Upper Lassen and Shasta Counties Move Past Peak

Middle McCloud Falls (10/24/15) Dotty Molt

Color Spotter Dotty Molt took a road trip last week up to the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.  Along the route she took, Dotty spent a few hours in Shasta County, then continued north and back.

She reports that Susanville, Lassen Peak and Mt. Shasta are now past peak with much of the route visibly diminished by drought.

She writes, “The effects of drought are everywhere, even up in Oregon.  The leaves are kind of crunchy orange, brown and muted yellow, with black spots.

“McCloud Falls, near Mt. Shasta is still beautiful, but smaller than I expected, and the foliage around it is past peak, especially in the streams,” she continues, scoring a First Report for her photo of Middle McCloud Falls.

Smoke has filled the air and cast a blue haze across many areas, making photos appear foggy.  Dotty notes that the color can be adjusted in post processing, though the smoke “makes everything look dull.”

Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Susanville

Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Lassen Peak

Past Peak YOU MISSED IT! – Mt. Shasta – Some good color remains to be captured near middle McCloud Falls, but not for long.