Trail to Ney Springs, Mt. Shasta (10/21/18) Laura Jean
Ney Springs Creek, southwest of the town of Mt. Shasta, was the site of a busy resort in the 19th century. A series of springs there attracted patrons in search of rest and recuperation, writes HikeMtShasta.com.
“Today, the resort is gone and nature is reclaiming what little of it remains,” the site explains.
A short distance from the site of the old resort is idyllic Faery Falls. “The falls are easily accessed on an old road that is, like the resort, slowly being taken over by the surrounding forest.”
Color spotter Laura Jean hiked the old road to Faery Falls through a forest of Peak bigleaf maple.
Maple leaves lie floating upon a clear pool at the base of the falls, which is surrounded by emerald green moss, qualifying this beautiful trail as Hike of the Week.
In summer, Plumas County’s Cascade Trail is a short hike to swimming holes. In autumn, it’s a favorite hike to fall color reflected in Spanish Creek.
Ravi Ranganathan hiked this popular trail on Friday and found it “filled with beautiful colors. I hiked ‘til the point where I could find a couple of wooden bridges. Looking down, the view of the stream was amazing with the fall colors reflected with gold.”
Five small falls comprise the cascade along the trail, which is easy and a mile in length. Take CA-70 west 5.1 miles from Quincy; turn right at Old Highway and follow a paved road .7 mi. past several homes, turn left onto a dirt road and travel .4 mi to a rocky parking area.
The trail is mostly wide and level though narrows at points and can be slippery. It was built originally to transport water for hydraulic mining and was later used as a supply road for the Western Pacific RR.
Cascade Trail is this week’s Hike of the Week.
Cascade Trail, Plumas County – 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 Poimiroo2018-10-22 10:14:122018-10-24 14:46:36Hike of the Week: Cascade Trail
Chips Creek, Ben Lomond Trail, Plumas County (10/18/18) Chico Hiking Association
Chips Creek, Ben Lomond Trail, Plumas County (10/18/18) Chico Hiking Association
Bigleaf maple, Chips Creek, Ben Lomond Trail, Plumas County (10/18/18) Chico Hiking Association
The Chico Hiking Association dipped into Chips Creek along the Ben Lomond Trail (a section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail) yesterday, to find bigleaf maple Patchy and black oak Just Starting.
Ben Lomond is an 7.9-mile, lightly trafficked, out-and-back trail beside Chips Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Feather River.
The trail is considered to be difficult with a 4,297-foot gain along its length. Hikers rate it as excellent and scenic, though demanding.
The trailhead is in Beldon off CA-70 at the upper end of Rock Creek Reservoir (Feather River). After a short climb, the trail parallels Chips Creek. If you continue, it continues to climb, eventually descending to near the creek, which is a native trout stream.
Certainly, this isn’t a trail for casual color spotting, but for someone who wants a challenge, it’s rewarding. Therefore, for it’s beauty and challenge, the Ben Lomond Trail is named Hike of the Week.
Patchy bigleaf maple and black oak are seen along the hillsides and down to Chips Creek. There is nice gold and orange color among shrubs and small trees now (a wildfire burned the area in 2012), though the color will continue to improve over the coming two weeks.
Ben Lomond Trail, Chips Creek (2,400′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/5/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/5/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Molybdenite Canyon (10/6/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Monitor Pass (10/9/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
This past week was fantastic throughout Mono County, local color spotter Jeff Simpson reports.
Just about anywhere you drive right now, you look up and see color … fantastic color.
Plus, it’s gonna last. Peak fall color will be seen this and the following week in prime areas of Mono County.
Hot spots for full peak color this weekend include: Monitor Pass, McGee Canyon trail, Parker Lake trail and Lundy Canyon trail, which we designate as Hike of the Week for its gorgeous color and beautiful waterfalls.
Approaching full peak are Convict Lake, the June Lake Loop, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Lake, Conway Summit, Summers Meadow and Twin Lakes/Bridgeport. While there’s still a good amount of green in these areas, more than half the trees are showing great color with stands of peaking yellow and orange aspen.
This was a great year to see Sagehen Meadows and Tioga Pass, though those areas are now solidly Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT.
Nearly Past Peak are Sonora Pass, Upper Rock Creek and Upper Virginia Lakes. Though, lower down in these areas, Peak color can still be enjoyed.
Walker/Coleville/Topaz
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – The large stand of aspen east of the summit is perfect late in the afternoon.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Past peak in most areas but a lot of color still hanging around. If you want orange and red colors this is your spot! (AWD is recommended).
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Should be good in 7 to 10 days.
