A road trip for work this week took color spotter Philip Reedy along the the Upper Sacramento River on the way to Oregon. Along the way he found some beautiful color.
“I made several stops coming and going to check out the colors along I-5 and the river,” Reedy said. “The mountainsides from Redding to Mt Shasta are covered with oaks at peak color for the entire length of the river, so it’s a great time to visit that area.”
While there weren’t a lot of fall colors left in central Oregon, the canyon walls at Smith Rock are a brilliant orange all year, according to Reedy. “It is an amazing place and definitely worth the drive.”
Shasta County (2,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Upper Sacramento-Conant (11/16/23) Philip Reedy
Upper Sacramento-Conant (11/16/23) Philip ReedySmith Rock State Park, Oregon (11/16/23) Philip Reedy
Veins of color spotted in the Eastern Sierra (10/10/23) Peter Robbins
Earlier this week, color spotter Peter Robbins took the drive from the west side of the Sierra up route 50 toward the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing over to Hope Valley, then down US 395, spotting color all along the way. Robbins stated that none of the areas he drove through will disappoint, which is why it’s this week’s “Drive of the Week.”
Following details reported by Robbins:
Coffee stop in South Lake Tahoe (10/9/23) Peter Robbins
First stop to fuel the voyage was my favorite coffee shop in South Lake Tahoe, Cuppa Joe, and their parking lot/seating area showed the promise of what was to come.
Aspens between Tahoe and Meyers 10/9/23 Peter Robbins
There is a nice stand of aspens across from the golf course between Lake Tahoe and Meyers.
Luther Pass was just turning – no pic, but should be nice over the next week or so.
Red Creek Cabin (10/9/23) Peter Robbins
On to Hope Valley where the famous Red Creek Cabin looked lovely, and if you look carefully there is plenty of green aspen to keep this viable – my guess is at least through the weekend or perhaps longer.
No pix, but Monitor Pass over to 395 had lots of color, and even the road from Sorensons to Woodfords and Markleeville were quite nice.
Dunderberg Meadows Road (10/9/23) Peter Robbins
The highlight was the Dunderberg portion of the trip, where unbelievably some of the leaves were almost red!
I was back the next day exploring that area and the Green Creek area, both of which were full of lovely aspen groves, and the highlight of this particular excursion. I took the following pic so that people might see what the road is like. There ARE some larger rocks and a few ruts, and most of the vehicles I encountered were SUVs or pickups, and I initially thought, “too bad this is all essentially inaccessible to folks with regular passenger cars” (I have a RAV4). Then I saw what looked like an oncoming car, it was a Tesla! He had made it through some of the worst based on where I saw him. I also saw a Prius! Both were cars I thought least likely to encounter. So…. people with good enough tires/tread to survive the rocks without getting a flat should be able to go to these places. I would not do this near dusk though, people should give themselves plenty of time to get out if they have trouble.
I did go on to explore Bishop Creek and Rock Creek canyons – lots of nice color but no award-winning photo’s here this trip. The colors were lovely at North Lake though.
I did not go up McGee or Sherwin or other creek beds, but the following pic shows what they all look like from the stretch of 395 between Mammoth and Bishop.
I didn’t do any exploring of Mammoth, but did go check out June Lake Loop which looks very promising for the coming weekend to a week or so.
So there you have my quick report…. all in all it looks like anywhere somebody wants to go between Hope Valley and Bishop, they will find lots of gorgeous color, an awful lot of which requires no more than getting out of your car on a paved road, with of course some of the best still a little off the beaten path. I think if people have to pick a time, this coming weekend deserves a GO NOW for all of it. In my humble opinion, forgive the intentional pun, but all this totally eclipses the visual spectacle of Saturday’s annular solar eclipse (or partial if you stay in California).
We appreciate the thorough report and can’t wait to get out there this weekend! We are even considering taking a road trip by camper van like those found at roadsurfer.com. Have you ever experienced fall colors from a camper van?
