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November 10, 2012

We thought yesterday's post would be our last for this year, but we just had to post this one that Mike Nellor sent. This great was photo taken at Oakland Camp this morning.  He calls it "The Last Hurrah" and we can see why. Snowfall last night and forecast for a bit more here and there for the next week or two. It's just beautiful with the snow, though.

November 9, 2012

Brrrrr....It is COLD outside. Guess this means that our leaf peeper blog is officially coming to a close. We've had an incredible Awesome Autumn season, thanks to Mother Nature, great leaf-peeper reports and photos.

Thanks to everyone who contributed all the wonderful fall foliage photos and stories. Also, thanks to everyone who logged on to the site to have a look or to plan a fall color itinerary.

We look forward to hearing from you, and having you back again next year! Or even sooner! Don't forget, we have some incredible conifers that make great Christmas trees! And they're only $10 (for a permit to cut your own.) Thanks again for coming to visit us! We'll be back next year for more leaf-peeping!

We are in the process of switching over to our holiday page and the return of the Plumas Buzz, so stay tuned for that!
 

November 7, 2012

Here's something you don't see every day!  Rex Burress sent us this photo and note: "This tree grows on a rock at Oroville, CA, across from the Feather River Nature Center." Thanks Rex.
 

November 6, 2012 (3 pm)

Just received a report and photos from our Indian Valley leaf-peeper Jeff Titcomb.

Here's his report: I am amazed at the difference a little rain makes!

Driving under the canopy of Golden and Red Oaks out around the Indian Valley along North Valley Road, Diamond Mountain Road and North Arm Road.

Then on to Taylorsville and back along the stunning colors of Arlington Road to Crescent Mills,

and then on to Greenville and Lake Almanor.

Really the rain has slowed up the leaves from drying and dying, so they are holding on and changing to Awesome Fall color.

November 6, 2012

Our leaf-peeping friend from Quincy, Michael Beatley checked in again this morning with some gorgeous shots he took yesterday afternoon while hiking along Spanish Creek on the Cascades Trail.
 

 

 

November 5, 2012

Emily Webb, owner of Emily's Garden in Quincy, just shared this beautiful shot from Sunday evening. It's Indian Creek at the Taylorsville campground in Indian Valley. She calls it "Reflections of Gold" - we can see why! 

Our fall colors are still going strong, although in checking weather forecasts this morning, some rain and snow are predicted for Thursday and Friday. The weekend is now being forecast as clear but cold. Perfect weather for the Veterans Day weekend. Don't forget the huge merchant's Mountain Affair Holiday in the Lake Almanor area over the long weekend. And why not plan to make it a family affair and cut your own Christmas Tree while you're here?  (See highlighted area above)

November 3, 2012

We have another new leaf-peeper checking in this morning.

Janice Castillo sent a couple of photos she took along Indian Creek in the beautiful Genesee Valley. Genesee is a part of the Indian Valley area. It can be reached off Hwy 89 and the Taylorsville Road.

November 2, 2012

You're all in for a another real treat today, leaf-peepers!  Ed Schnurbusch, a photographer from Willows, visited here over the weekend and shared his photos. We'll let Ed tell you about his visit:

Ten members from the West Side Photo Group in Willows recently spent 3 days shooting Fall colors in Plumas county.

We came up on Friday, Oct. 26 by way of Hwy 70 through the Feather River Canyon. Our first stop was Bear creek Falls just upstream from Cresta power station and across the road from the rest area.

After stopping for lunch at Belden, we made our way east.

We were lucky enough to catch a train crossing the Keddie Wye on our way into Quincy. Upon arriving into Quincy, we stopped at the visitors center only to find it had been closed due to budget cuts. I had told the other members about the Leaf Peeper kits and we were hoping to get some. We were directed to the museum where we were able to pick up Fall Color Tour Maps and information on the Quilt Barns.
 

We headed east and stopped at Graeagle for some evening pictures. One of our members has a family home in Portola so that's where we spent our nights.
 

Saturday morning we headed back west, taking Chandler Rd north back to Hwy 70. We found various forms of wildlife and some great colors along the hills and small creeks. Scattered fog covered some of the hills and low valleys. 

