New Fall Color Spot: Oak Glen
Color spotters Nick and Alena Barnhart traveled this past weekend to Oak Glen, an area in Southern California that we’ve not covered previously.
Oak Glen (Near Peak – 50 – 75%) – The orchard and farming community of Oak Glen, east of Yucaipa is in the midst of harvest, with apples, pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables dressing farmer’s markets. Oak Glen is nestled in the foothills below Little San Gorgonio Peak, north of I-10 on the way to Palm Springs. The trees there are a mix of varieties, including orchard trees, natives and exotics. They’re turning along creek beds and in the fields and orchards. A confetti of lime, yellow and occasional orange/red dress their branches and hills beneath them. In addition to the orchards and hillsides, photographing roadside farmer’s markets like Apple Annie’s provides wonderful fall color images. GO NOW!
Wind Tonight! Color Tomorrow?
Reports from Mono County are indicating strong winds tonight. Though, will that mean color will be gone with the wind? Mono County had a spectacular past weekend for color and peak conditions continue in several areas. Color spotter Alicia Vennos reports a few areas of the Eastern Sierra at lower elevations have yet to turn, including: Lower Rock Creek Rd, Lower Tioga Pass Rd and Lower Lundy Lake Rd. She will be providing an assessment which we’ll report when received, tomorrow. Look to our Twitter feeds for the latest updates.
Rock Creek Rd. (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Rock Creek Rd. is at full peak from Tom’s Place to East Fork, three miles from U.S. 395. GO NOW!Upper Rock Creek Canyon – Past Peak – Above East Fork, it’s past peak. A sure sign is that Pie in the Sky has stopped baking pies. They pass thanks to everyone who dropped in for a slice this past year. Until next spring, no more pies (sniff). YOU MISSED IT!
Lower Rock Creek Rd. (Just Starting – 10 – 50%) – The aspen groves that line Rock Creek south of Tom’s Place are just now turning and should survive the wind. This hike should be lovely this weekend. Alicia warns to look out for mountain bikes, as this is a multi-use trail.
Crowley Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%) – The little green church at Crowley lake is embraced by fall color. GO NOW!
Convict Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Convict Lake Resort has beautiful fall color. Let’s hope tonight’s winds leave it on the branches. The Canyon as a whole is at peak with vibrant colors. Color spotter Charles “JR” Porter notes the change this year has been somewhat different from the past few years. He’s seeing more yellow and brown with the green. In some areas of the canyon you will find foliage that is still green and in the same vicinity you will see leafs that have already run their course. Stating at the bottom of the canyon you find plenty of spectacular colors as you make you way up to the lake. There is a combination of intense yellows, brilliant oranges and recently more traces of brown along the lower creek. The campground/resort section of the canyon is very close to peak. The fall colors in this area are spectacular and are starting to show bright yellows and oranges. The foliage along the lake has increased in intensity. The shoreline is traced with a line on yellow, brown, green and orange. At the back of the lake a dazzling ribbon of yellow is snaking its way up the lower section of the canyon. The higher elevation foliage at the back of the lake has reached it’s peak. GO NOW!
Parker Lake (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT! June Lake Loop (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Color along the June Lake Loop is mature with red, orange and yellow. Some areas have begun to drop leaves. A few sections along the loop remain green and lime, though most are at full peak. GO NOW!
Walker Lake (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Cottonwood are showing nicely gold. GO NOW!
Tioga Pass/Lee Vining Road – Past Peak YOU MISSED IT!
Lundy Canyon (Peak – 75 – 100%) – The Lundy Lake Rd and trail are at peak. GO NOW! Conway Summit (Peak – 75 – 100%) – Jamie Lau caught this beautiful shot of a yellow aspen-lined path at Lundy Lake, today. who knows whether it will be there by tomorrow.
GO NOW! Virginia Lakes (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT!
Green Creek, Buckeye Creek, Summers Meadow (Past Peak) YOU MISSED IT!
Sonora Pass/Leavitt Meadow (Peak – 75 – 100%) – On the downhill side of peaking.
