Red Appearing in the Shasta Cascade – Still Early

Red has been the theme of this autumn’s show so far, across California.  The Shasta Cascade is no different, reporting ruby as well, in the north state.  Here’s the latest from color spotter Grace Smith.

Chinese pistache (exotic), Chico State University (10/2/13) Stephany Fernandez

15 – 30% – Butte County- A majority of the trees in Butte County are still mainly green, with a slight appearance of lime and yellow. As happens, some trees are progressing quicker than others. Locals recommend visiting Bidwell Park in Chico, Chico State University campus, and the Highway 99 and Highway 32 corridors.  As previously reported (See Special Events Category), several events are planned  in the Chico area.  More about them can be obtained by calling 530-891-5556 or visiting www.chicochamber.com.

30 – 50% – Plumas County – Most of the color to be found is at lower elevations of  the Indian Valley.  Richard McCutcheon reports dogwoods are starting to flush above Round Valley Lake.  He says it’s become “very pretty up in the woods, now. Oaks are turning yellow but not red, yet.” Bigleaf maples are changing rapidly in the Indian Valley, more quickly than at higher elevations. Exotic specimens are coloring up in Quincy and Taylorsville, as captured by color spotter Jeff Titcomb. Special Event: Indian Valley Leaf Peepers’ Ride occurs Oct. 5.  Visit www.indianvalley.net.

Maple, Taylorsville (10/2/13) Jeff Titcomb

0 – 15% – Shasta County – Not much has changed in Shasta County. The leaves are slowly starting to show light green.  Winds have blown some early changers from branches and stems. The change is predicted to intensify in the coming two weeks.  Look for the Sacramento River Trail near the Sundial Bridge in Redding and at Anderson River Park in Anderson to show beautifully this season. More info on Shasta County events is found at  www.shastcascade.com

Maple, Taylorsville (10/2/13) Jeff Titcomb

0 – 15% – Tehama County – The home of Red Bluff and the upper Sacramento River Valley is hovering  just below 15%, this week, with trees beginning to show change.  This area is exhibiting lovely shades of burnt orange and red, tinging mostly green leaves. Expect the change to rapidly progress within two weeks.  Special Event: Harvest Dinner Under The Stars takes place Oct. 5. Find more at www.landconservation.org/.

Taylorsville (10/2/13) Jeff Titcomb

15 – 30% – Siskiyou County  – Not much has been reported as changing in Siskiyou County, at the far northern end of California. If heading there, check out Bike-toberfest in McCloud: www.mccloudchamber.com/bike-tober.

Indian Creek seen from CA-89 (10/2/13) Richard McCutcheon

Western dogwood, Round Lake Valley (10/2/13) Richard McCutcheon

30 – 50% – Lassen County –  The leaves in Lassen County are changing rapidly.  Bigleaf maples are coloring up with beautiful shades of red. A lot of them and cottonwood are showing yellow. Special Event: Rails to Trails Festival, Oct. 12: www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org/rails-to-trails.html.