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Let’s Go!

Words by Laura Lampe
6 summer road trip destinations for native plant lovers of all ages.
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Browse, bookmark, and share these destinations on the Google Map below:

Butterfly Valley Botanical Area

Plumas National Forest, Plumas County

This boggy and beautiful destination, protected since 1976 and traversed by trails, is home to the striking, insect-eating California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica), as well as orchids, lilies, ferns, and more. (Heads-up: Be prepared for unpaved roads.) Blackhawk Creek Road, Quincy. 530-283-0555. fs.usda.gov

 
A close-up of pitcher plants in the daylight
Pitcher plants (Darlingtonia californica) at Butterfly Valley Botanical Area (Photo credit: NoahElhardt via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5)

Van Damme Pygmy Forest Natural Preserve

Van Damme State Park, Little River, Mendocino County

The miniature manzanitas, pines, and cypresses in this unique preserve may be hundreds of years old but are curiously kid-sized thanks to soils up to 1,000 times more acidic than other forests. Learn about their special adaptations on the Discovery Trail boardwalk. 8001 CA-1, Little River. (707) 937-0851. $10 vehicle day fee. parks.ca.gov

 
A trail at Van Damme Pygmy Forest Natural Preserve in Mendocino County (Photo credit: Alexander Wentworth via iNaturalist / CC BY 4.0)

Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Berkeley, Alameda County

Thousands of species spanning many diverse California habitats fill this garden’s exhibits, which kids can navigate with “I Spy” games and a native plant treasure map available at nativeplants.org/visit/forkids1550. Wildcat Canyon Rd., Berkeley. (510) 544-3169. Free admission. ebparks.org

 
A botanic garden with low shrubs, green grass, and a rocky walking path
Regional Parks Botanic Garden at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley (Photo by Cali Godley)

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

Los Banos, San Joaquin County

This refuge preserves nearly 27,000 acres of wetlands, riparian woodlands, native grasslands, and vernal pools. Keep an eye out for songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, and elk that depend on these plant communities. 7376 S. Wolfsen Rd, Los Banos. (209) 826-3508. Free admission. fws.gov/refuge/san-luis

A wide, brown river with tall, bushy greenery on both sides.
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge (Photo credit: Joanna Gilkeson / USFWS)

Prime Desert Woodland Preserve

Lancaster, Los Angeles County

This preserve protects regional desert habitat while offering accessible trails and interactive experiences to learn about the wildlife, people, and ecology dependent on Joshua trees and other desert flora. 43201 35th St W, Lancaster. Free admission. cityoflancasterca.org

Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) at Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster (Photo credit: Don Davis via Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Oak Glen Preserve

Oak Glen, San Bernardino County

This Wildlands Conservancy preserve includes the 220-acre Southern California Montane Botanic Garden, featuring unique high-elevation habitats with kid-friendly trailside signage, guided night walks, and family programs. 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa. (909) 790-3698. Free admission. wildlandsconservancy.org

Oak Glen Preserve in San Bernardino County. (Photo credit: Brian via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
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