Towns of Walker & Coleville – Patchy (10-50%) – Mostly green throughout the valley, though some of the cottonwood are showing gold. This is the last area in Mono County to peak.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Wow. Sonora Pass was the best we’ve seen this past week. Peak color has now descended to Leavitt Meadow.
Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Predictions were spot on. This area is Near Peak, though with still lots to change in coming weeks. Take the dirt roan around lower Twin to see great angles of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – This has to be one of the best years for Virginia Lakes, due to the length of time it has been at peak. A lot of color has fallen at the top, but lower sections of the road remain good. AWD recommended.
Conway Summit (8,143′) –Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – You cannot go wrong including Conway Summit on a vist to the East Side, right now. It will remain good, conditions permitting for another two weeks. Peak should occur early next week and last a week or longer.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) –Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – We love Summers Meadow. It has one of the great long stretches of brilliant color in the state at peak. Presently, the color has worked down, though has a wonderful mix of red, orange, yellow and lime
Lundy Canyon Trail, Mono County (10/7/18) Leor Pantilat
Lee Vining
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Hike of the Week!
Benton & 120 East
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) –Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Still early.
Parker Lake (8,000′) – – Patchy (10-50%) – Best bet.
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/5/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! (Look for Mammoth Lake’s report, coming next)
Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Uh, did I say “BRILLIANT?”
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – There’s really nice Near Peak color in the hills above Tom’s Place. As long as you’re there, get a slice of pie. I always do.
Convict Lake (7850′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – Convict Lake is a week from perfection. There’s still some green at the back side of the lake. It’s best when those trees there light up in brilliant splashes of yellow to be reflected in the lake’s dark waters. Presently, the best fall color is along the west end of the lake. When Convict Lake gets going, it competes for honors as the prettiest fall color scene on the East Side, because of the blue (yes, blue) folded metamorphic rock of Laurel Mountain and that stunning blanket of yellow below.
Rock Creek Canyon
Rock Creek Road (8,500’+) –Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – It’s Past Peak at Rock Creek Lake and higher, though still fantastic in the lower sections near East Fork Campground.
Leavitt Meadow (10/4/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/5/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Lobdell Lake Rd. (10/5/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Monitor Pass (10/9/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-10-10 22:00:472018-10-13 15:41:50The Week That Was "Fantastic!"
That 395 House (10/2/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
It’s last call above 9,000′ feet in Mono County, and what a way to close out fall color viewing at those elevations!
Snow dusted the mountain tops above 10,000′ today, though this didn’t damage fall color. In fact, it improved it, providing a spectacular backdrop for the color and rainbows.
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Conway Summit (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Silver Lake, June Lake Loop (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
McGee Creek (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Convict Lake (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Mono County is tracking exactly as it has in past years, so check this site for peak color previously and make your plans to see favorite areas, accordingly.
This is likely the last week to enjoy peak color at the Virginia Lakes, Upper Rock Creek, Lobdell Lake Road, Sagehen Summit, Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass. Jeff Simpson of Mono County Tourism reports. “All of these areas are at full peak and looking spectacular right now but will be rapidly approaching past peak as the week goes on.”
There are too many great trails peaking right now to name one as Hike of the Week. So, we’re suggesting this package of choices for inspirational hiking. Be advised, they climb to high elevations. So, be prepared with plenty of water, hiking sticks, a backpack holding extra layered clothing, sun screen, a hat, sunglasses and your camera or mobile device, of course.
Now that you’re forewarned, be prepared for fair beauty along the Upper Rock Creek, McGee Canyon, Parker Lake, Lundy Canyon and Molybdenite trails with quaking aspen at higher elevations that will be perfect, this weekend.
For a driving tour, start at Conway Summit (US 395) and drive up Virginia Lakes Road to Dunderberg Meadows Road, then to Green Creek and down through Summers Meadows road exiting back at US 395 on Green Creek Road. This loop has incredible color right now and you’ll be able to see five of Mono County’s premiere fall color destinations at once. AWD recommended.
East Bay color spotter, Darrell Sano was one of the photographers who headed to Mono County this past week in search of color. His route took him over Tioga Pass and through Yosemite National Park, before descending Lee Vining Canyon into Mono County, reporting “incredibly intense” rain during today’s storm and crawling at 30 mph in what appeared to be nightfall at 2 p.m.
Now you know why the National Park Service closes Tioga Pass once it snow accumulates. Fortunately it didn’t and CA-120E remains open to Mono County as peak color spreads across it.
Walker/Coleville/Topaz
Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! – The pass is gilded with yellow and lime on the way up/down.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Fantastic color is hanging on, though this is likely the last Peak week for this elevation. AWD recommended.