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, she shot pictures along Indian Creek and along the road to Taylorsville.
 

 

Heading back to Quincy, we made our way up to Bucks lake where we found some beautiful colors accented by a lot of snow.

There was about 14" of the white stuff at Thompson Lake where we shot reflecting Aspens against a dark hillside.

Sunday morning found everyone going their separate ways to shoot on their trips back to the valley. We have members from Colusa to Corning. A few of the members went home by way of Hwy 32 and shot pictures along Deer Creek.

Another member and I went back down Hwy 70 where we found a large group of kayakers paddling the rapids between Tobin and Storrie. It was a fun weekend, no matter what your photographic taste runs. All the members found something to their liking and got many great shots. Whether it was bright colors, quilt barns, rusty old pieces of equipment or wildlife, we all found something to shoot in the mountains of Plumas County.

I really appreciate the work put into the Leaf-Peeper page. This is the second year we have come to Plumas County for the Fall colors and your website is a great resource for planning our trips. Keep up the good work.
 

November 1, 2012 (afternoon)

Mike Nellor, owner of Ada's Place in Quincy, checked in again with these fabulous photos. 

Mike says he spent this morning in the Oakland Camp area, along Spanish Creek. Let's just look at his work from today - the colors speak for themselves!

 

November 1, 2012

Another new leaf-peeper today folks. Marcie Wilson from Davis sent this report and gorgeous photos about her trip on Tuesday, October 30.

Thanks for the informative web site, we were really hoping to see fall color and we were not disappointed! We drove from Davis up Hwy 70 to Quincy and saw plenty of color along the way, we loved the Halloween decorations and the amazing tree at this home in Quincy.

On the 30th we drove back home and enjoyed the color and snow at Bucks Lake and continued on via Bucks Lake Rd down to Oroville. The attached bridge, Bucks Lake Rd & fern photos are from Tuesday, Oct 30.

There was still plenty of color and snow along Bucks Lake Rd. Some of the Aspen trees up at Bucks Lake were past peak on one side of the road but there was still plenty to see.

Here's a gorgeous shot of Mt. Lassen sent in by  new leaf-peeper, Sue Akers. Sue says they have a cabin here and got up extra early Sunday morning, October 28, to get this shot. Thanks Sue. Beautiful!

October 30, 2012

Hello friends. No photos to share today, but we are here to assure you that our fall foliage is still at its peak!  Just made the round trip from Portola to Quincy this morning. Highway 70 is beautiful all the way. The hillsides all along the route are proudly sporting their orange, red, gold and yellow leaves. A short trip south on Highway 89 toward Graeagle shows the cottonwood and aspen trees still bright golden yellow along the Feather River. 

Our weather forecast is showing some rain on Wednesday night and Thursday, then mostly clear and sunny through the weekend. So take advantage of what may be the last clear weekend while the leaves are beautiful. Come on up and visit, you'll be glad you did!

October 28, 2012

The third report comes from John Redman, The Master's Light Photography, out of Sacramento. Another fantastic photographer!  We love these reports from our visitors and invite you to send yours too.  John writes:


Well, I spent the day on Saturday in Plumas County. I initially thought it might be a long drive for little. It was very foggy and socked in really good. But, as always seems to happen, I was led to the Buck's Lake area and as I drove higher the fog disappeared, revealing beautiful blue skies and lots of color. Thank you for contacting me and letting me know that the colors were really popping. They were!

Take care and thank you so much for your site. I love the distinctive fall colors of Plumas County! God bless.
 

And the second report comes from a Carly, a fantastic photographer! And writer! Here's her message, followed by her photos. She invited us to read her blog too.  

I had the pleasure of visiting your lovely county yesterday, October 27th, and I put together a nice gallery of photos from my wanderings about the county. I hope you enjoy seeing them. Thank you so much for keeping your site updated. Autumn is my favorite season, in fact I live for it, so I am always thrilled to follow along with the progress of the gorgeous colors in your area. I can't think of a better way to spend a sunny late October day, then to be able to spend it in such loveliness!
 

So far today, we've received three leaf peeper reports. We'll start with the first one received. Jeff Titcomb sent a series of photos from around Indian Valley.

