California Super Bloom: Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Since visiting the super bloom in Carizzo Plain National Monument, I've had a bit of wildflower fever. I've spent time searching for the next outbreak, curious where and when it will hit full force in Northern California.

Much like this past winter, the higher parts of Northern California are still getting snow. We've had plenty of rain continuing to shower us at sea level. Tuolumne Meadows isn't slated to open until the end of July due to snow closures, and Big Sur is closed off thanks to a road washout.

But word on the street is that the flowers are starting to poke out on one of my favorite trails in Marin County. I didn't expect it to be as grandiose as the desert flowers we saw a few weeks ago, but I also didn't expect it to be as wonderful as it was.

Two girlfriends and I headed out on a long run this morning, on full alert for these tiny flowers.

Some were barely noticeable.

Tiny flower hidden in knee-tall grass, Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Others were far more noticeable, sweeping across massive fields of green.

California poppies and lupine, Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Running for a better view, Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Overlooking Stinson Beach, Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Coastal Trail, whether a faded expanse of golden hills in summer or lush green mounds in winter, never disappoints. The miles of rolling foothills and unending ocean views always impresses me. And spending the morning with two great friends who were game for my wildflower hunt is something that makes me love California just a little bit more today.