Channel Island's National Park Anacapa Island

Located in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of southern California, between Santa Barbara and Oxnard, are the Channel Islands. There are eight islands, Anacapa, San Clemente, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz and Santa Rose Islands. Five of the islands have been designated as the Channel Islands National Park. These are Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rose, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands.

The islands are a haven for wildlife and were originally inhabited off and on by the Chumash Indians. Anacapa Island is the smallest of the Islands and was created from volcanic activity. It's about 12 miles off the coast and has no population except for the park rangers. It was named from the Chumash word for 'mirage' island. Back in 1853, there was a ship wreck and it has been theorized that rats from the ship escaped onto the island. Without natural predators, their population grew. The rats were an awful problem to the native populations of sea birds, but an aggressive program of eradication managed to get rid of the rats in 2002. This allowed the birds to thrive once again.

The island has a light house that was built by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1932 and was the last one built by the Service. It's on the east side of the island and is still used. The island has a circular hiking trail for visitors that leads to several areas where visitors can look down and see sea lions or nesting birds. Tour boats from Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard take visitors to the island at various times and dates throughout the year. Advance reservations are generally needed and the cost is reasonable. It's an excellent family trip.

When landing at the cove, visitors must climb up a short ladder to the dock, but then there is a long stair case of about 150 steps that goes all the way from the cove to the top of the island. It's a long, steep climb, but well worth it. The view from the top is amazing and on a clear day, visitors can see the other islands and the main land of California, including Los Angeles. The hiking trail is relatively flat, but as there are no trees, there's no shade. It can be hot in the summer. There are also no concession stands, so water, snacks and lunch must be packed in and all trash packed back out. There is a small museum and gift shop that sells books.

There are also camping sites available, but sites are primitive, with a pit toilet on site. Due to the isolated location and sensitive environment, there are no camp fires allowed. Propane cooking stoves are allowed and camping reservations are needed in advance. Visitors arriving for a day trip have a couple of hours to wander around the island and enjoy the views. The trip to and from Anacapa also provides viewing of dolphins and sometimes whales. Anacapa is a wonderful family trip and well worth the small expense.