He writes: Indian Valley near Taylorsville is nice and colorful. The entire trail down Arlington Road to Taylorsville and out to Genesee is a Great drive still.

If you have the time go up and around Antelope Lake too. It's worth it! You'll see all kinds of wildlife and just a touch of snow here and there. So Perfect."

We agree, it's just perfect right now!

October 26, 2012

It really is peak color right now!  Jeff Titcomb sent these photos from the Indian Valley area yesterday. You can see there's a bit of snow on the ground, but the foliage wasn't affected at all by the snow.

Jeff says "Arlington looks great with some snow on it and the fall colors all up and down the mountain."

"The moisture only adds to the myriad of existing colors.

October 25, 2012

Sorry to be late posting today, but this writer has been in meetings all day - from 8 am on.  But I promised to give an update in case you're planning a visit this weekend.  By all means, come up now!  The hillsides are just beautiful, the sky is blue, the roads are clear and the remaining snow on the tops of the peaks lends a gorgeous backdrop for the changing leaves.

The oaks on the hills around Quincy are in full color, and the drive along Hwy 70 between Graeagle and Quincy is beautiful. I'm declaring Peak Color today!

Will be posting another that just came in shortly. Stay tuned please......

October 24, 2012

Not much new to report. It's mostly a light rain today, with the predictions still saying clearing on Thursday and sunshine Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a "chance of rain" showing for Monday and Tuesday, but no mention of snow at all.  So, come on up this weekend - it promises to be beautiful, and with a backdrop of snow on the mountains, the leaves will be brighter than ever.

October 23, 2012

We had a few more inches of snow last night, but so far today the sky is blue with white puffy clouds. It's cold though, brrrrr!  We have several reports to post today. I guess folks were busy enjoying the weekend and just now got around to editing their photos and sending them in. A big thanks to all our leaf-peepers. We couldn't do this without you!

And last, this wonderful report and photos from Chuck Viebrock, from Novato.

Unsure what the weather was going to do this week in advance, I made an abbreviated swing through the county Saturday. I've been in several counties south of Plumas in the past 2 weeks all the way to Rte. 50 and noted conditions so dry that many trees are "browning" out rather than changing color. Observed some of this in Plumas where water isn't readily accessible, but Plumas is in much better shape than to the south.

Attached photos are from Twenty Mile House off Old Cromberg Road through Quincy and on up Bucks Lake Rd. to Thompson Lake.

Many of the Old Cromberg & court house photos are taken in strong winds, affecting clarity.

The other photos in Quincy are on Lee Way and W. High St. on the dead end court.  I'm sure you have names for some of these trees.
 

I include a shot of a couple of High St. apples!
 

The Bucks Lake Road photos are between the info stop and the lake. There were numerous good dogwood photo ops on the way up to the lake.
 

The Thompson Lake aspens look like they'll be a photo op for another week.

You have the friendliest citizens! Many of them seeing visitors with a camera direct them to trees and areas that might otherwise be missed. They're a big help. Wish it was that way everywhere.
 

Second is a very unusual photo kindly submitted by Dave Butler from San Jose. Last weekend I drove around the hills and found this meadow as you enter Graeagle.Then, I created a photo illustration:

Thanks Dave. We've never seen a compilation of shots like this before. It truly shows all the colors in the Graeagle area in one place.  Very nice!
 

First up is a report and photos from Jeanne Brovelli of Quincy. She writes:

"Here are some photos I took Saturday from Greenville back to Quincy on 89 and then up Buchanan Street."


"I was delighted to see that there are still lots of oak trees that haven't changed yet on this gorgeous drive.  I think it's going to be like having two Awesome Autumns this year, after this storm passes through!"

The photo on the left shows the Pine Hill Motel as you drive into Quincy from the west. The one on the right is the Plumas County Courthouse in downtown Quincy.

October 22, 2012

Well this is fun!  Fun if you like snow and rain! We woke up to a light covering of snow this morning with a promise of a couple of inches more during the next couple of days.  The good news is that after the snow and rain are gone - right now predicted to be Thursday, everything is so fresh and beautiful with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. And this weekend and next week's prediction is for sunshine every day. But be sure to bundle up because temperatures will be in the high 50s and the lows in the lower 30s.

