Spring Beauty Blossoms in Two North Coast Parks

California’s state parks offer a diversity of spring blooms. Two reserves, named for their profusion of rhododendrons and azaleas, offer lovely spring walks.

Kruse Rhododendron

The peak season to see the pale pink blossoms of Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve runs from about the end of April to mid-June.

The rhododendron’s success depends on its struggle for light in a dark world dominated by the tanbark oak, Douglas fir and redwood.

The Kruse family established a ranch here in 1880, raised sheep and extensively logged the coastal slopes. Edward Kruse donated the land to the state in 1933 in memory of his father, the founder of San Francisco’s German Bank (later First Western Bank).

You can begin the Kruse Rhododendron Loop Trail from the leg north of Kruse Ranch Road or from the leg to the south.

The trail crosses two gulches--Chinese and Phillips. (You’ll explore the mouths of these gulches if you take the Salt Point Trail through Salt Point State Park.)

Those walkers wishing to stretch their legs a bit more may leave the loop trail a mile from the trail head at the point where the path crosses Kruse Ranch Road. It’s possible to follow this dirt road for a mile to Stump Beach Trail, then follow this latter path 1.25 miles back to California Highway 1, where it rounds Stump Beach Cove.

Directions: Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve adjoins Salt Point State Park, which is about 90 miles north of San Francisco (or 18 miles north of Jenner, seven miles north of Fort Ross) on California Highway 1. Turn east off the highway onto Kruse Ranch Road and travel 0.5 mile to the trail head.

Azalea State Reserve

In May and June, the blossoms of the wondrous western azalea light up Azalea State Reserve on the north bank of the Mad River near Arcata (just north of Eureka). Wild azaleas are typically a come-and-go phenomenon; the flowers often arrive en masse after a major environmental disturbance, such as a fire. In the wild, azaleas are naturally replaced by other flora as the woodland matures in a process called “forest succession.”

Azaleas flourish in open areas where space and light are ample. To ensure that the state reserve remains to the azaleas’ liking, park resource managers control competing vegetation, sometimes even using controlled burns to create the appropriate environmental conditions. (Most parks revere trees; this one considers them a competitive species.)

The azalea reserve is one of many special environments along the Mad River, which flows 110 miles northwest from its headwaters in the Coast Range to empty into the Pacific near McKinleyville. The reserve’s azaleas are bordered by such Mad River-typical conifers as Sitka spruce and Douglas fir.

West Loop trails begin from the small parking area; East Loop trails start on the opposite side of North Bank Road.

West Loop (0.5 mile) first tours an intriguing collection of north coast flora, including ferns (licorice and sword), salmonberry, elderberry, myrtle and Sitka spruce. Halfway along, the path delivers hikers to the azaleas. East Loop Trail, three interconnecting loops, begins by plunging right into thickets of azaleas. Continue on a counterclockwise loop by ascending some stairs, then a trail up a wooded slope to gain a great view of the azalea show.

Directions: From U.S. 101, a few miles north of Arcata, exit on North Bank Road. Head inland (east) 0.75 mile to the turnoff for Azalea State Reserve.

You can also reach the park on California 299.

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Kruse Rhododendron Loop Trail

WHERE: Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, Azalea State Reserve.

DISTANCE: Through Rhododendron Reserve is 2.25 miles round trip with 200-foot elevation gain; through Azalea reserve are 0.5-and 0.75-mile loops

TERRAIN: Woodsy retreats where flowers reign; tremendous cliffs more than 1,000 feet high.

HIGHLIGHTS: Two of California’s more dependable spring flower shows.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rhododendron State Reserve c/o Salt Point State Park, tel. (707) 847-3221; Azalea State Reserve, tel. (707) 488-2041.