Channel Islands: Hiking Potato Harbor and Beyond

While sea kayaking might be the top-rated activity on the Channel Islands, hiking is a close runner-up. The sweeping vistas and earthy tones showcase the Islands’ remote, natural beauty.

Our time is limited, so we pick the most popular route on Santa Cruz Island: the Potato Harbor Loop. We leave our campsite and trek up to the ridge. This trail follows the backbone of the cliffs, with stunning ocean views the whole way.

That’s my sister in the pink jacket.

Can you spot the kayakers in the photo below?

That was us the day before! I like this perspective because it demonstrates the impressive scale of these cliffs.

Below on the left is a cave that we explored by kayak, now seen from above:

And we make it to Potato Harbor! The turquoise water is striking.

The water color is Carribean-esque.

I’m not sure what those structures are (perhaps home to the Islands’ rangers?). Check out Scorpion Rock just off the coast — you can see its “tail.” And that peak in the distance looks so dramatic.

This photo reminds me of the fjords of Norway.

And this one reminds me of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

And we complete the loop by making our way back to the harbor where we first docked the previous morning.

This valley used to be farm land until a flood destroyed it.

There are two structures near the harbor: one is the last remaining private home on the island (which the family is contractually bound to relinquish to the National Park system in a few years, as part of a deal they made decades ago), and the other is the official Visitor’s Center.

Here is the private home:

And right next door is the visitor’s center:

Don’t forget to stamp your National Parks Passport!

On our way back to the campsite we literally stumble upon two butterflies mating.

As we wait for our ferry to arrive, my sister and I watch kayakers return to the beach. It’s the trip we went on the day before with the same tour guides — hello Ben and Phil!