This image by Phillip Reedy about says it all for the Hope Valley. Patchy, though a lot more color than was reported a week ago. 
Here’s some of what he saw on this weekend’s scouting trip:
Hope Valley (7,300′) – Patchy (10-50%)
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California Fall Color
CaliforniaFallColor.com is a seasonal news site that reports on autumn’s show throughout California. The site is written, edited and published by Lara Kaylor, a travel and outdoor journalist based in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
Planning a photo trip to Carson Pass & Hope Valley for Oct 1–5. Educated guess on level of color at that time? Other option is Oct 15–19. Cheers!
You should be good. Hope Valley is Patchy now, but a lot happens in a week. Keep looking for photos posted here.
Thanks, John! Will do. Cheers!
I will be in Sacramento the weekend of October 20-21. Can you recommend the best place to watch fall leaves within 2-3 hours drive?
Thanks.
Van
Van, That late in Oct., the best color near Sacramento will likely be north in Plumas County in Quincy and along the Feather River Scenic Byway, but that would be at the limit of your 3-hour drive. The same if you headed south to Yosemite (also 3 hours from Sacramento).