From city and country neighborhoods to massive state and national parks, visitors are sure to encounter an abundance of vibrant red, orange and gold foliage.
If there’s time, be sure to check out a fall festival or two – it’s absolutely worth it. Don’t forget to bring your camera and your appetite – between the fall colors and fall happenings, you’ll definitely want both!
GREAT WAYS TO CATCH GREAT FALL COLORS
Hike through McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
With its popular 129-foot waterfall and expansive forests, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the perfect destination to enjoy fall foliage in Shasta County. In mid-October, the park’s redbud, oak, white alder, Pacific dogwood, Oregon ash, vine maple, buck and deer brush, red flowing currant and squaw bush offer visitors a spectacular display of changing colors.
Bike through Plumas County
Take to two wheels on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail for self-guided tours along the 25-mile, car-free route that follows an old rail line. Be sure to download the free ‘Fall Colors of Plumas County’ guide that details the color-changing plant species and illustrates the best foliage routes in the county.
Explore Desolation Wilderness in Grass Lake
In the fall, visitors to the Desolation Wilderness can view the changing leaves free from the distractions of everyday life. Grass Lake’s grove of golden aspen trees sits at 7,000 feet elevation, and is accessible by foot. The three-hour out-and-back hike to the lake is the perfect escape from the city, offering you a close-up of fall’s rich colors.
Hike in the San Bernardino National Forest
With its numerous hiking, backpacking and horse-riding trails, the San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect place to view fall foliage. The aspen grove in the San Gorgonio Wilderness area peaks in October and is just one of the many beautiful places to enjoy the gorgeous colors found in this expansive forest. Also located nearby is Big Bear Lake. From mid-October to early November, Big Bear Lake is awash in a sea of gold, crimson, amber and yellow. In the fall, Big Bear Village is brilliant with vibrant red maples, and The Aspen Grove Trail and Fish Creek Trail are particularly popular for hikers looking to enjoy the changing leaves.
Ride an Aerial Tram above Napa Valley’s Changing Vines
While touring the many wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley, you can enjoy a riot of color in the autumn months. Whether walking among the vines or riding the aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards, you will be surrounded by the brilliant colors of fall.
Hike through Redwood National and State Parks
While famous for their tall, old-growth trees, the Redwood National and State Parks are also home to expansive prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways and almost 40 miles of pristine coastline. Visit the parks between September and October to enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves while listening to the North American elk bugle and challenge one another.
Meander through Deer Creek Tribute Trail in Nevada City
Nevada City is popular not only for its Gold Rush history and old-fashioned Victorian neighborhoods, but the vibrant fall foliage that lines the city’s picturesque streets. In September and October, you can walk beneath the changing leaves of century-old Red Maple trees planted by early settlers and enjoy a breathtaking display of fall colors on the Deer Creek Tribute Trail.
Wander around Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
With forty miles of trails winding through oak and sycamore woodlands, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offers visitors a perfect venue for “leaf-peeping.” The area lies within some of the last remaining coastal canyons of Southern California and is part of the Natural Community Conservation Planning program that protects rare and endangered species.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride Over Mammoth Lakes
While a popular destination year-round, Mammoth Lakes is particularly spectacular in the fall with its changing leaves and rushing streams. Whether taking a scenic helicopter ride or hiking one of the various trails, you will find yourself surrounded by the vibrant colors of aspens, pines, cottonwoods and willows.
Hike to the Famous Vikingsholm Castle
North Lake Tahoe’s Rubicon Trail provides hikers with a great view of both fall foliage and Lake Tahoe. The trail is only 4.5 miles to Emerald Point and 6.5 miles to the extension that passes Vikingsholm, a magnificent castle built in 1929. The castle is considered one of the best examples of Danish architecture in the U.S., offering visitors a glimpse of history along with their view of the changing leaves.
Walk around June Lake Loop in Mono County
June Lake Loop is a collection of lakes whose trees peak in early October, drawing photographers and sightseers to the High Sierra. The loop is known for its beautiful golden aspens and is comprised of June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake. Come drive through the town’s picturesque main street before hiking the family-friendly trails and marveling at the colors of fall throughout Mono County.
If you’re already in the area, be sure to check out Little Walker, a beautiful and lesser-known lake in the majestic Bloody Canyon just north of the June Lake Loop. Beneath soaring mountains and surrounded by hundreds of trees, the trail to this lake offers visitors a picture-perfect destination for “leaf-peeping.”
ENJOY A FALL FESTIVAL
- Come Enjoy Lodi’s Harvest Dinner: SIP SAVOR LODI kicks off with the Harvest Dinner in Downtown Lodi on Sept. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy premium Lodi wines and an exquisite, al fresco dinner celebrating harvest and the bounty grown in the Lodi region. Tickets are on sale now and can only be purchased in advance through the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center by calling (209) 365-0621.
- Feast Your Senses at Mendocino County’s Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival: Mendocino County is home to more than 3,000 types of mushrooms, 500 of which are edible. Each fall, beginning in October, mushrooms flourish in abundance. Come enjoy the annual Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival Nov. 7-16 with mushroom dinners, wine-and beer-pairing workshops, mushroom exhibits and guided mushroom foraging walks.
- Celebrate Harvest in Monterey Wine Country: Monterey Wine Country welcomes you to Celebrate Harvest on Oct. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. Come enjoy an afternoon of the best local produce and fall fare, sweet treats and of course exclusive Monterey County wines. View behind-the-scenes harvesting demonstrations, get your grape stomp on and hop on a hay ride through the vineyards.
- Enjoy Temecula Valley Harvest Barrel Tasting: Inland Empire’s Temecula Valley Wine Country is rapidly becoming a favorite among grape lovers. The Valley celebrates the harvest Nov. 1-2, at the Harvest Celebration Barrel Tasting where participating wineries allow guests to taste their new and unreleased wines as well as barrel and tank samples.
- Start a Fall Family Tradition at Bates Nut Farm: At the Bates Nut Farm, The Pumpkin Patch is a fall tradition. This year, the event will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 31 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With tractor hay rides, a straw maze and a farm zoo, families are sure to experience the joys of the season. Weekends feature live entertainment, pony rides, a petting zoo, BBQ, kettle corn and other family-friendly attractions.
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