As a dog owner, naturalist, and freelance illustrator, escaping my home office and exploring beautiful (and dog-friendly) hiking trails is high on my list. I’m lucky to live in an area surrounded by incredible, diverse landscapes that I can get to in under 20 minutes. One of my favorites is the Serpentine Prairie Trail in the Redwood Regional Park. I love going an hour or two before sunset when the light is golden and the prairie practically glows. In April, I visited at this golden hour and was delighted to see an explosion of California poppies. The view here is spectacular–in one direction, I can see the tops of the coastal redwoods, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and grassland. In the other direction, where the sun is setting, is the bustling city of Oakland down below, but all I can hear is the wind through the grass and the croaking of ravens.
Address
Serpentine Prairie Trail, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, United States
Current city: Oakland
I’m living my dream of working as a freelance illustrator in the San Francisco area, where the redwood forests, dramatic cliffs, and occasional whale tails are a source of constant inspiration. My first book, ‘Wendell the Narwhal’ was published by Simply Read Books last year. Clients include Penguin Random House, Usborne, American Greetings, The Seattle Symphony, and others. As a certified California Naturalist, I hope to use illustration as a tool to educate and inspire others to fall in love with the natural world. 
 

More Places in Oakland 8

Surplus of everything - if you're looking for new speakers, scrounging for art supplies/materials, or building a house they have what you didn't realize you were looking for.
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One of our favorite breakfast spots.
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Our favorite spot in Oakland for (natural) wine.
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Favorite Chinese spot. Everyone agrees - best homemade noodles.
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Line out the door, but worth it for the chicken sandwich and shortcake.
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