So don't lose hope, we haven't even reached peak color yet in most of the county. The cottonwood and aspen along the Feather River outside Graeagle are gorgeous, and the drive from Graeagle to Quincy on Hwy 70 is starting to look really nice.  The oaks high on the hills east of Quincy are turning a gorgeous orange, with a bit of red here and there. By Thursday, we expect their color will really pop. 

Stay tuned please, we'll report new snowfall amounts and weather predictions as received.

October 21, 2012

We're so excited hearing from these new leaf-peepers!  Denise Russell, from Quincy, just reported in:

"Here are a few pics taken on the drive up to Silver Lake (northwest of Quincy) on 10/20/2012." 

 

 

 

"The changing black oaks, big leaf maples, and aspens are bright spots of color in the surrounding forest."

 

The first new leaf-peeper to check in this morning, Jim Rubins certainly captured some fall foliage in these shots. Thanks Jim.

These two show the beauty of bright yellow aspen along Hwy 89 where it turns off toward Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mill Creek.

This one shows the Feather River as it flows through downtown Chester.

And this one captures a lone tree on Hwy 70 just south of the Greenville Wye. (Intersection with Hwy 89)

October 20, 2012

Rex Buress, from Oroville, joined us this morning with a short message and two beautiful photos of grape leaves along the Feather River.

He didn't say exactly where along the Feather River he took these shots, but aren't they beautiful?

October 19, 2012

We welcome a new leaf-peeper from Indian Valley. Emily Webb, owner of Emily's Garden, sent the following report and photos. Fall foliage is looking really nice in the Indian Valley area.

"Here are some pics I took yesterday on Indian Creek, Hwy 89, just about two miles past the Greenville Y, across from the Dawn Institute. There is a big pull off there and a trail that leads to the creek for some great shots."

Our Indian Valley leaf-peeper, Jeff Titcomb, took a quick run out of Greenville on Wolf Creek Road yesterday. He reports it is one of the most colorful drives, and "right here in town."

He shared these photos of Greenville fall colors and reminds us that the Indian Valley barn quilts are colorful all year long. What a good reminder Jeff, fall is a really nice time to take a drive for fall foliage and barn quilts all around the valley.  View the Barn Quilt Trail here.

 

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October 18, 2012

Quincy leaf-peeper, Charley Arrowsmith, shared some photos he took yesterday in the area behind the courthouse in downtown Quincy.

Near the corner of Lee Way and Lee Circle

                                   Monte Vista and Foothill

Close-up of leaves on the famous Thieler tree...   

       and those same leaves awaiting raking.

October 17, 2012

This has been a busy day. Just received a new report and photos from Jeff Titcomb from Indian Valley (Greenville). 
 

He took a drive out on Williams Valley Road and Power Line Road, toward Indian Head (Keddie Ridge) and reports "The oaks are all changing slowly but good color, both red and yellows."


Then in Greenville he enjoyed seeing four large bucks eating apples right off of Main Street.

And Jeff adds: "The drive out to Copper Creek Camp is a nice one."

It was so good to hear from our friend Joe Willis this morning. Joe calls his report "Not your usual fall colors." And he's right! Be sure to check out his photos full size so you can better see what he means. He writes:

I've been busy for two days showing friends from England some of my favorite local trails. What are generally considered the "prime targets" of fall colors seekers were not particularly impressive where we went - Butterfly Valley, Keddie Cascades Trail, Spanish Peak, and Oakland Camp. But I found lots of other source of color.

The Darlingtonia Bog at Butterfly Valley Botanical Area was mostly brown at first glance. But a short walk through the blog revealed really cute "baby" Darlingtonias that I photographed with a quarter to show the size.

The Sundew were their usual bright red, and I was was surprised to find several species of flowers blooming. I include here a shot of a late-season Aster.

On the Keddie Cascades Trail we found some colorful Umbrella Plants (AKA Indian Rhubarb) and lots of Big Leaf Maple and Dogwood, although it isn't the best year for them.

A highlight of that walk was the Wooly Bear, a caterpillar of one of the Tiger Moths.

Near Oakland Camp, beyond Gilson Creek crossing, the Black Oaks were putting on a good show.