GO NOW! Walker, Coleville, Topaz (Just Starting – 10 – 50%) – Cottonwood are lime and yellow.
Plumas County Near Peak – Go Now!
True to its reputation for great fall color, Plumas County leads the Shasta Cascade with the region’s first GO NOW! alert. Color spotter Lisa May sends this update, appended with additional reports from color spotters and local sites. Also, several fall events are listed for those planning trips to the northern Sierra and southern Cascades.
GO NOW! Plumas County (Near Peak – 50 – 75%) Plumas is definitely approaching peak. Areas around Greenville are showing vibrant yellow bigleaf maple and pastel pink to vibrant red dogwood. Plumas County’s Awesome Autumn FB page had color spotter Emily Webb reporting on 10/11 that “Hwy 89 from the Greenville Y to the Taylorsville T is spectacular… The best fall colors being on the other side of Indian Creek. I would suggest if you are going from Quincy to stop about a 1/4 mile from the Y on 89, there is a pullout on the left hand side of the road or better yet, go about another mile, where you see the Dawn Institutes apple orchard on the left, and there is a big pull out on the right. Park at the pull out and take the short and easy hike down to the creek. The maples on the other side of the creek are like gold lace, with red dogwoods intertwining in between.” Additionally, the site reported on 10/9 that Bucks Lake Rd., right before the summit, has turned, and it is beautiful. The deep reds, rust, and yellow. Also, Quincy’s famous “Judge Thieler” sugar maple is now peaking (Lee Way, off Jackson St, behind the courthouse). Events:
- Mountain Harvest Festival October 18, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy, CA. For more information call (530) 283-3402.
- Veteran’s Day Parade & Ceremony Tuesday, November 11 Main St. in Greenville CA. For more Info call (530) 284-6633
Butte County (Patchy 10%-50%) Butte County is still feeling those warm temperatures, but with expected cooler weather coming to the Shasta cascade region, we’re expecting to see some spectacular fall colors moving in within the next few weeks. There are already some patches of yellows, oranges, and even some reds already visible in some areas around the Chico area. Events:
- Treat Street October 31, 2014 1:00PM-5:00PM in Downtown Chico
- 25th annual Parade of Lights October 18th 2014, 7:30PM-10:30PM IN DOWNTOWN CHICO
- KZFR Halloween Monster Bash! October 31, 2014 7:30PM-9:30PM AT THE CHICO WOMEN’S CLUB 592 E 3RD ST. CHICO, CA 95928
Tehama County (Patchy 10%-50%) Though in the warmer valley there hasn’t been much change there are some non-native trees beginning to change for the fall season. Some of the Scrub oaks near the Cottonwood area seeing hints of light green and yellow. As the temperatures begin to cool we will see more Fall colors. Events:
- ArtWalk 2014 Friday and Saturday, November 7-8 Main St. Red Bluff
- November 1, 2014 FallFest Run-Walk Event/ Plant Sale, Sacramento River Discovery Center, (530) 527-1196
Lassen County (Patchy 10%-50%) Lassen is seeing some of the vibrant yellows and even some reds across the County. With the expected peak during late October and early November, don’t wait too long to come see this beautiful county during the Fall season. Events:
- HUSA “Safe & Sane Halloween and Coffin Races” Oct. 31, 3 – 5pm, Historic Uptown Susanville, For more info call (530)257-3292.
