Upper Sisar Canyon drains the Topatopa Bluffs on the south flank of the Topatopa Mountains and Nordhoff Ridge, east of Ojai and the Ojai Valley. March through June are the best times for seeing native plants blooming in this area. The views of the Ojai Valley, Santa Clara Valley, Oxnard Plain, and even the northern Channel Islands is best when the air is cleanest, during the winter.
The rains of 2004-2005 were the second highest ever recorded for the area. The abundant moisture brought forth a tremendous density of blooms from nearly every native plant species. The Sticky Bush Monkeyflower (Mimulus longiflorus var. longiflorus), while always present, has more blossoms per plant then normal. The flower heads of Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum) are twice as large as they are normally.
All photos copyrighted by David L. Magney 2003-2005