Finally, when we hiked through Bucks Wilderness on Sunday, the most impressive color show was at the top of Granite Gap. When you enter the forest of huge Red Firs, the bright yellow Wolf Lichen on the trunks is breath-taking.
 

October 16, 2012

Our friend and frequent leaf peeper, Mike Nellor, went to Oakland Camp this morning and sent these stunning photos.  Oakland Camp is just east of Quincy off Chandler Road. Mike writes:

"What an array of color this morning at Oakland Camp.

Oaks are finally starting to blush with color,

and the rhubarb is just at peak,

wild grapes and creek dogwood are also showing good color. Horses were a bonus!"

Jeanne Brovelli kindly shared her jaunt to Meadow Valley last Sunday. Meadow Valley is a small community about seven miles out of Quincy on the Bucks Lake Road. 
 

"The views are gorgeous at Spanish Ranch right now", Jeanne reported. These two photos show Spanish Peak in the background.

"Coming into Meadow Valley, check out the scenery by both bridges going into Spanish Ranch."

"And be sure to stop at Lowell Bader Park for a picnic and short walk down to Spanish Creek." (We think you might be able to "sniff" out more fall color along the creek as demonstrated by Belle.)

First, this morning, here's Jeff Titcomb's report from Indian Valley. Jeff sent these great photos too.

The drive to Round Valley is "Good" not great yet. If you do go make a tour around the lake, the road is in good condition and upgraded recently by the USFS. The Chips Fire brought equipment into the area and they did a good job fixing the road.

The trip over the top to Canyon Dam is good too. Arlington out to and around Antelope is a nice trip as well. The Aspens are at peak but the others are lagging behind.

The dogwoods are changing but slowly and still a pink to green mix.

October 15, 2012

Another new leaf-peeper just checked in. Mark Cowan sent this beautiful photo and this note: "I see I wasn't the only one wandering around the Feather River near Blairsden/Graeagle this weekend.

Another shot just (Feather River) upstream of Plumas Pines on a gorgeous fall afternoon. Almost there... in a week or so this whole area will be at the peak of perfection!" We couldn't agree more, Mark.

October 15, 2012
Another leaf-peeper checks in!  Karen Kleven writes: "I decided to check out fall colors in Quincy today. (yesterday, Oct. 14)

First I headed up the Quincy water district property at the end of Coburn Street, same street you'll find the museum on. Walk to the end and take the dirt trail to the right. It's a very beautiful hike along Boyle Creek but the colors aren't great yet. Lots of maple and dogwood but not sure if it's too early for great colors. Some dogwood is pinkish red.

But after that hike I walked around upper part of town and saw some beautiful red and yellow trees that are probably at their peak. Try Lee Rd and Monte Vista and just look for brilliant red trees.

Another treat as I was walking around is sampling some apples on a variety of trees that haven't been picked. This would be a beautiful time to visit Quincy."
 

October 14, 2012

Since we previously took you on a little tour of downtown Quincy, today we want to share photos from yesterday's trip by new leaf-peeper,Terrie Moritz.  She and a friend started their tour at the intersection of Hwy 70 and 89 heading toward Graeagle.

They drove through the little town of Blairsden, just off Hwy 89, and proceeded on the very scenic back road leading to Graeagle. About a mile down the road a one-lane bridge crosses the Feather River. Terrie reports there's plenty of parking and a nice little path along the river leading to some good photo opportunities.

Following the back road into town, Terrie reports the Graeagle Pond has some nice color showing too.

"It was such a beautiful day, we decided to drive up the Gold Lake Highway. We took the loop to Frazier Falls off the highway and enjoyed the scenery immensely" Terrie added. While walking the trail leading to the falls, she came upon a group of girls from Reno out on a "girl's weekend." The shots she included were taken from the footbridge across Frazier Creek on the way to the falls.
 

 October 13, 2012

6:00 PM  Just received this gorgeous photo of the famous "Judge Thieler" tree taken moments ago by Charley Arrowsmith.  Charley calls this photo "In Memoriam" and tells us this is the 6th anniversary of Judge Thieler's passing.  What a beautiful tribute! Be sure to view it full size.

Nice maple tree shots from this morning in Meadow Valley.  Thanks Michael Beatley! Meadow Valley is a small community just west of Quincy on Bucks Lake Road.
 

