NPS Plan Like a Ranger Here are ten tips for a successful trip to Channel Islands National Park: Arrive with a basic itinerary for your visit. If, like most visitors, you travel on Island Packers, your time in the park will be limited by boat schedules. Knowing what you would like to do allows you to make the most of your time. Book transportation (and campsites) early. Island Packers boats. Channel Islands National Park was established in large part to protect the unique natural and cultural resources found both on the islands and within ocean waters, and the park has a long history of monitoring, protecting and restoring these resources. For example, the deer mouse and island fox are recognized as distinct subspecies on each of the islands they occur. A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in the park, including 11 land birds, that are Channel Island subspecies or races. Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. Santa Cruz Island is the perfect place for a one-day trip and short or long overnight camping trips. This is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities. As with all the Channel Islands, visiting Santa Cruz Island is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. Since there are no services on the islands, there are no remedies for poor. Channel Islands Live Webcams are an exciting new way to experience the wild, isolated land and seascapes of your national park and national marine sanctuary. Take a virtual visit to the Channel Islands through live webcams that highlight the remarkable natural and cultural resources of the islands and their surrounding waters. The island fox is found on six of the islands in the Southern California bight, including the three largest islands in the Channel Islands National Park (Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands). This page is currently being worked on. Please check back later. NPS Home Plants Channel Islands National Park supports a diverse terrestrial flora, including many rare, relict, and endemic species, as well as many nonnative species. Numerous plants are rare on the islands but have a wider distribution on the mainland. Channel Islands National Park offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. These serene islands are perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching, photography, sketching, or simply relaxing to the gentle sounds of nature, the islands provide an ideal setting for all.