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Lighting Up in Lassen

Mountain Alder, Paradise Meadow (10/18/23) Shanda Ochs

The fall color is all lit up along the trail to Paradise Meadow in Lassen Volcanic National Park, according to color spotter and Park Guide, Shanda Ochs.

Ochs got out on a beautiful fall color hike on Oct. 18 to Paradise Meadow where all foliage was at peak.

“Primary shrubs in the photos are Mountain Alder and Pacific Willow,” Ochs says. “These line the edges of the meadow where water is flowing into Hat Creek which originates on the flanks of Lassen Peak.  The meadow foliage is primarily a mix of sedges and grasses with shrubs and forbs scattered throughout.”
 
“I went in late afternoon when the lower sunlight made the colors pop even more. This hike begins at the Hat Creek Trailhead and ascends 700 feet in elevation with the meadow at 7100 feet. The round trip distance is 2.8 miles.”
Pacific Willow (10/18/23) Shanda Ochs
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Sycamore Canyon

California grape, Sycamore Canyon, Whittier (11/26/22) Frank McDonough

Q. What does the Botanical Information Consultant of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden do on his day off?

A. He looks at trees.

What Frank McDonough did this past weekend can only be described as a busman’s holiday. He hiked Sycamore Canyon in Whittier on a day off, and when he came upon magnificent examples of California wild grape (Vitis californica), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica), Frémont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), he had the presence of mind to photograph and share what he found.

For that, Frank earns a First Report for Sycamore Canyon and our thanks. 

Sycamore Canyon is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail with a gain of 331 feet. It’s considered to be an easy hike. McDonough reported peak fall color throughout much of the trail, making it California Fall Color’s Hike of the Week.

Today, I spoke with Soumya Karlamangla, California correspondent to The New York Times. She observed that Southern California’s autumn color seems more iridescent and apparent than in previous years. She noted seeing vibrant vineyards near Santa Barbara this past week and said several of her SoCal friends believe this autumn stands out from previous years for its brilliance. She asked if we have any explanation.

I replied that this autumn has benefitted from mild weather (few storms and light breezes) that allowed foliage to retain their fall color. Cool nights and warm days have also combined to intensify color change. This has been common statewide.

Presently, both Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay Area are showing beautiful color, as McDonough has illustrated in his photos of Sycamore Canyon and the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

Southern California Black Walnut and Toyon, Sycamore Canyon, Whittier (11/26/22) Frank McDonough
  • Sycamore Canyon, Whittier (318′ – 945′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
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El Dorado Trail

El Dorado Trail, Placerville (11/23/22) John Poimiroo

The El Dorado Trail is one of two great multi-use trails in the greater Sacramento region. It, and the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail on the American River Parkway serve over eight million recreational users, annually.

On Thanksgiving Day, both trails will be busy with walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters along their 69 miles of paved Class I and dirt track. Presently the trails are Peak to Past Peak, with black oak, bigleaf maple and (along the river) Frémont cottonwood and California walnut carrying peak orange, yellow and gold leaves. An occasional bush provides an intense flash of vermillion.

 

The El Dorado Trail travels 37 miles along an old railroad route from Folsom east to Camino, passing through historic downtown Placerville. Approximately 13 miles of the route is paved Class I bike path (El Dorado to Camino). The rest is unimproved dirt path.

Points of Interest along the El Dorado Trail, include the Gold Rush town of El Dorado, bucolic ranches, a tourist railroad, cat hill – populated by dozens of feral felines, the Weber Creek Bridge on which lovers attach locks engraved with their initials, historic downtown Placerville, an old railroad tunnel, bicycle overcrossing of US 50 and a six-mile climb up a 6% grade. 

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail parallels the American River for 32 miles on Class I paved bike path from Old Sacramento east to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Additional hiking trails are available. Its points of interest include Old Sacramento, American River riparian habitats, a path trod by trapper/explorer Jedediah Smith, views of river rafters, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, the Lake Natoma Loop, historic downtown Folsom, the Johnny Cash Art Trail, Folsom Dam and Folsom Lake.

Due to their exceptional recreational experience and fall color, the El Dorado and Jedidiah Smith Memorial trails are declared Thanksgiving Week’s California Fall Color Bike/Hike of the Week.

