Where are the Channel Islands?
Learn More about
Channel Islands
Learn More about
Channel Islands
Learn a bit about Channel Islands National Park through these fun and interesting facts
Origin
Channel Islands National Park was established in 1980 to protect the unique ecosystems of the islands and the waters around them, though some were protected as early as 1938.
Origin
Channel Islands National Park was established in 1980 to protect the unique ecosystems of the islands and the waters around them, though some were protected as early as 1938.
Topography
The islands rise sharply from the Pacific, with rugged cliffs, sea caves, and peaks reaching over 2,000 feet above sea level. Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most diverse of the group.
Topography
The islands rise sharply from the Pacific, with rugged cliffs, sea caves, and peaks reaching over 2,000 feet above sea level. Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most diverse of the group.
Wildlife
Home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals — 150 of which exist nowhere else on Earth — including the tiny island fox and the Channel Islands spotted skunk.
Wildlife
Home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals — 150 of which exist nowhere else on Earth — including the tiny island fox and the Channel Islands spotted skunk.
Ecology
The waters surrounding the islands are part of a protected marine sanctuary, home to dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and massive kelp forests.
Ecology
The waters surrounding the islands are part of a protected marine sanctuary, home to dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and massive kelp forests.
Cultural History
The islands were home to the Chumash people for thousands of years before European contact, leaving behind ancient village sites, rock art, and artifacts.
Cultural History
The islands were home to the Chumash people for thousands of years before European contact, leaving behind ancient village sites, rock art, and artifacts.
Isolation
Despite being only an hour from the California mainland, the islands receive fewer visitors annually than Yellowstone sees in a single summer weekend.
Isolation
Despite being only an hour from the California mainland, the islands receive fewer visitors annually than Yellowstone sees in a single summer weekend.