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Towns of Walker & Coleville- Just Starting (0-10%)
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW! – Another week of strong color with Peak color over the pass and lime and yellow in Leavitt Meadow.
Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes
Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Will be Near Peak next week.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Wow. Virginia Lakes has had two solid weeks of peak color, but this is likely its last, as some stands are Past Peak near the lake, but still strong going up the road. AWD recommended.
Conway Summit (8,143) – Patchy (10-50%) – We like Conway best when it’s a mix of green, lime, yellow and orange … like, right now. This broad area should hold for another two weeks of Near Peak and Peak color. Though technically Patchy, GO NOW!
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Green along the road, but with emerging color yellow, orange and red higher up. In some years, Summers Meadow is one of the most beautiful areas of the Eastern Sierra. A definite must-see.
Lee Vining
Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – There’s lovely color near Tenaya Lake and spots of it through Tuolumne Meadows and over the pass. Saddlebag Lake Road is worth a sidetrip.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Benton & 120 East
Sagehen Summit (8,139’) –Peak to Past Peak GO NOW as YOU ALMOST MISSED IT! – Still beautiful and worth the detour, but approaching Past Peak.
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Patchy (10-50%) – Still early.
Parker Lake (8,000′) – – Patchy (10-50%) – Best bet.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are still bright and vibrant. Definitely worth stopping by Lake George, then making your way back through Twin Lakes.
Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake
McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) – McGee is dragging its feet, but then it’s always been later than other canyons. Look for it moving to Near Peak next week and Peak the following week.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
Convict Lake (7850′)- Patchy (10-50) – Color is appearing around the lake, but it’s got another week before it truly gets electric.
Rock Creek Canyon
Rock Creek Road (8,500’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – With snow coating peaks above Rock Creek Lake, this is definitely the Peak of the Week above 8,500′.
Conway Summit (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Conway Summit (10/3/18) Liz Grans/Mono County Tourism
Carson Iceberg Wilderness (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Virginia Lakes (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Sonora Pass (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
McGee Creek (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Rock Creek, Mono County (10/3/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Carson Iceberg Wilderness (10/2/18) Jeff Simpson/Mono County Tourism
Siesta Lake, Yosemite National Park (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Warren Fork, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Warren Fork, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
Mono Lake Lookout, Lee Vining Canyon (10/3/18) Darrell Sano
In a week, Mammoth Lakes has transitioned from Patchy to Peaking. And, Mammoth Lakes color spotter Josh Wray was sky high over it.
To see it all, he rode an exhilarating scenic flight with SkyTime Helicopter Tours out of the Mammoth Airport. Then, returned to earth to hike with a friend around lakes and along trails that are natural boulevards through bright yellow arbors of rustling aspen leaves.
Josh reports that fall color has matured quickly and though it will likely remain good for at least another week, we’re declaring Mammoth Lakes as a GO NOW! destination and the Rainbow Falls trail as this week’s Hike of the Week.
This is big country. Hikes can vary from heart thumping to easy romantic strolls. Josh recommends, “Head up to Lake George an hour after sunrise for the best light.” Or do as Josh did and get above it all on a helicopter tour. Anyway you experience Mammoth, it’s a 360-degree adventure.
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,000′ and Up!) – 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 Poimiroo2018-09-27 23:00:302018-09-28 10:30:00Sky High Over Mammoth
Rock Creek Lake (9/13/18) Josh Wray/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
For the most developed color, the loop around Rock Creek Lake in southern Mono County (Eastern Sierra) gets this week’s nod as Hike of the Week. A photograph taken earlier in the week shows some of the beauty to be seen this weekend.
Though, there are plenty of other inviting trails to explore, as depicted by Will Ridgeway who hiked several trails to Lake Sherwin, at Convict Lake and at Lake Sabrina last weekend, returning with this compact portfolio of developing color. (Click photos to enlarge)
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-09-21 11:40:222018-09-23 05:57:48Hike of the Week: Rock Creek Lake
Aspen, Bogard Campground, Lassen NF (9/6/18) Chico Hiking Association
In 2003, Lassen National Forest began an aspen restoration project near the Bogard Campground and Susan River off Hwy 44 on the way to the Black Lake Loop trail in the Caribou Wilderness. (More about what the US Forest Service accomplished will be posted here, soon. However, in the photos above and to the left, note the mature aspen surrounded by young aspen. This shows what the forest will look like, once this grove ages.)