El Dorado Trail, Camino (11/23/22) John Poimiroo
  • El Dorado Trail (2,000′) – PEAK to Past Peak, GO NOW, You almost missed it.
  • Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (200′) – PEAK to Past Peak, GO NOW, You almost missed it.
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Lundy Lovely, Conway Cowabunga!

Lundy Lake, showing lovely color as it now, is solidly Near Peak, but Conway Summit, well, Cowabunga!  Boy, does its color scream.

Southern California color spotter Gary Skipper went to the East Side this past weekend and the force was with him.

Figure Conway was at full peak when he visited. So, by now it has lost some of the luster, but Lundy should be magical through this weekend and the following week. Time to hike Lundy Canyon!

Waterfall, Lundy Canyon, Mono County (10/16/22) Gary Skipper
  • Conway Summit (8,143′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
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Lundy At Last!

Beaver Ponds, Lundy Canyon (10/12/22) Mark Harding

Lundy Canyon (northwest of Mono Lake) is now peaking and prime to be hiked. It is one of the best fall color hikes in California, if not the best.

What makes it so good is that it has it all .. gorgeous color, wildlife, decaying cabins, lakes and ponds, waterfalls (3) and breathtaking views throughout. Modern Hiker describes it as a 3.9 mile hike that takes 3 hours to do and has a 800′ gain.  We describe it as pure joy.

If you have never hiked Lundy Canyon, now’s the time, as it is now Hike of the Week.

 

Beaver Ponds, Lundy Canyon (10/12/22) Mark Harding
  • Lundy Lake (7,881) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
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Kearsarge Pass

Kearsarge Pass (10/10/22) Soyoung Kim

Kearsarge Pass lies on the Sierra Crest at 11,709′ beyond Onion Valley (9,600’). Because Onion Valley usually has disappointing fall color, few collor spotters venture past it in search of autumn brilliance. Soyoung Kim was an exception, posting a First Report for Kearsarge Pass and making it Hike of the Week.

The pass (named after a nearby mine which was named in honor of USS Kearsarge which defeated CSS Alabama during the American Civil War) is a favorite hiking route that travels from Onion Valley in the Eastern Sierra, west to Kings Canyon National Park.

The Onion Valley is at 9,600′ though she found an Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja naja) still blooming at a high elevation. The wildflowers grow up to timberline, attracting hummingbirds to its tasty nectar, so wrote old friends Lynn and Jim Wilson in their guide, Wildflowers of Yosemite.

Indian Paintbrush, Kearsarge Pass (10/10/22) Soyoung Kim
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No Longer Waiting

Sagehen Summit (9/27/22) Patrick Griley

Mono County is no longer waiting for peak conditions. It’s happening everywhere above 9,000′ in elevation and at Sagehen Summit (8,139′).

This is the weekend to see Sagehen at its best, as the color will be much diminished within the following week. There is lots of green mixed into the yellow and orange at Sagehen Summit and Virginia Lakes, which an optimist would read as indicating the peak will last, but both locations are notoriously short lived.

If traveling to Virginia Lakes and have an AWD vehicle, take Dunderburg Meadows Road to Green Creek Road for additional groves of peaking aspen with some red and crimson colors mixed into the landscape.

Peak is also appearing at Rock Creek Lake (9,705″), though lots of green trees are seen on the road leading up to the lake, meaning that peak will continue at this location for another two weeks.

The Bodie Hills, Sonora Pass, Lobdell Lake Road, Conway Summit, McGee Creek Canyon, Convict Lake and Mammoth Lakes Basin all made nice progress this week but are all still at least a week out before approaching peak color.

ROCK CREEK CANYON

  • Rock Creek Road (9,600’) –  Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Rock Creek Lake is ringed with bright color and forests above 9,000′ are at peak. Lower Rock Creek Road is still green, though don’t be disappointed as you drive up the canyon as it is developing quickly and will be gorgeous at the end of the road by this weekend.