Here is a sugar maple (left) and a red maple up close.

We just spoke with a leaf-peeper who lives at Bucks Lake. She says the dogwood are just barely starting, and the aspen at Bucks Lake and Thompson Lake haven't changed much at all. She's estimating at least one week and maybe two before peak color at Bucks Lake. But in the meantime, the Quincy area is beautiful, and as you can see from today's photos, Meadow Valley's maples are really turning.

Jeff Titcomb reports that the dogwood is changing nicely on the road to Round Valley Lake out of Greenville. "Nice pinks and reds along the road." And the road to Antelope Lake is very nice too, he reports, where the color is at about 60% to 75% peak.

October 12, 2012

Since we had a stroll through a Quincy neighborhood yesterday, we thought you might like to see an overview of Quincy today.

Here's a great shot sent in by Mike Nellor, Ada's Place proprietor, taken this morning from Gansner Hill. Be sure to click on it for an enlarged view. That beautiful orange tree in the middle of the photo is the famous Thieler tree.

And here's what the silver maples in front of Quincy High School looked like yesterday at about 5:00 pm. Things are going to go fast now.  If you're planning a trip to Plumas County, now is the time to do it! While driving through downtown Quincy yesterday, we saw that the merchants are really getting into the fall spirit. The yummiest fall display we found was at Carey Candy, offering mouth-watering caramel-dipped apples, and they're huge!

Just in! Another gorgeous shot of Indian Rhubarb along Mill Creek submitted by Michael Beatley.
 

October 11, 2012

Today we're going to take you on a little stroll around a neighborhood in Quincy, thanks to Jeanne Brovelli, another new leaf-peeper reporter.

Jeanne reports: "Quincy is absolutely gorgeous right now. Here are some photos taken in Quincy proper, behind the courthouse.  I will keep adding to this album as we are still a few weeks away from the neighborhood Autumn peak."
 

And speaking of downtown Quincy, here's a real treat kindly posted and shared by this website's newest sponsor and absolute expert on the famous Thieler sugar maple, Charley Arrowsmith.  Click on the link to his blog and see how this tree has progressed to full color this year. Amazing!

(Be sure to click on any of these photos to see a larger version.)

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October 10, 2012

We're so happy to have received reports and photos from a new leaf-peeper this morning! Michael Beatley of Quincy drove up to Bucks Lake yesterday afternoon and sent these stunning "transition color" photos. The Indian Rhubarb shots clearly show the transition from green to almost full color.

He took them Mill Creek as it runs into Bucks Lake. Michael reports "the colors starting to turn, but another week will bring out the best...beautiful hike up the creek from the campground."

The amazing colors of transition are sometimes more beautiful and interesting to photograph than leaves at peak, just because of all the different hues and patterns.

Be sure to click on any of these photos to see a larger version. These colors are awesome!

October 9, 2012

Thanks to Mike Nellor, here are this morning's photos of the silver maples along Highway 70 in front of the Safeway store in Quincy. Comparing these shots to the same trees last year, taken on October 11, we found that we're right on schedule for our peak color; usually the week of October 20th.

A little past Quincy High's silver maples, Mike found this nice tree sporting some bright colors.

We're finally getting some below-freezing nights now, and with the daylight hours waning, the leaves will soon complete their transition to fall.

 

October 8, 2012

A new leaf-peeper just checked in. Welcome Suzi Brakken, the former Director of the Plumas County Visitors Bureau. Suzi has been writing these leaf-peeper reports for more than 15 years. Due to the closing of the Visitors Bureau earlier this year, she has found a new job. I'm sure you can figure out what it is by reading her report:

"It was a beautiful day for the fall wedding of Ashley and Fred at Twenty Mile House  in Cromberg. The cottonwoods are not quite yet at peak, but the silver maples on the property provided some nice accents for the eggplant and burnt orange colors of the wedding! Over 120 guests from as far as New York and Philadelphia flew in for this Sacramento couple's big day.

Within two weeks, Cromberg's cottonwoods should be at peak, along with the oaks and willows, making the drive along Hwy. 70 and back roads spectacular! Twenty Mile House, which has already hosted 27 weddings this season, will welcome its final 2012 wedding guests on Oct. 20. That will be peak foliage week around the 200-acre eco-friendly wedding estate, along with most of Plumas County!"

