Check out the flower power in Castro Valley’s 3,314-acre park, located just 20 minutes from downtown Oakland. Natives include pink and purple thistles, crimson columbines, and baby blue-eyes. Just don’t let your dog nibble the pretty petals at this pooch friendly park.
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Where do you go wildflower hunting? Tell us about your special spots in the comment section below. And if you are interested in East Bay homes for sale near any of these regional parks or open spaces, contact Abio Properties at 888-400-ABIO (2246) or hello@abioproperties.com.
