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The Longest Peak

When all other native trees are past peak, Black oak, Quercus kelloggii, hang in there.

Color spotter Clayton Peoples traveled to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on Saturday and was impressed by the fall color, which “was absolutely stunning. Although some of the black oak leaves have dried/browned a bit, others are still a vivid orange/yellow.

“Moreover,” he continued, “because autumn has been mild with few storms and little wind, trees are retaining their leaves quite well.”

He found that even “close to the falls, vegetation has begun to turn color, creating a colorful frame/backdrop for the falls. The same can be said for the creek, which is lined with a great variety of vegetation, all of which is sporting gorgeous fall color.”

That’s impressive, as Burney Falls is at elev. 2,783′ and yet elevations down to 100′ are nearing peak.

If you’re near Redding, Clayton encourages getting to Burney Falls now before storms arrive. As, the trip “is well worth it!” 

  • Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (2,783′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!