(click on a photo to see a larger version)

October 7, 2012

As promised, Jeff Titcomb just sent this message and a Facebook album to show what it looked like at Antelope Lake during the Indian Valley Leaf-Peepers Century ride yesterday. Thanks Jeff, for the update!

October 6, 2012

One of our local "celebrity" trees - Judge Thieler's tree as it looks this morning per Mike Nellor. This mighty sugar maple is on the corner of Lee Way and High Street in downtown Quincy. Be sure to click on the image to see the full shot. And be sure to check back - the "Thieler Tree" will make many appearances on this page as it changes to peak color.

October 6, 2012

Thanks to Jeff Titcomb, who checked in again to share more photos.  Jeff reports the Taylorsville area is easily at 35% of peak, and more so in the higher country. He included photos of large leaf maples and oaks that are changing.
 

(click on a photo to see a larger version)

October 5, 2012

Mike Nellor has been out and about again. 

This is Middle Fork Feather River and confluence of Nelson Creek at sunrise.

And here's Grady posing in front of Indian Rhubarb just starting to show some color.

To find this area, Mike says take the second right past the bridge and campground at La Porte Rd. and Middle Fork; definitely 4x4 road down to parking area and trail head.

October 4, 2012

Mike Nellor sent his report from this morning's hike. It's good to keep in mind that some of the best fall color is viewed by getting out of your car and going for a walk. You can find all sorts of things, and photographers have opportunities for close-ups of interesting trees and shrubs, especially along creeks.

Mike writes: "My hike this morning up above Spanish Aggregate out Bucks Lake Rd. about 3 miles from Quincy. View is looking back at Feather River College. The dogwoods in this area are about halfway and big leaf maples are at peak."

This is the view Mike saw looking toward Feather River College.

And here are his other photos. (Click on any one to see a larger version)

Dogwood	Dogwood	Dogwood
Dogwood	Maple

 

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October 3, 2012

We have a new leaf-peeper checking in this morning. Jeff Titcomb, from Greenville, sent us some nice photos and this report: "It's all coming on strong. The wild locust trees are yellow. The dogwoods are going red. The large leaf maples are yellow. The higher up you go the more solid the colors. Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake and up that way on Mt. Hough is in full color now."

All of the locations he's talking about are in beautiful Indian Valley on Highway 89 between the Feather River Canyon (Hwy. 70) and Lake Almanor. While Jeff didn't identify the photos he sent, you can easily spot the red maple leaves and the dogwood just turning red.  Jeff promises to get some photos of this weekend's Century Bike Ride through Indian Valley.

(click on a photo to see a larger version)
 

October 2, 2012

We love it!  Mike Nellor sent some more photos today. Taken this morning in the Oakland Camp area just east of Quincy. Mike says "Indian rhubarb and wild grape starting to show a bit more color. Sweet peas hanging in there!" Spanish Creek is the stream shown in the rhubarb photo.

And we have an answer to the "Alien Creature" photo (yesterday's report). Genie from Carson City says it looks like a dead chrysalis of a Monarch butterfly on host plant milkweed. Thanks Genie.

Wild Grape	Sweet Pea	Milkweed
Indian Rhubarb	Indian Rhubarb

(click on a photo to see a larger version)
 

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October 1, 2012

Mike Nellor kindly sent us another report today. He said these photos are from a trip yesterday to the Middle Fork Feather River. "As you can see it is just beautiful, lots of gold here, (ha ha, couldn't help myself), and a hint of red starting to show. Don't know what that critter on the leaf is."

Here are Mike's photos; perhaps our friend Joe Willis can identify the "critter."

Fall Fern	Wild Grapes	Willow
Chicory	Indian Rhubarb	Alien Creature

 

(click on a photo to see a larger version)
 

September 29, 2012

Joe Willis checked in again, with a report he entitled "While Waiting for the Leaves." Here are some shots of colorful fruits that keep me entertained while waiting for the colors of leaves to peak.

