SAN MIGUEL ISLAND - SANTA BARBARA'S FOURTH ISLAND WEST

By Lois J. Roberts 

San Miguel is part of Channel Islands National Park and lies within Santa Barbara County. This westernmost island receives northwesterly winds and severe weather from the open ocean. The cold and nutrient-rich water surrounding the island is home to a diverse array of sea life that is not found on the southern islands. Submerged rocks make the nearly 28-mile (45 km) coastline a mariner's nightmare.