issue #7 Photo Essay ~ Pinnacles National Park

Gorgeous landscapes after all the storms in California

After all the rain in California the normally dry landscape in Pinnacles National Park has become lush and green.

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These atmospheric rivers gushing over California have wreaked havoc in many areas (Just a few days ago we were evacuated from the cabin we’ve been renting due to potential flooding, and are still waiting for the “OK” to return.) but have brought a lushness to the land that I haven’t seen in years - or maybe ever. My wife and I decided to go check out Pinnacles National Park, which is a short drive away. We did a 10-mile loop, and the greenery blew our minds. There were even waterfalls! I’ve always considered Pinnacles to be hot, dry, and dusty, so this was like meeting an entirely new place.

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Sunset magic along the backcountry trails in Pinnacles National Park.

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During our hike the clouds rolled in and out among the peaks.

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We had to stop and remove our shoes five or six times to cross creeks that are normally dry.

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It was such a treat to see this park in such a different character. We’ve been hiking here for years and typically the streams are completely dry.

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The low lying wetlands were coming to life after all the storms, while the high peaks were covered by clouds.

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On the west side of the park the live oaks were covered in beautiful green lichens.

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A waterfall! In all our years of coming here we’ve never seen anything like this!

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I hope you enjoyed this gallery of beautiful scenes from a little known national park. Please keep California in your thoughts as the next round of the atmospheric river passes through over the following days.

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