Natural History Wanderings

More fall color updates from California Fall Color for the Eastern Sierra

10/13/16 McGee Creek

 McGee Creek Campground is just starting, but “Further up canyon from the trailhead to the bend in the canyon (about 1 mile), the color along the creek is patchy; most of the cottonwoods have turned, but the aspens are a mixture of orange, yellow, and lime.

“Along the trail, shrub aspen that climb the hillside and surround the creek crossing are Peaking or slightly Past Peak, following this weekend’s snow and wind. 

“The color gets really good (at Peak, or slightly approaching Peak) at the beaver pond. The color up the hillsides and in the groves surrounding the pond are all at peak with a variety of warm shades turning the entire canyon gold.”

The lower reaches of Lee Vining Canyon are just starting. Some aspen along the June Lake Loop look to be turning too, but are still Patchy – somewhere around 25%. Finally, Fern Lake is peaking.

Upper McGee Creek, Mono County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
Middle McGee Creek, Mono County – Patchy (10-50%)
McGee Campground, Mono County – Just Starting (0-10%)

See photos at Hanging Out at McGee Creek

10/2/16 Parker Lake

the hike from the parking lot to the lake (2 miles) was past peak, but once he reached the lake, a rolling peak was occurring where some aspen were still green or lime, while others were yellow and orange. He estimates another week of peak color at Parker Lake, though don’t delay as “conditions are progressing fast.”

Parker Lake – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See photos at Parker Lake: Don’t Delay or You Might Miss It.

Parker Lake (8,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

More Photos and a hike description for Parker Lake  A Perfect Hike to Fall Color Perfection: That’s Parker