Tag Archives: Los Padres National Forest

Fish Falls, Santa Ynez Mountains

The large emerald pool below Fish Falls might be the best summertime swimming hole on the frontside of the Santa Ynez Mountains in Santa Barbara County. It’s deep enough to dive into from the top of the waterfall, if you’re … Continue reading

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Arrowhead Springs, Drought Resistant Summer Seep

The Chumash pictograph panel at Arrowhead Springs. The arrowhead-shaped mineral stain surrounding the rock art points down to a spring issuing from under the boulder. Santa Barbara county-wide precipitation for the 2013-14 water year stands at 41 percent of normal … Continue reading

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Calochortus Fimbriatus, Rare Wildflower

Calochortus fimbriatus, the late-flowered Mariposa lily, is in bloom at the moment in the Santa Ynez Mountains. A patch of the flowers thrives in the droughty dryness and summertime heat on a south facing rocky hillside at this particular location. … Continue reading

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Mono Narrows, The Old Oak Dies

The upper Santa Ynez River valley. Upper Santa Ynez River Looking up lower Mono Creek near the Santa Ynez River confluence. “During the month of November the trail in Little Caliente and Mono canyons was greatly improved.” Los Angeles Herald … Continue reading

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Black Bear

I was lounging around camp in midafternoon boiling the billy. Had me a relaxation station set up in the shade of a tree, an air mattress propped up against a boulder as a makeshift recliner, and a long view down … Continue reading

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