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00Lara Kaylorhttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngLara Kaylor2023-10-13 13:11:522023-10-13 13:12:10Drive of the Week: Hope Valley to Bishop
Bishop Creek area, South Lake (10/2/23) Christopher Adkins
Additional images from the wild weekend made their way to our inbox yesterday and we just had to share the beauty. Both Christopher Adkins and Gary Young found great color in Bishop.
Adkins is staying in the area this week and went up to Bishop Creek Canyon three days in a row to find the color progressing quickly. “This week seems to be the week for Bishop Creek,” he said.
The stunning photo above was taken along South Lake Road on Oct. 2.
“I’d say it’s patchy but soon to be near peak towards the upper part of the road,” Adkins explained.
Gary Young was also out on South Lake Road over the weekend.
“South Lake Road is looking good already with some serious color in areas,” Young said. “There is still a lot of green that will turn soon.”
He rated the area as 30-50%.
As we stated last Friday, the Bishop Creek area is the drive of the week, so get out there and enjoy!
Aspens along South Lake Road (10/2/23) Christopher Adkins
South Lake Road (9/30/23) Gary Young
North Lake before the snow (9/30/23) Christopher Adkins
Inyo County color spotter Betsy Forsyth sent in an update this morning that really sums up what we are seeing in the Eastern Sierra this season.
“I made another run up to Bishop Creek yesterday,” Forsyth said. “The colors are changing QUICKLY!! I was up there Sunday and there are so many more yellow leaves as of yesterday (Thursday)!!”
Parchers Resort & South Lake Landing said it best, explained Forsyth.
“It is changing by the hour in some places. Not changing at all in others. Some areas are dull and may not go. Some areas are popping off. Odd year so far with the fall foliage.”
Odd year, indeed, and may only get odder with the first snow predicted this weekend in higher elevations.
Due to these changes we predict Bishop Creek Canyon to be the Drive of the Week in the coming seven days.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00Lara Kaylorhttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngLara Kaylor2023-09-29 12:08:462023-09-29 12:12:24Changing By the Hour
Intake II, M Fork Bishop Creek (10/25/22) Betsy Forsyth
As far as fall color goes, well, Bishop Creek is now up the creek.
Bishop color spotter Betsy Forsyth reports Bishop Creek Canyon as being largely past peak, though spots of bright color are still found at lower elevations.
As seen in the above image of Intake II in the lower Middle Fork of Bishop Creek, peak color remains along shore, though many stripped trees are seen in the distance. That’s typical of what fall color remains in Bishop Creek Canyon.
Elsewhere in Inyo County, peak continues with reports of beautiful color at Big Pine Canyon and developing in Pine Creek Canyon and at Lower Rock Creek.
Scenes like the following of North Lake, captured on Oct. 19, are long gone.
North Lake, N Fork Bishop Creek (10/19/22) Shawn Reeder
Peak is now found in the lower canyons, Pine Creek, Lower Rock Creek and Big Pine which earns the distinction of being named “Drive of the Week.”
Moving toward peak are Bishop and the Owens Valley. They are still patchy but very close to Near Peak.
Line Street, Bishop Fork Bishop Creek (10/25/22) Betsy Forsyth
Southern Inyo County
Big Pine Creek (7,660′) –PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
Big Pine (3,989′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Bishop Creek Canyon
Bishop Creek Canyon is past peak. There are a few colors still lingering around in the lower South and Middle Forks, so still pretty, but past peak. The best colors are at Aspendell.
South Fork, Bishop Creek
Mountain Glen Camp (8,850′) –Past Peak, You Missed it.
Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) –PEAK/Past Peak, GO NOW, you almost missed it.
Four Jeffries (8,000′) –PEAK/Past Peak, GO NOW, you almost missed it.
Middle Fork, Bishop Creek
Aspendell (8,400′) –PEAK/Past Peak, GO NOW, you almost missed it.
Intake II (8,000′) –PEAK/Past Peak, GO NOW, you almost missed it.
