Central Coast Colors Up

Salinas River (11/15/12) John Poimiroo

The Central Coast is showing nice color, particular with in its redwood forests and river valleys.

75 – 100% – Santa Cruz Mountains – Bigleaf maple are putting on a glorious show of bright yellow within the oak woodlands and redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  Drive the Soquel-San Jose Road from Summit Road down to Soquel between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a backlit display that will brighten your day.

Salinas River (11/15/12) John Poimiroo

30 – 50% – El Camino Real – From Salinas south to Paso Robles along US 101 (The El Camino Real) are showing yellow to orange among native willows, oaks, sycamores and cottonwood along the banks of the Salinas and Nacimiento Rivers.  Several of California’s most beautiful Spanish missions are located along this historic route, worth stopping at, as well as wine tasting near Paso Robles and along the Salinas Valley.  This is John Steinbeck country, so plan a visit the extraordinary Steinbeck Museum in Salinas.