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Hope Has Arrived

Red Lake Creek Cabin, Hope Valley (9/27/19) Philip Reedy

It was inevitable. The successive shortening of daylight was sure to eventually cause leaves to change color and that’s now happening in the Hope Valley (CA-88, Carson Pass).

Color spotter Philip Reedy made his weekly trip across Carson Pass yesterday and reports, “While there are still many more green trees than yellow, there are plenty of colorful spots to make a trip up to the area worthwhile.  I would say that we are still in the early stages, perhaps 10% change, but at this rate by next weekend and the following week, around October 4th to the 13th, should be excellent.”

Our assessment of Reedy’s photos qualify the Hope Valley to be at the low end of Patchy. By the time you read this and get there, the valley will solidly be Patchy (10-50%).

Red Lake Creek Cabin, Hope Valley (9/27/19) Philip Reedy

He recommends stopping at the “iconic Red Lake Creek cabin on the north side of Highway 88,” as trees surrounding it are coloring up while across the highway, the aspen are mostly green.  Ground plants are providing color, particularly near creek drainages.

Just past Blue Lakes Rd., further east, a large grove to the north “is showing some nice color in some areas and should be really good in a week or so.” 

Continuing past a bridge that crosses the West Carson River, “most of the trees on the mountainsides to the north and west are still green.  Finally, down by Sorenson’s Resort there are some groves showing bright yellow, many others still green, and even a few bare trees.”

Last week, we reported aspen blight surrounding Sorensen’s, but nearby groves to the west and many in Woodford’s Canyon are fine.

Reedy is predicting Near Peak to Peak color next weekend and for the following week.

Because of the late start and the lush, mostly healthy foliage, the Hope Valley should be good into mid October.

  • Hope Valley (7,300′) – Patchy (10-50%)