Big Trees Campground (7,800′) –PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
Bishop
Bishop has yellows scattered throughout. There are still LOTS of green trees, so the colors are still to come.
Bishop (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Buckley Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Rawson Ponds (4,150′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Owens Valley (4,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) Closer to 50%
Northern Inyo County
Both Lower Rock Creek Rd. and Lower Pine Creek Station are at Peak up canyon and Near Peak lower in the canyons. Round Valley has numerous trees crested with yellow and gold.
Lower Rock Creek Rd ((7,087′) –PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
Round Valley (4,692′) – Patchy (10-50%) Closer to 50%
Lower Pine Creek Canyon (7,000′) –Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
Pine Creek Pack Station (7,.400′) –PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2022-10-25 22:56:322022-10-27 10:22:29Up The Creek
Fall color is over the top at many Mono County locations, including its passes: Monitor, Sonora and Tioga, but don’t delay. Peak has now dropped to between 8,000 and 8,500′.
Drive of the Week is the Sonora Pass to Lobdell Lake and return. Lobdell Lake Rd is the best it’s been seen in recent years. AWD is recommended. Include a sunset visit to the east side of Sonora Pass.
Peak of the Week is Lundy Canyon. Though now Near Peak, it should be fabulously colored in coming days.
Upper Rock Creek Road (9,600′) – Past Peak, You Missed It.
Middle Rock Creek Road (8,500′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW!
Lower Rock Creek Road (7,500′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
CROWLEY LAKE/MCGEE CREEK, CONVICT LAKE
Crowley Community (6,949′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – Closer to 50% in town, but brilliant up the hill.
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – There is a mix of color in McGee Creek Canyon, with Peak at the campground near US 395 and a blend of Peak and Past Peak groves all the way to the top.
Convict Lake (7,850′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – It’s perfect at the back left corner of the lake, while still green in some sections. Should be perfect for the coming 10 to 14 days.
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop (7,654′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – The June Lake Loop just topped 50% and still has many green areas, plus peaking stands. Colors are best near the June Mountain parking area, Silver Lake and Rush Creek.
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak, You Missed It.
LEE VINING / LUNDY
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – PEAK to Past Peak, Go Now, you almost missed it.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – Just topped 50% and will continue to improve through the weekend.
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – Still green near the campground, but brilliant higher up and around the lake. Lundy is Peak of the Week.
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES / DUNDERBERG / SUMMERS
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Approaching Near Peak.
Bodie Hills (9,419′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – Last call for the upper elevations.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – PEAK to Past Peak, Go Now, you almost missed it. – This is last call for the Virginia Lakes. There are green areas up the road, but at the lake and beyond, it’s peaking or now past peak.
Conway Summit (8,143) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – You’ll see everything at Conway Summit, from deep orange groves to past peak. It’s a gorgeous mix of textures.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – Peaking colors from the road to the top of the mountain with sections of red and crimson.
LOBDELL / SONORA PASS/ WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now. – Great groves with color while other sections are still very green. Drive of the Week is Sonora Pass to Lobdell Lake Road.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – Full peak, but won’t last much longer.
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – PEAK (75-100%) GO NOW! – The groves just east of the pass are the best seen there in years.
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Still not ready. Should be Near Peak in two weeks.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2022-10-12 21:55:242022-10-12 22:02:49Over The Top
It’s a long drive, but worth it. Bay Area color spotter Lucas Yan admitted that heading to the east side is “a bit far for me, but the allure of California’s vibant color has always enticed me to make the 5-hour drive.”
And, on every trip he’s “been impressed by the mix of yellow and orange hues that our native trees showcase.” Yesterday was no exception.
He found aspen peaking above 8,000′ and noticed as he approached Sonora Pass that “nearly all the quaking aspen in the canyon had turned color. There seemed to be a lot more of them peaking simultaneously as well compared to last year. Another photographer I encountered at the turnoff agreed. He mentioned that when he camped in the area in the 1970s, there were only a few aspen trees, but they have since multiplied.”