The Black Cottonwoods, Maples and Oaks around Quincy are still mostly green, and if you can't drive to higher elevations to enjoy the fall colors underway there, you can still find lots of colorful sights in the woods around Quincy, especially if you hike in shady areas and/or where there's running water. Here's a sampler:

The Gooseberries around Quincy have mostly been eaten or gone to seed, but if you explore north-facing hillsides where they're known to occur, or drive up just a few hundred feed in elevation in the mountains surrounding Quincy, you can still find Gooseberries. This photo was taken on the Slate Creek Road.


Oregon Grape grows in lots of people's yards as well as in the forest. This one was photographed in Boyle Ravine, as were the Rose Hips.

Apples turning red are easy to find around Quincy. These were photographed either on Lee Road or Coburn. I can't remember.

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Finally, the Mountain Ash is growing wild in Bucks Wilderness among other places in the 5,000 to 6,500 foot range, the best one I ever saw is growing right next to the courthouse in Quincy.

Don't forget to enjoy the colorful bugs that are visiting the late summer wildflowers like Rabbitbrush and Goldenrod. Be sure to check out Joe's blog for more excellent photos, and bugs!

September 28, 2012

Mike Nellor shared a couple of photos of dirt. What? Look closer, they're bear paw prints. We're glad he didn't find the bear that made them!

Mike says: "Needless to say it's a very active bear season now and a lot of hunters too, so use caution. These were on the Beckworth Trail just east of Snake Lake." Snake Lake is just west of Quincy on Bucks Lake Road.
 

(click on a photo to see a larger version)

September 28, 2012
 

While it's still early for full fall color here in Plumas County, we were glad to receive these photos of Staghorn Sumac taken this very morning by Valerie Nellor.

She said she can see these trees from just outside the back door at Ada's Place in downtown Quincy. Val says she expects these leaves will be in "full bloom" in another week or two.

September 27, 2012

Joe Willis checked in again late yesterday with these photos. He was on the campus at Feather River College in Quincy.

Here are some photos taken today on the FRC campus - except for the one from East Quincy in front of Papa's Donuts.

The large California Black Oaks are just beginning to turn. Mostly still green, but there are a few branches that have turned the characteristic rusty orange color that will soon be common on the hills all around the college and elsewhere in the county.

Sometimes they'll turn bright red like this sample from the small oaks in front of Papa's Donuts. Most of the maples around town have barely begun to show some red so I haven't photographed them yet.

The biggest patches of red I've seen are on the Choke Cherry. Here are two photos from the FRC campus, one showing some wasp galls on a leaf. They are rather colorful and in spring will yield tiny, harmless wasps.

The Rabbitbrush, still blooming bright yellow all around the county, are attracting very colorful insects like the Skippers, a butterfly relative, Thread-waisted Wasps, and California Sister Butterflies.

Orange Peel Fungus, too, was on the FRC campus today. Very beautiful. There are a dozen of them growing under a stairway between buildings on the upper campus.

September 26, 2012

Hooray! We just received a report from Mike Nellor, a Quincy resident and owner of Ada's Place. Mike says it seems we're right on schedule for fall colors again this year.

He sent this great shot of Indian Rhubarb just starting to turn. This is where Rock Creek and Meadow Valley Creek flow together, just a couple of miles west of Quincy on Bucks Lake Road.

This shot (right) is of chokecherry just starting to change. This is also off Bucks Lake Road out of Quincy.

And this last shot shows an oak tree at Oakland Camp - just east of Quincy. Mike says the oaks are "spotty" so far.

So stay tuned, folks, and check back often. Our fall color season is here.  We'll have more photos and reports to post in the next couple of days.

September 15, 2012

We're so happy to have our first fall color report from Joe Willis, naturalist, educator, and photographer/blogger. He writes:

One leaf at a time - this Dogwood in Boyle Ravine gives a big hint of what's to come.

And here's Cascara Buckthorn. In most places around here it's still green, but in places where the soil is drying out rapidly the process of turning red seems to speed up. These were on the hill below my house in Quincy.

Joe has lots more information and great photos of bugs and blooming flowers among the fall colors on his blog.

September 8, 2012

It's too early to start seeing much change of color, but our great reporter from Indian Valley, Richard McCutcheon, becomes our first leaf-peeper to report this year. He sent this photo and says: