Channel Islands National Park
Temporary Closure on Santa Rosa Island
The beaches and dunes of China Camp and Cluster Point, and area in-between, are temporarily closed to all visitor access for the protection of sensitive resources. Travel is allowed on marked paths.
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Weather Impacts to Island Travel
Due to forecast wind, waves, and rain, Island Packers has cancelled all scheduled trips on Sunday, March 2 and Monday, March 3. All campers must return to the mainland by Saturday March 1.
Western Gulls Nesting on Anacapa Island From April Through Mid-August
During this time, visitors will encounter seabird rookery conditions: guano, strong odor, constant noise, bird carcasses, and birds protecting their territory. If visitors consider these conditions adverse, it is advised that they visit another island.
Small Craft Advisory issued December 30 at 11:15PM PST until January 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions. * WHERE...Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island to 60 NM offshore including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands. * WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 7 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Small Craft Advisory issued December 30 at 11:15PM PST until January 1 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions. * WHERE...East Santa Barbara Channel from Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu CA including Santa Cruz Island. * WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Small Craft Advisory issued December 30 at 11:15PM PST until December 31 at 1:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions. * WHERE...Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island CA and westward 60 nm including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 1 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Flood Watch issued December 30 at 11:26AM PST until January 1 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of southwest California, including the following areas, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Central Ventura County Valleys, Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Interstate 5 Corridor, Lake Casitas, Los Angeles County Beaches, Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley, Malibu Coast, Northern Ventura County Mountains, Ojai Valley, Palos Verdes Hills, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range, Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Ventura County Beaches, Ventura County Inland Coast, Western Antelope Valley Foothills, Western San Fernando Valley, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Debris flow are possible near recent burn scars. There is a high risk of rock and mudslides in the canyons. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A strong winter storm will bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the area Wednesday night and Thursday. Given the antecedent conditions from last week's rain, the forecast rainfall totals and intensities could generate some significant hydrologic impacts. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Overview
Channel Islands National Park is open year-round and encompasses five remarkable islands off California's coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The park protects unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, often called the 'Galapagos of North America.' The mainland Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor operates daily 8:30am-5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Access to the islands is exclusively via authorized boat concessionaire (Island Packers), private plane, or private vessel—there is no bridge or casual access. Weather and ocean conditions significantly impact ferry schedules, particularly during winter months when rough seas can cause cancellations. All five islands offer primitive camping year-round through NPS-managed campgrounds (reservations through Recreation.gov), though you must secure transportation before booking campsites. San Miguel Island has historically experienced trail closures due to storm damage at Nidever Canyon, so verify current access before planning trips to this most remote island. Camping is primitive with no hookups; campers must bring all water (except at some designated campgrounds with potable water), low-profile tents for wind, and extra food for weather delays. The park requires biosecurity checks to prevent invasive species introduction. Peak visitation is summer, with spring and fall offering excellent conditions and fewer crowds.
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