Ribes in bloom

Joe Kohn, field-trip coordinator for the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), has the best view in the county of what our spring season is famous for -- wondrous wildflowers.

While Kohn notes that variations in rainfall and temperature determine the beginning and the end of the native wildflower display -- and its intensity -- he assures that the following viewing points will most likely be awash in what augurs well for needed post-winter relief: "floral sights that will bring you unsurpassed beauty, inner peace, and complete serenity."

APRIL

Unarguably, says Kohn, Chimney Rock above Drake's Beach along Marin's Pacific shore "is one of the premier wildflower destinations on the entire West Coast," often offering "a vivid visual tableau of red, pink, yellow, purple, blue, and white wildflowers as far as the eye can see." With 50 or more different species of wildflowers possibly on display, the one-mile walk is a visual delight -- and it's the ultimate far-county destination, ending at the very edge of the North American continent.

From Chimney Rock, the April view (through binoculars) also includes elephant seals and gray whales. More good news: Due to the site's popularity, the National Park Service runs a weekend bus shuttle from Drake's Beach to Chimney Rock, and beyond to the Point Reyes lighthouse.

MAY

By early May, taking the Rock Spring trail along the Mount Tamalpais ridgetop (not far from the Pantoll Ranger Station) is definitely a must-do, says Kohn, along with a hike along connecting Cataract Trail, where the offerings include "precious calypso and coralroot orchids and the lovely mission bell lilies."

JUNE

In early June, Abbotts Lagoon in Point Reyes National Seashore is "generally fog-free and florally fantastic," says Kohn. The lagoon is home to seven species of lupine, including California's largest giant bog lupine and "the incredibly fragrant" yellow bush lupine. Also in view, says Kohn, are "showy pink owl's clover and fragrant plants that miraculously emerge out of the sand dunes."

Keep your eyes open, advises Kohn: As you reach the bridge that crosses the lagoon, look for coast rein orchids and then head uphill to the left -- if your timing is right, you'll have "an unsurpassed display of hundreds of pussy ear star tulips."

ALMOST ANYTIME

Other "glorious spots" in the county for wildflower viewing: Mount Burdell in Novato; Azalea Hill and Carson Ridge on the Fairfax-Bolinas Road; Alpine Pump Road, which starts from the base of Alpine Dam; the Palomarin Trail from the end of Mesa Road in Bolinas; and perhaps," says Kohn, "the most beautiful spot of all -- Ring Mountain on the Tiburon peninsula."