Sisar Creek Nature Hike

Sisar Canyon Trail. Photo: Lanny Kaufer

JUMP TO REGISTRATION

This beautiful oak-forested trail along Sisar Creek is one of my all-time favorites in the Ojai Valley. It’s actually located in the Upper Ojai Valley at the foot of the monumental Topa Topa Bluffs. Please join me for a Nature Hike there on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We will see and smell aromatic California Bay trees along with several other riparian trees, including Bigleaf Maple, not often found at this lower elevation. We’ll search for the elusive and uncommon Sweet Cicely and identify a wide variety of edible and medicinal plants. Expect butterflies; the spring wildflowers are busting out all over.

A pool on Sisar Creek. Photo: Lanny Kaufer

This hike is fairly easy but I classify it as a “nature hike” instead of an “herb walk” because of elevation gain at the beginning and a short creek crossing across boulders or through the shallow water.

I operate in the Los Padres National Forest under a Special Use Permit from the Ojai Ranger District Office of the U.S. Forest Service designed for guides who provide recreational and interpretive services to the public. As I do on all my walks and hikes, I will demonstrate and discuss the modern and ancient uses of wild plants. Poisonous plants will also be identified.

Trailside discussion will include topics such as the difference between native and naturalized plants, the role of humans in the ecological balance, sustainable foraging, and other topics generated by the participants. I’ve been leading informative and entertaining Herb Walks and Nature Hikes to Sisar Canyon and other locations in Southern California since 1976.

The cost is $25 for all ages.  Children 12-and-under are free, one per adult, by prior arrangement. No dogs or smoking, please. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with directions and all necessary info about a week before the hike and a follow-up email afterwards with a plant list and other info.

My 2021 book, Medicinal Herbs of California, along with the rest of my mobile bookshop, will be available where we park in the morning for sale and signing.

Weather policy: Walks and hikes will go on RAIN OR SHINE unless there is a steady downpour on the morning of the event, probability of thunderstorm, or a solid forecast of either the day before. Light rain or drizzle typically will not result in cancellation on my part. I will update registrants by email and text, as needed, and issue refunds if I need to cancel because of the weather.

Dog Policy: Years of experience have taught me that dogs on herb walks, even on a leash, are not a good fit. They can transfer poison oak oil on their fur, may accidentally frighten another hiker who has a fear of dogs, or may end up in a confrontation with another dog, all despite the best intentions of the owner and the pet. That being said, I do allow certified service dogs

Cancellation policy: I will refund your payment if you notify me up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start of the event. After that I will make every effort to fill your space (and I’m usually successful) but cannot guarantee. 

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REGISTRATION

Please REGISTER HERE FIRST before completing payment below.

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TICKETS

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Note: Online payment includes a PayPal fee. If you prefer, when you register you can email register@herbwalks.com to request instructions for mailing a payment of $25, as long as there is still time for mail delivery.