Topsy Turvy in Lake County

An unusual switch has been happening in Lake County, where fall colors developed first at Clear Lake (el 1,600′) than in the higher terrains on Cobb Mountain (4,700′) reports Terre Logsdon.

75-100% — Forest Lake. At Forest Lake (el. 2,700′), the cottonwoods are a riot of gold, backgrounded by dogwoods and oaks.

75-100% — Salmina Rd. Terre says that Salmina Rd, off CA-175 near Loch Lomond at 2,500 feet where Salmina’s Resort was at the turn of the 19th century, the trees are at their prime color – oaks and cottonwoods are golden with the dogwoods casting a warmer glow.

15-30% — Red Hills. The vineyards in the Red Hills AVA, especially the red varietals, are turning yellow and orange, with hints of burgundy veining the leaves. Pear and walnut orchards in the Big Valley bordered by Hwy. 29, along Soda Bay Road, and in Upper Lake on CA-20 are continuing to show yellow and golden.  With Lake County weather predicted to be in the 40s at night and days in the 70s and 80s, there are continued prospects for good color.

Photography: © 2009, Lyle Madeson