June Lake Loop in Mono County had one of the best fall foliage seasons in recent memory.
June Lake Loop in Mono County had one of the best fall foliage seasons in recent memory.
Photo: Josh Wray/CaliforniaFallColor.com
This year's California fall foliage season is one for the record books
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"California's 2018 autumn will be remembered as one of the most unbelievably beautiful and long-lasting, ever," said CaliforniaFallColor.com editor John Poimiroo.
He noted that thanks to warm daytime temperatures, cool nights, clear skies, and no wind the fall foliage season in the Sierra has lasted for a record period of time and produced an incredible display of color. Peak conditions started showing up in mid-September and lasted into early November.
Poimiroo, who has over 100 volunteers who report on the fall foliage conditions throughout the state for his website, noted the much of the Eastern Sierra is now past its peak. You can still find beautiful conditions in Mono County around Topaz Lake, Coleville, Walker, Lower Rock Creek Trail and the community of Crowley Lake.
"Peak color has now shifted from the Eastern Sierra to the Northern and Western Sierra, Cascades and Southern California mountains," explained Poimiroo. "Presently, peak is now found between 2,500 and 5,000 feet in elevation, depending on location and climate."
The Sierra foothills are about to peak. The Shasta Cascades around Redding and the Upper Sacramento River are also beautiful right now.
In California the fall foliage line descends about 500 feet per week throughout the season, explained Poimiroo, making it easy to predict where the best colors will be viewable.
When and where to view the fall foliage in Northern Califorina
When and where to view the fall foliage in Northern Califorina
Photo: Jared Smith, Courtesy California Fall Color
Our seasons may be a bit wonky out here in the West, but we do have some places for fall color enthusiasts to bask in the reds and golds.
Our seasons may be a bit wonky out here in the West, but we do have some places for fall color enthusiasts to bask in the reds and golds.
Photo: Jared Smith, Courtesy California Fall Color
Silver Lake in the Inyo National Forest usually acquires a fringe of gold in mid-October.
Silver Lake in the Inyo National Forest usually acquires a fringe of gold in mid-October.
Photo: Nicholas Barnhart
Brilliant trees line South Lake Road in Bishop Creek Canyon, near South Lake in Inyo County, often in mid-October.
Brilliant trees line South Lake Road in Bishop Creek Canyon, near South Lake in Inyo County, often in mid-October.
Lundy Canyon, on the Eastern slopes of the Sierra, marks the turn to the fall season with an early show of brilliant colors.
Lundy Canyon, on the Eastern slopes of the Sierra, marks the turn to the fall season with an early show of brilliant colors.
Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle
Flaming colors are reflected in a stream in Bishop Creek Canyon. Currently the best color early in the season in Northern California are Inyo and Mono
counties.
Flaming colors are reflected in a stream in Bishop Creek Canyon. Currently the best color early in the season in Northern California are Inyo and Mono
counties.
Photo: Krisdina Karady
Highway 88 through the Carson Pass in Hope Valley is lined by flaming color in mid-October. The roadway is one of the best rides for fall foliage in Northern California.(John Poimiroo)
Highway 88 through the Carson Pass in Hope Valley is lined by flaming color in mid-October. The roadway is one of the best rides for fall foliage in Northern California.(John Poimiroo)
Photo: Kimberly Kofala
Half Dome and fall foliage reflected in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park. A wide variety of trees change color Yosemite Valley.
Half Dome and fall foliage reflected in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park. A wide variety of trees change color Yosemite Valley.
"Burgundy" takes on a different meaning in Napa Valley's vineyards in November when the leaves on the vines turn color.
"Burgundy" takes on a different meaning in Napa Valley's vineyards in November when the leaves on the vines turn color.
Photo: John Poimiroo
Bridgeport: Use the town as a base to explore the vivid fall color of the Eastern Sierra and the wealth of hot springs stretching between it and Mammoth Lakes, 60 miles south.
Bridgeport: Use the town as a base to explore the vivid fall color of the Eastern Sierra and the wealth of hot springs stretching between it and Mammoth Lakes, 60 miles south.
Photo: Thomas J. Story, Sunset.com
Hope Valley is another beautiful location for some leaf peeping along Highway 88.
Hope Valley is another beautiful location for some leaf peeping along Highway 88.
Ride a horse and enjoy the colors at McGee Creek Pack Station in Mono County.
Ride a horse and enjoy the colors at McGee Creek Pack Station in Mono County.
Ukiah: Autumn in this throwback burg explodes with foliage that rivals Vermont. The city population 16,000 may be the largest city in Mendocino County, but the place is as small-town as it gets. It s got 19th-century architecture, charming tree-lined neighborhoods, and a laid-back vibe without the bustling feel of its wine country neighbors. Make sure you save time for the indoor and outdoor mineral baths at Vichy Springs Resort (pictured). less
Ukiah: Autumn in this throwback burg explodes with foliage that rivals Vermont. The city population 16,000 may be the largest city in Mendocino County, but the place is as small-town as it gets. It s got ... more
Photo: Thomas J. Story, Sunset.com
Ebbetts Pass along Highway 4 is another nice drive for fall foliage in the Sierra.
Ebbetts Pass along Highway 4 is another nice drive for fall foliage in the Sierra.
Nevada City in the Sierra foothills has beautiful fall foliage from a number of augar maples and liquidambars trees throughout its easily walkable historic downtown area. Best times to view the colors are mid to late October. less
Nevada City in the Sierra foothills has beautiful fall foliage from a number of augar maples and liquidambars trees throughout its easily walkable historic downtown area. Best times to view the colors are mid ... more
Photo: Nevada City Chamber Of Commerce
Highway 9 through Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with leaves just starting to turn in early November.
Highway 9 through Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with leaves just starting to turn in early November.
Photo: Will Klair
The Temple Gate is almost obscured by the fall colored leaves of an Acer Palmatum at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The tea garden is one of the best locations to see fall colors in San Francisco. less
The Temple Gate is almost obscured by the fall colored leaves of an Acer Palmatum at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The tea garden is one of the best locations to see fall colors ... more
Photo: Kate Wade, The Chronicle
Fall colors can be seen along Acapulco Ave in Campbell later in the season. (John Poimiroo)
Fall colors can be seen along Acapulco Ave in Campbell later in the season. (John Poimiroo)
Photo: John Poimiroo, Courtesy CaliforniaFallColor.com
A Gingko Biloba tree brings a dash of color to the Fushsia Dell in Golden Gate Park. Public gardens or arboretums are often the best location in the Bay Area to see fall colors.
A Gingko Biloba tree brings a dash of color to the Fushsia Dell in Golden Gate Park. Public gardens or arboretums are often the best location in the Bay Area to see fall colors.
Photo: Jared Smith, Courtesy California Fall Color
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When and where to view the fall foliage in Northern Califorina
When and where to view the fall foliage in Northern Califorina
Photo: Jared Smith, Courtesy California Fall Color
When and Where to view the fall foliage in Bay Area and Northern California
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The Bay Area is just starting to show its colors, and the vineyards in Napa and Sonoma have patchy color. However, some of the higher elevations in the Santa Cruz mountains, including around Patchen Pass, Felton, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park are nearing peak.