Aspen, Black Lake Loop, Lassen NF (9/6/18) Chico Hiking Association
Today, the aspen are growing and spreading. Arlaine Arslan of the Chico Hiking Association (CHA) reports, “There’s also very small grove along the Posey Lake Loop trail and road side along the Susan River on the way to the Black Lake Loop trailhead.” In recognition of Lassen National Forest’s accomplishment, Black Lake Loop is honored as this week’s Hike of the Week.
The Chico Hiking Association promotes hiking trails within about two hours of Chico, providing maps, directions and the links needed to get to the Chico area’s best hiking trails, many of which have lovely fall color. In spring and summer, CHA focuses on wildflowers, while in autumn and early winter they are fall color spotters.
Aspen, Black Lake Loop, Lassen NF (9/6/18) Chico Hiking Association
Eastern Sierra aspen are legendary for their profuse color, though many smaller, though still inspirational, groves can be discovered in the Northern Sierra near Chico. Hikers often find these trails lightly tread with few worn spots where others planted their tripods or stood.
CHA hopes to change perceptions that only bigleaf maple, black oak and Indian rhubarb are to be found in this lightly visited part of Upper California, and that their trails are a mind-clearing alternative to more congested fall color destinations.
Dwarf Billberry, Black Lake Loop, Lassen NF (9/6/18) Chico Hiking Association
Maps leading hikers from the highest point in the Coastal Range ( Mt Linn) to the highest point on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascade Range (Butt Mountain), as well as to Lassen Peak, are produced by CHA, many along routes forested with fall color. Learn more at chicohiking.org.
Just Starting (0-10%) – Lassen National Forest(5,600′) – Aspen groves at Bogard Campground and along the Black Lake Loop are exhibiting some of the earliest fall color yet reported in California.
California Corn Lillies, Spencer Meadow, Lassen National Forest (8/30/18) Chico Hiking Association
In their enthusiasm to appreciate trees, color spotters often overlook meadows. However, that’s where early, delicate color is often first seen.
Willows, Spencer Meadow, Lassen National Forest (8/30/18) Chico Hiking Association
On a hike through Spencer Meadow in Lassen National Forest, members of the Chico Hiking Association scored a First Report (the first report for a specific location on CaliforniaFallColor.com) and found such beauty among willows and California Corn Lillies in the meadow.
Chico Hiking Association reports they plan a series of fall color hikes and will be submitting photos to document what they’re seeing on their hikes. That’s such a great idea for hiking clubs that we have designated the Spencer Meadow trail as our first Hike of the Week of Autumn.
Just Starting (0-10%) – Spencer Meadow, Lassen National Forest
http://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.png00John Poimiroohttp://www.californiafallcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo-1.pngJohn Poimiroo2018-08-31 08:31:512018-09-10 17:38:15Color Begins in the Meadows
Premiering tonight and continuing through summer, KCET airs six new video segments on its website, kcet.org/coastaltrail
The Web series explores the majestic California Coastal Trail; its past, its present and its future through historical narratives, camping and hiking guides, social media videos, and articles about important cultural points of interest along the Trail.
One new video per week will be posted on kcet.org/coastaltrail from July 6 to Aug. 3. The Web series will also be available on Roku and YouTube.
CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL debuted three summers ago with the first year following the trail from San Diego to San Luis Obispo County. Then, in season two, it continued up the trail to Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Mateo.
Although there is little fall color to be enjoyed along the California Coastal Trail, we reasoned,
“What better way for fall color spotters to enjoy the outdoors and discover new areas of California in summer than exploring the California Coastal Trail?”
Partially funded by The California Coastal Commission, with support from Hilton Hotels, and presented in partnership with Rigler Creative, CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL will share the state’s picturesque coastlines designed for a wide variety of audiences, including visiting tourists, casual vacationers and seasoned California outdoor enthusiasts.
This season’s segments head north passing through Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties while looking at spots along the coast like Pelican Bluffs, Noyo Headlands Park and the Humboldt Bay Trail.
The series will also travel to Crescent City, site of a deadly tsunami in 1964 and explore redwood restoration at Del Norte Redwoods State Park.
The series takes viewers to a mill site that was converted into a coastal park in Fort Bragg and MacKerricher State Park, home of the endangered Snowy Plover.
Here’s what’s planned:
Fri., July 6 – Pelican Bluffs
Fri., July 13 – Noyo Headlands Park
Fri., July 20 – Haul Road
Fri., July 27 – Humboldt Bay Trail
Fri., Aug. 3 – Del Norte Coast
Fri., Aug. 10 – Crescent City Harbor Trail
Join the conversation on social media using #myCAcoast.