CROWLEY / McGEE CREEK / CONVICT LAKE

  • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50%) – There’s good color to be found up the canyon, if you are willing to hike, making Upper McGee Creek canyon Hike of the Week. Mixed green and yellow leaves are seen at the campground, near US 395. CLICK HERE to read Modern Hiking’s description of the trail.
  • Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – The first glimpses of yellow are seen glowing above the community of Crowley along mountain slopes. 
  • Convict Lake (7850′) –  Just Starting (0-10%)

MAMMOTH LAKES

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) Go Now. – Snowcreek is speckled with brightly colored foliage and developing. Devil’s Postpile NM and Rainbow Falls are Near Peak. There is mixed color developing in the Lakes Basin. Some shores are now past peak, while others are still patchy. It’s definitely worth a hike when in Mammoth Lakes – gorgeous scenery!

JUNE LAKE LOOP

  • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – This is estimated to peak Oct. 15 – 20.
Sagehen Summit (9/27/22) Dakota Snider

BENTON & 120 EAST 

  • Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Brilliant yellow and oranges carpet the hillsides, making this location Peak of the Week. There is still some green in the lower section of the dirt road, but GO NOW! as peak will not last more than a week at this location. It should remain spectacular over the weekend and for a few days longer.

LEE VINING / LUNDY

  • Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – The colors get better the higher you hike. Give this a week.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES / DUNDERBERG / SUMMERS

  • Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Bodie Hills (9,419′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) Go Now. – Some groves near four corners are Near Peak, while the lower elevations are still green. This would be a great ATV/UTV outing this weekend.
  • Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75 -100%) GO NOW! – Yellow groves at Little Virginia Lake peaked today. Still mixed green and lime along the lower section of the Virginia Lakes Road. Some entirely green  sections of trees on the north side of Big Virginia. Should be perfect in the coming week.
  • Conway Summit (8,143) – Patchy (10-50%) – Still very green down below. Closer to 10% with some groves up higher, near 50%, but you’ll need a long lens to capture them from US 395.
  • Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – There’s better color up high near Tamarack, if you have an 4×4.

LOBDELL / SONORA PASS/ WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ 

  • Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Just starting along the road with the best color just below the lake. 
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Rock Creek Canyon (9/26/22) Dakota Snider
Rock Creek Lake (9/27/22) Patrick Griley
Conway Summit, Virginia Lakes Rd (9/28/22) Patrick Griley
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Mono County – Still Waiting

Quaking aspen, Rock Creek (9/20/22) Patrick Griley

“Still waiting” are the words Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson used to describe this week’s update,  as many favorite fall color destinations in the Eastern Sierra are still green.

He reports “Groves of yellow/green aspens above the 9,500′ foot level that include destinations at Lobdell Lake Road, Bodie Hills, Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek Lake.”

As was reported yesterday from Bishop Creek Canyon in Inyo County to the south, everything above 9,000′ is “not yet” ready to be called Patchy (10 – 50%), and yet one location below 9,000′ is.

Rock Creek (9/21/22) Patrick Griley

Sagehen Summit is the only location in California now classified as Patchy and, as Jeff comments, “it will be the best bet for significant color this weekend.” It is likely to be the first location in California to peak, as an early peak is its normal pattern, despite being only at 8,139′ in elevation. Therefore Sagehen scores the hat trick of Peak of the Week, Hike of the Week and Drive of the Week.

Conway Summit (9/21/22) Patrick Griley

A factor indicating change is the overnight temperature predicted for the coming week. Jeff said it was 32 degrees in Bridgeport on Tuesday morning at dawn, and as seen in Patrick Griley’s photograph, taken on Wednesday, there was a dusting of snow at Mammoth Lakes and surrounding mountain peaks above 10,500′. However, freezing overnight temps only last until Friday. Next week, the overnight lows at Mammoth Lakes will be in the mid to high 30s.

ROCK CREEK CANYON

  • Rock Creek Road (9,600’) –  Just Starting (0-10%) – Lightly tinted with yellow/lime at lake level and higher elevations. The best color will be found on the trails heading to higher elevations. 

CROWLEY / McGEE CREEK / CONVICT LAKE

  • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Convict Lake (7850′) –  Just Starting (0-10%)

MAMMOTH LAKES

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

JUNE LAKE LOOP

  • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

BENTON & 120 EAST 

  • Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Patchy (10-50%) – Presently, this is the best spot in all of California to see fall color. It will approach Near Peak next week, so be prepared to GO NOW! And, why should you go? Use the magnifying glass in the top nav bar and search for “Sagehen Summit.” You will find gorgeous photographs of past peak color there – which doesn’t last long. It is well worth an early trip when at its best.

