High Elevations at 30% in the Shasta Cascade

The best thing about a late start to fall color viewing is that if you hadn’t yet made plans to see the color, there’s still time.  That’s certainly true in the Shasta Cascade where few areas are showing much color.  Non-native trees are glowing first in urban forests, with some native aspen appearing in Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Here’s the latest from Shasta Cascade color spotter, Katie Shaw…

Butte County:

0-15%- Butte County- The area is still experiencing warmer weather and shouldn’t expect to see dramatic color changes for another few weeks. Trees starting to change are exotic varieties of Chinese pistachios, liquid ambers, and red oaks in the urban forests of Butte County.

Shasta County:

0-15% – Whiskeytown National Recreation Area- The park hasn’t experienced any further color changes. Visitors can hike along one of the many trails in the park to enjoy nature’s beauty and to catch a peek of the fall colors.

Tehama County:

15-30%- Lassen Volcanic National Park– There are a couple places in the park right now that are really showing some fall color including the road to Butte Lake and Manzanita Lake. The aspens along both roads are really changing into beautiful shades of yellow and gold. There are other faint hints of color here and there throughout the park that can also be seen.

Lassen County:

15-30%- Bizz Johnson Trail- A brilliant colorful landscape can be seen along the Bizz Johnson Trail with aspens, pines, oaks, and sagebrush showing off red to golden colors.

Lassen Lands & Trails Trust will also be hosting a “Take the Bus, Bike the Bizz” event, offering shuttle services to enjoy the beautiful fall colors while biking the trail.  Bikers must reserve a spot to shuttle their bike to and from the trail. Catch the bus at the Historic Sunsanville Railroad Depot (check-in at 8:00am) to Devil’s Corral. Bus fares range from $2-$3 depending on your destination to Devil’s Corral or Westwood. 530-257-3252

Siskiyou County:

0-15%- Mt. Shasta- The Mt Shasta area is just now starting to experience fall color changes, which can be seen in the aspens, birch, and maples. The trees are starting to show shades of yellow, orange and golden tones.

Trinity County:

15-30%- Weaverville- The trees are just starting to change, and are changing quickly! Most color can be seen from oaks, maples, and walnuts which are glowing yellow.

Plumas County:

30-50% Plumas County- Leaf peepers are busy exploring and recording their findings on the Plumas County Visitors Bureau website. Trees vary in color from yellow to vibrant reds, many including non-native maples, big leaf maples, and black oaks.

For those wanting to do a little fall color exploring with a little help, then join a FREE guided fall color tour, hosted by Lassen National Forest. Attendees can experience beautiful fall color, while learning how to best photograph the changing foliage. This event will take place Friday, October 21, from 8am-4pm. Sign-up at (530) 258-2141.

Modoc County:

15-30% Modoc County- The aspens are just starting to change yellowish to orange tones making for an incredible backdrop.