- Lassen National Forest “Over-Snow Vehicle Open House” Nov. 5 , 6:30pm, 2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, seeking public input on Nation
Shasta County (Patchy 10%-50%) Shasta County is seeing lots of wonderful Fall Colors. Many of the trees are showing signs of the Fall season with shades of yellow and even some vibrant reds showing near the Redding and Anderson areas. Peak Color changes are just around the corner so hurry to witness all the remarkable Fall season in Shasta County. Events:
- Spooktoberfest at Turtle Bay Friday, Oct 24, 2014. Admission: $5 ticket $20 Family 1335 Arboretum Dr, Redding, 96003 www.turtlebay.org
- 23rd Annual Return of the Salmon Saturday, Oct 18, 2014 at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery 24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Rd, Anderson, 96007 www.fws.gov/coleman/
- Creepy Hollow Carnival October 25-26 at Historic Hawes Farms, 21923 Dersch Rd, Anderson, CA 96007. Call (530) 365-8488 for more information
Siskiyou County (Patchy 10%-50%) The leaves are changing and are almost at Full peak. Due to the cool nights, Siskiyou County is seeing fall colors rapidly and the leaves are already beginning to fall. Many trees are full of reds and oranges and will be at peak before you know it. Hurry and plan your trip to visit the remarkable Fall season in Siskiyou. Events:
- Yreka’s Art Walk Fri, October 24, 5pm – 8pm in Downtown Yreka
- 3rd annual Walk/Run for the Arts Sat, October 18, 8am – 12pm at the Dunsmuir Elementary School lower playground: 4760 Siskiyou Avenue, Dunsmuir
Trinity County (Patchy 10%-50%) In the Higher elevation we are seeing more changes for the Fall season. Areas around the Weaverville area are seeing some patches of yellows and oranges and will peak a full peak before you know it. Events:
- Weaverville’s Art cruises, Saturday November 1, 5PM-8PM, at various location around Weaverville.
- Weaverville Nine to Five and Four Hours of Weaverville Mountain Bike Races at the Weaver Basin Trails, Saturday October 18, 9:00 AM-5:00PM.
Modoc County (Patchy 10%-50%) Modoc is seeing patches of Fall color throughout the County. Yellows and oranges are seen in many different types of trees. It will be at full peak towards the end of October so hurry if you would like to catch the seasonal change. Events:
- Alturas Veteran’s Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale Saturday October 25 9:00 AM-4:00PM at the Veterans Hall South Main St. in Alturas, CA. For Info Call (530)233-4825 or (530)640-0288.
Wind, Wind Go Away!
Lara Kaylor of Mammoth Lakes reports the color this past weekend was ridiculously good. Proof is evident from these great shots taken in Mono County (Eastern Sierra) by Lara, Steve Wolfe and Susan Holt at Mammoth Creek, McGee Creek, Lundy Canyon, June Lake Loop and Conway Summit.
Though (Say it isn’t so!), Lara warns of strong winds expected tomorrow. Now, that doesn’t mean fall is over when it blows. Trees that haven’t yet turned will keep their leaves and will turn thereafter. Also, the autumn forest has it’s own beauty, with golden, auburn, orange, red and green confetti littering its floor.
So, if you’re in the area, get to these areas today, to assure you see what Lara and Susan captured.
GO NOW! Full Peak (75 – 100%) – Eastern Sierra (above 7,000′) – This could be the last call to say Go Now at this elevation. Steve Wolfe comments, ” It’s been a “different” autumn here in the Eastern Sierra than last year. As, the aspen have a wide variety of color at even this late date. Whereas, last year was more ‘uniform.’ The wide variety of colors is certainly eye-catching.”
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San Bernardino Mountains – Simply Glorious
San Bernardino Mountains (Peak 75 – 100%) – Lake Gregory, Grass Valley Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear – key fall color destinations in the San Bernardino Mountains – were peaking this weekend, as these photographs taken by Nick Barnhart illustrate. Great fall color isn’t just found in the Sierra Nevada. The San Bernardinos are simply glorious, as well. GO NOW!
The Fall That Keeps On Giving
Color spotter Crys Black drove Hwy 88 across Carson Pass, though Hope Valley, over Monitor Pass and Conway Summit before staying the night in Mammoth Lakes, sending these images.
Cry reports that the Hope Valley and Conway Summit have matured to red and orange with a little yellow. From these photos, it looks like this was the last peak weekend for them. Crys found Convict Lake to be at peak, same for Silver Lake (June Lake Loop) and diverted to Dunderberg Meadow Rd, which is another gem. Enjoy.
