There’s a lot to love about the arrival of the spring season – nicer weather, longer days, etc. But we’d be lying if we said that the annual wildflower bloom wasn’t our favorite! Natural areas all around Northern California come to life with the spring wildflower bloom. For the most part, all you have to do is get in your car and drive in any direction to witness some of it! However, an area that’s sure to blow you away is Russian Ridge Preserve, a massive open area with a breathtaking array of wildflowers.

Nature sure knows how to put on a show during the spring wildflower bloom, especially at Russian Ridge Preserve in San Mateo County.

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Consisting of 3,137 acres, the preserve is a humongous open space where nature lovers can bask in views of rolling hills, the San Francisco Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and vibrant plant life.

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The preserve is a beauty no matter what time of year it is. In the summer, the golden hills are downright mesmerizing. In the autumn, the fog-covered landscape is like a dream. But in the spring…

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In the spring, you’ll enjoy a fantastic display of colorful native flowers! Poppies and lupine steal the show during this time of year. From May to June, plants like gumweed, mules ears, farewell-to-spring, and brodiaea bloom make an appearance.

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Easy-to-follow hiking trails are perfect for exploring Russian Ridge and its abundant beauty. All of this rich plant life also means that wildlife loves this area. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes patrolling the ridges and red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and golden eagles soaring across the sky.

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Also, be sure to seek out Borel Hill. It’s the highest named point in San Mateo County and the views from the top are simply sublime.

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Russian Ridge Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset. You’ll find the main parking area on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection. For more information, visit the preserve’s website.

Dipika Bhattacharya/Flickr

What’s your favorite place to see the spring wildflower bloom in Northern California? Feel free to share your favorite spots with us below!

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Kiel/Flickr

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