• June 9, 2021

Scenic Roads to See Fall Colors in Northern California

Although the northeast fall is something to behold, the west coast also has something spectacular to offer when it comes to fall colors.

The changing colors of autumn leaves have to do with changing temperature and altitude, so the colors often peak at different times in different regions. To make sure you don’t miss out on the best parts of the season, stay connected with the people you know who live in the area. Get them updated on what they can see as they drive through their city. You can also do a little research and stay on top of the areas that get the most beautiful change each year, then find out at your local visitor bureau when they are expected to peak before planning your trips. The National Forest Service also has a hotline with weekly updates on the color change during this season for the entire United States: 1-800-354-4595

Prepare your cup of hot coffee or tea, nice music, a partner, your camera and you are ready to hit the road and take a scenic drive.

Here is a list of some tours in Northern California that are typically beautiful this time of year, guaranteed to show you reds, oranges, and yellows:

oTake HWY 299 East from Redding towards Burney, turn right onto HWY 89 and drive to the end of Lassen Volcanic National Park. From there take 36 to Red Bluff and then I-5 back to Redding to complete the loop.

oTake HWY 299 West toward Weaverville. Any opportunity you see of taking a marked hiking trail off the highway is a guaranteed way to soak up the color. Past Weaverville, you can continue west to the coast or head north on HWY 3 to the Trinity Heritage Scenic Byway.

o Plumas County is famous for its fall color shows. From Lassen NVP, you can continue south on HWY 89 and merge onto the Feather River Scenic Byway near Quincy.

o To the north, the pass over the Warner Mountains is also spectacular, taking HWY 299 from Alturas to Cedarville will bring your journey to life. Ask the locals about the back roads while you’re there.

o A trip through the Modoc National Forest from Adin to Susanville on HWY 139 is another of Northern California’s hidden fall secrets.

Enjoy the colors, they don’t last long!

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