Natural History Wanderings

Tahoe National Forest Fall Color Drives

The Tahoe National Forest issued the following press release describing fall color drives for mid-Oct to early November: Terrific Trips to See Fall Colors on the Tahoe National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/laketahoe/news/05-news-releases/05_oct_06_fall_colors.shtml

Fall is an exceptionally pretty time to visit the Tahoe National Forest. Warm days and crisp, cold nights make forest outings especially enjoyable. At the lower elevations (2,500 – 4,000 ft.), autumn colors are at their best mid October through early November while in the higher elevations (4,000 – 9,000 ft.), colors peak in early to mid October. With the cold days recently, aspens in the higher elevations have already turned and some have lost their leaves.

Hwy. 49 ­ Scenic fall drives include Highway 49 from Nevada City through Downieville to Sierra City, featuring big leaf maple, oak, locust and dogwood foliage. As you wind through the canyon of the North Yuba River, dogwoods and oak trees have already begun to change.

Hwy. 20 ­ East of Nevada City, the landscape comes alive with crimson hues of dogwood and bright yellows of the big leaf maples. Bear Valley is especially pretty as the grasses, willows and cottonwoods turn gold.

Gold Lakes Rd ­ In the Sierra Buttes vicinity, color peaks early to mid October with the yellow and gold of the aspen and maples adding more dramatic beauty to this alpine terrain. Views of and from the Sierra Buttes are outstanding.

Hwy. 89 ­The drive along Hwy 89 from Lake Tahoe through Truckee and on to Sierraville is especially picturesque with aspens, willows and cottonwoods painting the landscape with brilliant yellows. Early October provides lots of color along Hwy 89 and on to Yuba Pass via Hwy 49 with spectacular views of Sierra Valley.

Hwy 267 – From Truckee south toward Lake Tahoe, the trees are turning now and are quite beautiful.

Mosquito Ridge Rd Mid-September to mid-October is a great time to drive Mosquito Ridge Road, as it will take you through beautiful canyons and dense forests of oaks, maples, dogwoods, and evergreens providing a dazzling array of fall colors. The Big Trees Picnic Area is an excellent tour stop to check out the northernmost stand of Giant Sequoia.

Old Hwy. 40 and I-80 – Another very scenic drive on the TNF, follows old Hwy. 40 which parallels I-80 and the rocky South Yuba River, lined with aspens and cottonwoods. When the leaves turn, the vibrant yellows and golds are duplicated in the reflections of the river in contrast to the blue Sierra sky. These colors are best in early October.