Yan is correct in noting that weather has been perfect for fall color, with warm days and cool nights. He found color continuing “up beyond (Sonora) pass and near Sardine falls” where “the grove in the canyon is the most easily accessible and unique due to its size.”
The route Lucas took is one all too few Northern Californians take …CA-108 to US 395 and Lobdell Lake Rd. Yan was lucky, as Sonora Pass can be disappointing if your timing is off, but at peak it’s beautiful and nuanced. Because of this, Yan’s beautiful photographs and commentary have elevated the route to becoming California Fall Color Drive of the Week.
He continued, “When I reached Lobdell Lake Road two hours later, I found similar conditions, as well. While some clusters were still green and others were past peak with no leaves, there were many aspen groves that embodied that optimal autumn color.
“This first grove, along the road on the right, is a great example. While Sonora Pass provides a good perspective of seeing California fall color at scale, Lobdell Lake provides a great way to see that color in detail.
“When you pull into one of the turnoffs, you are surrounded in all directions by yellow aspen trees. My suggestion is to go on a clear or partly cloudy day (for a bit of texture in the sky) so the sun can illuminate the leaves and add an ethereal glow to the scene.
“Lobdell Lake Road is a dirt road that narrows as it approaches the wooded area so drive carefully (a SUV would be nice, but not required),” he reported.
Yan was extremely pleased with the fall color he found and definitely recommends visiting this week. He advises that should you travel Sonora Pass, time your return at sunset, “since the sun lines up with the canyon for a beautiful sunset.”
Indeed, some of the most spectacular sunset shots posted on this website have been of the Sonora Pass at sunset. CLICK HERE to see Elliot McGucken’s take. Though Lucas Yan’s signature shot of the pass, seen above, makes this week’s Best of the Week.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2022-10-10 11:46:102022-10-12 07:02:37Sonora to Lobdell and Back
In a day, fall color transitioned from hardly showing to Near Peak above 9,000′ in Bishop Creek Canyon, as these images of the Groves Above Table Mountain (S Fork Bishop Creek) show.
Parchers Resort staffers report rapid change in Bishop Creek Canyon with, “Trees between 8,000 and 9,000′ lightening quickly and yellow starting to show. But it’s gonna be a minute. This includes popular spots like Mist Falls, Groves above Cardinal Village, Aspendell and the groves around Mt. Glen Camp.” At this pace, by the weekend, all areas above 9,000′ should be Near Peak and some Peaking.
CaliforniaFallColor.com Peak of the Week is Lake Sabrina. Drive of the Week is Bishop Creek Canyon.
Color spotter John Pan was at North Lake on Sunday and confirmed conditions to be Patchy.
North Lake, N Fork Bishop Creek (9/25/22) John Pan
South Lake, Fork Bishop Creek (9/27/22) Michelle Pettit
Convict Lake (9/26/22) John Pan
Pan continued north to Mono County and found Patchy color surrounding Convict Lake – a surprise as Convict is usually a late bloomer.
Elsewhere in Mono County, Linda Hennessy reported Just Starting to Patchy color at the Virginia Lakes, road to Bodie and Twin Lakes. But then, that would be normal at Bodie and Twin Lakes at this point in autumn. Expect a more complete Mono County report on Wednesday.
UPDATED ON 9/28
Southern Inyo County
Mt Whitney Trail (8,360′ to 14,505”) – Patchy to Peak (10-100%) GO NOW!
Whitney Portal (8,375′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Onion Valley (9,600′) – Patchy (10-50%)
South Fork, Bishop Creek Canyon
South Lake (9,768′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Weir Pond (9,650′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Willow Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
Quaking aspen, Rock Creek (9/20/22) Patrick Griley
“Still waiting” are the words Mono County color spotter Jeff Simpson used to describe this week’s update, as many favorite fall color destinations in the Eastern Sierra are still green.
