5 Places in California to See Fall Foliage
Drop the notion that California doesn’t have fall color because it does, and in abundance!
If you’re someone who believes California has no fall story to tell and that the only place to experience the glories of autumn’s brilliant foliage is in New England, John Poimiroo has some surprising news for you.
Not only does California’s landscape celebrate the fall season, it has the longest one in the nation and the most spectacular and abundant autumn colors. California’s leaf-changing show starts in early September and continues into November, Poimiroo says. Seeing the changing leaves all depends on location and timing.
The color changes begin in September at the higher elevations, around 10,000 feet. If you miss those, Poimiroo says, then drop down to the next lower level. It takes about three months for autumn to reach sea level, meaning those gorgeous colors arrive in the Bay Area around November.
Wildfires, of course, can make significant changes to the landscape. Last year, the area around Greenville was a top spot to visit. This year, most of the town and surrounding areas were consumed by the Dixie fire.
The forests will come back, Poimiroo says, and the state is so big and diverse that there remain many sights to see.
Choosing his favorite leaf peeping spots is like choosing his favorite child, Poimiroo says, but here are five that shouldn’t be missed.
1 - BISHOP CREEK CANYON, INYO COUNTY:
2 - JUNE LAKE, MONO COUNTY:
3 - QUNCY, PULMAS COUNTY:
4 - YOSEMITE:
5 - THE BAY AREA:
** This article was originally published in the East Bay Times By Joan Morris with the Bay Area News Group published: September 26, 2021. CLICK HERE to view the full article.