California Fall Color Recommendations - *Besides* Eastern Sierra and Yosemite Valley

[scott_jorgenson1]

Okay, I know, nothing in California beats the Eastern Sierra for gobs

and gobs of fall color. And the black oaks, willows and dogwood

turning in Yosemite Valley are pretty spectacular too. But I've done

these locations several times and am looking for a change this year.

 

My criteria:

 

<ul>

<li> Within a day's drive from the San Francisco Bay Area - this

pretty much limits it to California and some parts of Western Nevada.

<li> Native fall color in natural landscapes is what I'm after - this

rules out locations like Nevada City or city parks.

<li> An area big enough to be worth a few days' time - this rules out

that favorite little cottonwood grove of yours where Highway "xyz"

crosses the "abc" River :-) unless, of course, its set in a broader,

equally-productive-overall, region.

<li> Not the Eastern Sierra (that is, the slopes and valley bottoms

from Monitor Pass to the Owens Valley), or Yosemite Valley.

<li> Recommendations based on personal experience would be good.

<li> Other than that, I'm not picky :-)

</ul>

 

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance,

 

Scott

[chris_hansen]

I persomally like to photogragh the fall colors on the north coast.

The big leaf maples in Redwood National Park are superb, With the

added bonus of shooting the elk in fall rut at the sane time. The

highway 101 corridor on the way up there is wonderful with oaks and

maples scattered along the way, The Eel river along highway 182 in

between Covelo and 101 is also good.

God;s light to you

[ShunCheung]

I have a question about timing though. I understand that it varies from year to year, but approximately what is the best time for fall foliage in these areas?

[chris_hansen]

Like all fall colors it varies. Usually it starts in Mid October and

runs through November. The further north you go usually the

sooner it is.

Chris