LEE VINING / LUNDY

  • Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES / DUNDERBERG / SUMMERS

  • Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Bodie Hills (9,419′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Just Starting (0-10%) Decent changes at both Little and Big Virginia Lakes. Please remember to be respectful of your parking locations along the road and don’t block entrances to private residences. Hunting season is also in full swing here and along Dunderberg Meadow/Green Creek/Summers Meadow roads.
  • Conway Summit (8,143) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

LOBDELL / SONORA PASS/ WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ 

  • Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Just Starting (0-10%) Just starting along the road with the best color being found just below the lake. 
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
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American River Parkway

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California Fall Color’s Hike/Bike of the Week is the American River Parkway. This 32-mile national recreation trail travels from Old Sacramento, downtown, east to Folsom.

There is not a profusion of fall color along the trail, but what is there is beautiful. Presently, California grape (Vitis californica) are Near Peak and Frémont cottonwood are Patchy.

Occasional bold splashes of color are seen along the route, though it is the sheer beauty of the trail, which meanders beside the American River, which makes it prime to bicycle or hike. Officially called the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, the multi-use path is used by eight million visitors annually, making it one of the most popularly used recreation trails in North America.

All of the trail is fairly flat and easy walking or riding. Among the best sections of trail are from the Guy West Bridge at Sacramento State University, west to Folsom. Good starting points are Guy West, William Pond Recreation Area, River Bend Park, Hagen Park, Lower Sunrise, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Negro Bar SRA and historic downtown Folsom. Expect to pay for parking, except at the hatchery. A great ride is the 12-mile Lake Natoma Loop which travels from the Fish Hatchery east to Folsom and back, looping Lake Natoma with several historic sites along the way.

A favorite stopping point is Historic Downtown Folsom, with its many great restaurants (Karen’s Bakery is a popular stop for cyclists), interesting shops, authentic gold rush era architecture and several historic sites. E-bikes can be rented at the parking garage in Folsom, if you don’t own or can’t transport a bike.

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

Frémont cottonwood, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

California grape, American River Parkway, Folsom (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near Hazel Blvd in Rancho Cordova, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery just opened a new fish ladder which is an ideal place to see salmon spawning. Walk to where the fish ladder leaves the American River (bottom picture). There, hundreds of huge king salmon await their moment to run upstream and swim past spectators (watching them through picture windows) on their way to the hatchery. Inside the hatchery are interactive, museum-quality exhibits on the life of the salmon.

King salmon, Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Rancho Cordova (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Rancho Cordova (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Rancho Cordova (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

 

Nimbus Fish Hatchery, Rancho Cordova (11/4/21) John Poimiroo

  • American River Parkway (89′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10 – 75%), Go Now.

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Triple Crown Fall Color

Plumas County Courthouse, Quincy (10/16/21) Michael Beatley

Plumas County has received the Triple Crown of Fall Color, being designated as Peak of the Week, Hike of the Week and Drive of the Week.

Quincy (10/16/21) Michael Beatley

Peak of the Week – Quincy – The county seat of Plumas County is at its glorious best, right now. Numerous landmark trees, including sugar maples, bigleaf maple and sycamore provide brilliant displays of yellow, gold, orange and red color in downtown Quincy surrounding the Plumas County Courthouse and along nearby streets and parks.

Cascade Trail, Spanish Creek (10/16/21) Michael Beatley

Hike of the Week – Cascade Trail – This trail starts near the town of Keddie and travels beside Spanish Creek which is lined with beautiful Indian Rhubarb (darmera). Their large, fan-shaped leaves are vibrant orange-red at peak and overhang the blue waters of the creek. Cadmium yellow bigleaf maple provide spots of background color in a green forest.

CA-89, Plumas County (10/18/21) Michael Beatley

Drive of the Week – CA-89 from Graeagle to Quincy – A beautiful drive, Highway 89 passes spots of bright yellow aspen and bigleaf maple before reaching Quincy. Beyond Quincy, CA-70 drops through the Feather River Canyon which is part of California’s famed “stairway of power” for the many hydroelectric dams along its length.

  • Quincy (3,342′) – Peak (75 – 100%), GO NOW!