Great Weather, Great Color
This autumn has had ideal conditions for development of spectacular color: warm, sunny days, cold nights and very little wind, rain or snow. That’s resulted in lush color throughout California.
Comparing 2014 to 2013, the color is peaking a half week to a week earlier. If drought has had any influence on color development, it may be the reason why areas that were holding as patchy went to full peak within a day or two. However, without wind, the color has held nicely.
Even areas that peaked are dropping leaves slowly, leaving developing color to provide a beautiful show, longer than we’ve seen peaks last, in past years, as seen in this photo posted by Jonathan Jahr of a trail near Spooner Lake (Nevada side of Lake Tahoe) on California Fall Color’s page, today.
Best bets for the coming week include: June Lake, Lower Bishop Creek Canyon, Hope Valley, Lake Tahoe and the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. Wind is, of course, always a concern and strong breezes on Sunday afternoon may spell trouble for peaked trees. Look for Plumas county to approach peak in the next two weeks.
Off-roading to Fall Color
One of the fun ways to see fall color is to drive off-highway on a Jeep road. Color spotter Steve Wolfe has been doing that this week and brought back these fabulous shots of his trip by 4wd up Laurel Canyon, south of Mammoth Lakes.
Steve reported, “The entire canyon is at-peak, with some aspen stands beyond-peak or already stripped of leaves. But, there are a LOT of red-hued aspen there,”
Several guides can be found online to backcountry trails. Look for streams and lakes that would support aspen, cottonwood, alder, dogwood, oaks and other colorful trees.
Shasta Cascade 87% Patchy
Every area of the vast Shasta Cascade region of northeast California is reporting patchy conditions with reds, oranges and yellows beginning to show among the Indian Rhubarb, bigleaf maple, aspen, dogwood, black oaks and alder.
Patchy (10-50%) – Plumas County – Unlike the upper reaches of the Eastern Sierra in which some groves went from first to worst in a couple of days, there’s been little change in the Shasta Cascade. Plumas County is a perennial favorite of leaf peepers, because of its covered bridges, country architecture and unusual foliage. So far, there have been just spots of change. The most pronounced colors are seen among the orange-red Indian Rhubarb that flourish beside streams. Indicating change are orange and gold black oak leaves and yellow bigleaf maple.
Patchy (10-50%) – Siskiyou County – Fall colors are approaching near peak, as reds and yellows can be seen throughout Siskiyou County, reports Ashley Hollgarth. Siskiyou seems to be having a staged show, as some trees are dropping leaves, while most have not yet turned.
Patchy (10-50%) – Shasta County – Local color spotters report positive change, though it’s still too early to report near peak in the Northern Sacramento Valley and lower Cascades of Shasta County.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Butte County – Color is vibrant, yet just ramping up toward Near Peak conditions. Lots of green still to be seen, though red and yellow appearing.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Lassen County – Unlike the Eastern Sierra, Lassen County, which spans both the Northern Sierra and Cascades, hasn’t had much change within the past week. It remains to develop.
Patchy (10-50%) – Modoc County – The aspen in northeast Modoc County have begun to color up, showing red and orange.
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Santa Cruz Mountains Coloring Up
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Santa Cruz Mountains – Summit Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains is showing early signs of color with mountain maple tinged with yellow, the edges of green black oak leaves painted with orange and yellow and spots of crimson poison oak in the woods. Grape vines are showing early signs of yellow, orange and rust in the mountain vineyards.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Santa Cruz – Boulevard trees in downtown Santa Cruz are edged with chartreuse, orange, yellow and red.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Hwy 9, Santa Cruz Mountains – Mountain Maple are starting to show yellow and lime along the edges of Hwy 9 through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Boulder Creek.
Patchy (10 – 50%) – Roaring Camp Railroads – A lovely spot in autumn, the historical village at the Roaring Camp Railroads has grand sycamores showing chartreuse color surrounding the depot. Harvest decor lines the attraction’s paths and approaches to its covered bridge.
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