channel islands beta?

Has anyone checked them out? They look pretty cool.
I haven't done much research, but I guess there's like seven different islands, is one better than the other? Which ones are least crowded/best for tromping around and camping? Can you visit more than one on a weekend? Would probably only be able to get out for a weekend-trip and would want to see as much as possible and backpack. Any and all info is appreciated. Thanks

(I'm pretty cheap/poor, too--so trying to budget it)

Also, I don't have any expectations, but this is MP--so IS there any climbing?

Thanks again.

Been to Anancapa and Santa Cruz islands. Anancapa is really small, too small for anything beyond easy strolls from the camp. And the lighthouse/fog horn are a bit of a nuisance, but you get used to it. My wife and I had the island to ourselves for three days and it was magical.

Did a three day backpack on Santa Cruz. Got dropped at Prisoners Harbor and spent the night at Del Norte camp, then hiked over to Scorpion Bay an spent the night there, getting picked up the following morning for the ride back.

Was REALLY windy on Santa Cruz when we were there, and we were lucky to get a ride out and back on our scheduled days. Some of the people we ran into had to spend an extra day at Scorpion cause the boat couldn't dock and take them back on their scheduled departure date (read: take extra food and maybe water depending on where you travel, mostly dry islands).

We want to head out to San Miguel or Santa Rosa next time out. The NPS has some good info, and Island Packers are the ones you want to use to shuttle out there. If you have kayaks, then they can take you and your kayaks out to your island of choice and drop you off so you can cruise the coast and camp at designated spots (limited).

Island Packers' web site provides a schedule and costs for all of their runs to all of the islands, so you could very easily arrange to visit several in one, multi-day trip.(You need to call the NPS and make reservations, too. Island Packers will not take your reservation without an NPS confirmation first.)

Not sure about climbing other than tagging high points.

But then we get to your point re: finances. Only you can answer that!

Went sea kayaking/hiking on Santa Cruz this May(last May in a few hours), and I thought it was beautiful. It is extremely unlikely that you will find anything to climb. Most of the rock you will see is soft, too soft. However there is great hiking, and the kayaking is incredible!!!
The Channel Islands NP is one of the top 5 parks to see wildlife, and it lives up to the reputation. While paddling we saw/paddled with sea lions, seals, and we had dolphins swimming in our bow wakes!!! It was incredible. I will warn you. While researching this you will no doubt come upon information about the island foxes. They are the cutest wild animals I have ever seen. BUT DON'T BE FOOLED! They are ruthless thieves and WILL steal any food(or gear that may contain food/clothes)no matter if it's within an arms reach of you or not, and promptly flee to the long grass. Be vigilant with your stuff, keep it in one of the provide boxes, and don't let them take it.
There are only two places to camp on Santa Cruz, Scorpions Bay and Del Norte, a few miles (mostly uphill) from Prisoners Harbor. There are trails that connect the two camps, I think they are something like 9 miles apart. Half the island is owned by The Nature Conservancy, and they are unlikely to let you stay there as they are trying to restore the damage from ranching on the island. There is a lot of day-hiking opportunity near Scorpion too, so if you don't have boats that's always an option.
The Island Packers website has a lot of info on the islands, plus what to be sure to bring. The NPS site isn't the easiest to find info on, but it is all there.

Have fun! It's an immensely beautiful place, and I don't think you will regret it. And if you have some specific questions PM me and I will try to help out if I can!

Thanks for the feedback/cool photos.

I just checked out the website and starting today they're raising the boat fee to $75 bucks a person, which is unfortunately too steep for me. It's probably nicer in the summer anyways.
I guess I'll just stick to climbing in the hills on the mainland and looking out at them (which is nice too)

Too bad you're postponing or cancelling your trip. Spring thru Fall really is a better time anyways. Catch the whales migrating in March and Sept./Oct., which is an added bonus.

For future reference, Anacapa is worth a visit but only for half the day. We went for a whole day and spent half of it sitting around after dispatching pretty much everything in a couple of hours. Kayaks would have helped.

Santa Rosa was great, though spend the night if you go. Very backcountry and only a few other folks will be on the island with you. Great exploring, both along the coast and up watersheds, etc. It's a long boat ride. It's supposed to take 3.5 hrs. but it was choppy on the day we went and it took 5. Lots of whitecaps and the boat cruising up and down 15 ft. swells. They have flights out to Santa Rosa, which is pretty expensive but saves you almost a day of travel, not to mention the possible stomach churning ride.