By Don Quilici
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Cabins near the straightaway just before Red Lake. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Quaking Aspen Trees along S.R. 88 in Woodfords Canyon. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Near the U.S. Forest Service Campground in the canyon. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
One of the cabins at Sorensen’s Resort nestled in the trees. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
S.R. 88 between Sorensen’s and Pickett’s Junction. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Another view of the Quakies in that same area. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
A mix of Quakies and pine trees. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Fall colors on the dirt road to Crater Lake. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
One of the parking areas on that dirt road. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The contrast of Quakies and pine trees. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The spectacular colors of fall. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Our favorite location to have a picnic lunch. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Quakies at their prime colors. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Mother Nature’s beauty. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The old corral along S.R. 88 near Red Lake. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
Red Creek that flows out of Red Lake. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The dirt road that runs from S.R. 88 to Lost Lakes. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The Quakies along that road. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
The golden colors of Quakies. Photo by Elaine Quilici -
One of the mountain peaks above Hope Valley. Photo by Elaine Quilici
This is my annual reminder to enjoy the spectacular displays of the colorful leaves on quaking aspen trees, also known as ‘quakies’ at this time of the year.
On Sunday morning, Elaine and I took a drive to Hope Valley, California to see those colors and they are spectacular. If you want to see them, do not delay — you better hurry because they are at their prime.
If you would like to see and/or photograph those colors, here is a list of eight locations in the Woodfords Canyon – Hope Valley – Red Lake areas. To reach these locations, just drive south from Carson City on a combination of U.S. 395, Nevada S.R. 88 and California S.R. 88.
In Woodford’s Canyon:
All along California S.R. 88 between Woodfords and Sorensen’s Resort, located near the junction of S.R. 88 (to Kit Carson Pass) and California S.R. 89 (to South Lake Tahoe). This junction is known as “Pickett’s Junction.”
At Sorensen’s Resort:
The Quaking Aspen Trees serve as a colorful backdrop to the resort on one side with the West Carson River on the opposite side.
The short area between Sorensen’s Resort and Pickett’s Junction:
This is one of, if not the best, locations for viewing colors in the entire area.
Special Note: Be careful when parking and then walking along the edge of the highway due to the high-speed traffic whizzing past.
The west side of S.R. 88 in Hope Valley, between Pickett’s Junction and the Blue Lakes Turnoff:
This is a popular location for photographers, so if you’re not sure where it is, just look for all the parked vehicles and lots of people walking, with their cameras and tri-pods, along the edge of the highway or in the meadows.
Along S.R. 88, as you travel past the Blue Lakes turnoff:
You’ll be traveling, uphill, on a long straightaway; with “Quakies” on both sides of the highway, but the colors will be best on the right side as you near the far end of the straightaway.
Where the dirt road to Crater Lake intersects S.R. 88:
This small road is 1.9 miles past the Blue Lakes Turnoff. Watch for a paved road on your right side that curves up a steep bank, next to the highway.
Take that paved road (the pavement is badly eroded) about 50 yards, cross a cattleguard and the pavement turns to dirt.
Once you’ve crossed the cattleguard, park anywhere you like and then enjoy a leisurely walk through the Quaking Aspen Trees.
Special Note:
This is our favorite location for fall colors and having a picnic lunch. On nice days, when the weather permits, do as we do:
Take your lunch, sit on a log and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. It doesn’t get much better than that, anywhere.
Along S.R. 88 on the straightaway, just before reaching Red Lake
The Quakies are very colorful, especially on the left side.
There will be a long paved shoulder of the highway where you can park your vehicle and then wander around with your camera.
The dirt road that runs from Red Lake to Lost Lakes
When you reach Red Lake, the Quakies are very colorful along the dirt road that leads from there to Lost Lakes.
Park just off of S.R. 88, grab your camera and go wandering. The yellow colors are stunning when backlit by the sunlight.
Finally:
Be sure to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature’s handiwork in Alpine County before the long, cold, winter season arrives. Do it today!
Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can’t tell you what is so unusual about all this helpful Don Q advice for enjoying fall colors.
If he grins and says, “That advice comes from someone who is color blind,” he could be one of my relatives or a close friend. It’s true, I am color blind, but I have a great time enjoying the yellow and orange colors at this time of the year.
— Don Quilici is the Outdoor editor for Carson Now. He can be reached at donquilici@hotmail.com.