He reports “Groves of yellow/green aspens above the 9,500′ foot level that include destinations at Lobdell Lake Road, Bodie Hills, Virginia Lakes and Rock Creek Lake.”
As was reported yesterday from Bishop Creek Canyon in Inyo County to the south, everything above 9,000′ is “not yet” ready to be called Patchy (10 – 50%), and yet one location below 9,000′ is.
Rock Creek (9/21/22) Patrick Griley
Sagehen Summit is the only location in California now classified as Patchy and, as Jeff comments, “it will be the best bet for significant color this weekend.” It is likely to be the first location in California to peak, as an early peak is its normal pattern, despite being only at 8,139′ in elevation. Therefore Sagehen scores the hat trick of Peak of the Week, Hike of the Week and Drive of the Week.
A factor indicating change is the overnight temperature predicted for the coming week. Jeff said it was 32 degrees in Bridgeport on Tuesday morning at dawn, and as seen in Patrick Griley’s photograph, taken on Wednesday, there was a dusting of snow at Mammoth Lakes and surrounding mountain peaks above 10,500′. However, freezing overnight temps only last until Friday. Next week, the overnight lows at Mammoth Lakes will be in the mid to high 30s.
ROCK CREEK CANYON
Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%) – Lightly tinted with yellow/lime at lake level and higher elevations. The best color will be found on the trails heading to higher elevations.
CROWLEY / McGEE CREEK / CONVICT LAKE
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7850′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
JUNE LAKE LOOP
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
BENTON & 120 EAST
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Patchy (10-50%) – Presently, this is the best spot in all of California to see fall color. It will approach Near Peak next week, so be prepared to GO NOW! And, why should you go? Use the magnifying glass in the top nav bar and search for “Sagehen Summit.” You will find gorgeous photographs of past peak color there – which doesn’t last long. It is well worth an early trip when at its best.
LEE VINING / LUNDY
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES / DUNDERBERG / SUMMERS
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Bodie Hills (9,419′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Just Starting (0-10%) Decent changes at both Little and Big Virginia Lakes. Please remember to be respectful of your parking locations along the road and don’t block entrances to private residences. Hunting season is also in full swing here and along Dunderberg Meadow/Green Creek/Summers Meadow roads.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
LOBDELL / SONORA PASS/ WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Lobdell Lake Road (9,274′) – Just Starting (0-10%) Just starting along the road with the best color being found just below the lake.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
West Walker River, Walker, Coleville and Topaz (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2022-09-22 12:19:142022-09-23 13:40:53Mono County - Still Waiting
Plumas County Courthouse, Quincy (10/16/21) Michael Beatley
Plumas County has received the Triple Crown of Fall Color, being designated as Peak of the Week, Hike of the Week and Drive of the Week.
Quincy (10/16/21) Michael Beatley
Peak of the Week – Quincy – The county seat of Plumas County is at its glorious best, right now. Numerous landmark trees, including sugar maples, bigleaf maple and sycamore provide brilliant displays of yellow, gold, orange and red color in downtown Quincy surrounding the Plumas County Courthouse and along nearby streets and parks.
Cascade Trail, Spanish Creek (10/16/21) Michael Beatley
Hike of the Week – Cascade Trail – This trail starts near the town of Keddie and travels beside Spanish Creek which is lined with beautiful Indian Rhubarb (darmera). Their large, fan-shaped leaves are vibrant orange-red at peak and overhang the blue waters of the creek. Cadmium yellow bigleaf maple provide spots of background color in a green forest.
CA-89, Plumas County (10/18/21) Michael Beatley
Drive of the Week – CA-89 from Graeagle to Quincy – A beautiful drive, Highway 89 passes spots of bright yellow aspen and bigleaf maple before reaching Quincy. Beyond Quincy, CA-70 drops through the Feather River Canyon which is part of California’s famed “stairway of power” for the many hydroelectric dams along its length.
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2021-10-21 11:30:462021-10-22 22:11:06Triple Crown Fall Color
