Fall colors in Plumas County are in the beginning to mid-stage of their transformation, so if you haven’t made your way here yet to view the picturesque landscape, now is the perfect time to plan your trip.
Fall arrives a little later here, which just guarantees that you won’t miss the show. Plumas County enjoys an extended season thanks to its diverse micro-climates. With elevations ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 feet, the ridges and valleys experience the magic of fall at their own pace, offering a long, beautiful window to take it all in.
This area is a perfect example of how the colors in California descend by elevation each week of the season.
Leaf peepers should plan to do more than just a drive-by when enjoying the fall colors in Plumas County. Try hopping on a bike or lacing up your hiking boots (or even just your favorite sneakers) and hitting the trails. The area offers trail options for novices or those who want to be challenged while enjoying the view.
A perfect trail for hikers of all levels is the Madora Lake Loop Trail. This 1.7-mile hike allows you to get up close and personal with the foliage, offering beautiful views that make you feel completely immersed in the colors of fall.
It’s All About the Reds
Red is a favorite color for many, but when it shows up in nature—from coral red to deep maroon—it’s hard to beat, even when compared to Taylor Swift’s iconic red lipstick! The science behind those fiery red fall color shades is fascinating: the red pigments we see aren’t actually part of the leaf itself. They’re created by sugars trapped in the leaf veins when the veins close off during the fall. The intensity of the red depends on the sugar concentration, the acidity in the leaf sap, and, of course, how much sunlight the leaves soak up. It’s truly a masterpiece of nature.
Don’t miss the reds and all the other beauty in Plumas County this year.