We all know that Alaska's Fall colors are elusive and unpredictable, so I thought we could have this running update on where they are and how they are progressing. We have 40 members, from Fairbanks to Juneau, so we should be able to keep track of them
This is how it will work, if you find a grand display, photograph it (if you can) and post your findings (including a photograph). We can also use this thread as a way keep a tab on the snow level and other conditions.
Lets all give praise to the weather gods and hope for a wonderful Fall, with amazing colors and award winning images for all!
Carl
Posted by Jim DeWitt on August 18, 2008 at 1:13 AM
Isabel Pass on the Richardson Highway dark and drizzly, with about 20% color on August 17.
Posted by Skip Martin on August 24, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Broad Pass (just south of cantwell) is about 75% as of Sunday the 24th. Windy as hell, so I didn't stop for any pics. If the wind doesn't blow all the leaves off, I'm going to try next weekend.
Posted by David Taylor on August 31, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Just got back from a trip down the Denali Highway, Cantwell to Paxson, and back to Cantwell again. Fall colors are peaking along a few portions of the West end of the Denali Hwy, but most of the rest of the road is now past peak. Fall seems to come early. Colors (where peaking) were brilliant, but in just 1 day the colors had gone brown where they were at peak the day before. Brilliant sunrise on Saturday after a cold night in the tent. Here's a quick pic.
Here's a link to the Journal Entry.
http://sixtyonenorth.wordpress.com/
Posted by Bob Flood on September 1, 2008 at 3:05 AM
My first post here ...
I've been in Denali since Friday and it's amazing. The tundra is red, really red, and the aspen are partially turned. It's great RIGHT NOW. Since this is my first time here, others will have to speak about how long it may last.
Much of the aspen have turned between Denali and Fairbanks - lots of yellow along AK3.
Posted by Skip Martin on September 2, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Bob just stole my thunder a little . Denali is peaking right now.
Hoping the colors will hold out until friday when i'll actually get a chance to get out!
Posted by Bob Flood on September 2, 2008 at 2:56 AM
To add a little based on today (9/1) -
The drive south from Denali to Anchorage was beautiful - the mountain was out all day. The fall color was great from Denali down to the pass, but then nothing (comparatively) from the pass southward. The climate and environments on opposite sides of the Alaska Range obviously differ greatly.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on September 2, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Colors are also peaking along Chena Hot Springs Road. The tundra colors on Upper Chena Dome Trail are excellent. One tip: it's hunting season in the Interior, and not all hunters are as careful as they should be. Wear an orange vest.
Posted by Skip Martin on September 8, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Anybody been through Denali State Park? How are the colors looking for this weekend?
Posted by Carl Battreall on September 9, 2008 at 12:52 AM
I was at Reed Lakes this last weekend and not much was going on, maybe this weekend will be better.
Posted by Carl Battreall on September 14, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Upper Matanuska Valley, from Hicks Creek to Sheep Mountain is about 90% and beautiful, the tundra is on fire and the trees golden. The tundra in Chugach State Park is also amazing, but the trees and shrubs are coming in slow.
Posted by David Taylor on September 21, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Anyone (perhaps Ron?) have any fall color reports from the Kenai Peninsula?
Posted by Carl Battreall on September 28, 2008 at 7:53 PM
South Report:
Turnagain Arm is looking nice, especially on the south side near Hope. Portage is gone, most of the leaves have been blown off. From Turnagain Pass to Summit Lake is dull, mostly brown. From Tern Lake to Skilak Lake is awesome, especially around Kenai Lake and Skilak. From Tern Lake to Moose Pass is also great. From Moose Pass to Seward is mostly turning brown instead of yellow.
Discussion
12 repliesThis is how it will work, if you find a grand display, photograph it (if you can) and post your findings (including a photograph). We can also use this thread as a way keep a tab on the snow level and other conditions.
Lets all give praise to the weather gods and hope for a wonderful Fall, with amazing colors and award winning images for all!
Carl
Here's a link to the Journal Entry.
http://sixtyonenorth.wordpress.com/
I've been in Denali since Friday and it's amazing. The tundra is red, really red, and the aspen are partially turned. It's great RIGHT NOW. Since this is my first time here, others will have to speak about how long it may last.
Much of the aspen have turned between Denali and Fairbanks - lots of yellow along AK3.
Hoping the colors will hold out until friday when i'll actually get a chance to get out!
The drive south from Denali to Anchorage was beautiful - the mountain was out all day. The fall color was great from Denali down to the pass, but then nothing (comparatively) from the pass southward. The climate and environments on opposite sides of the Alaska Range obviously differ greatly.
Turnagain Arm is looking nice, especially on the south side near Hope. Portage is gone, most of the leaves have been blown off. From Turnagain Pass to Summit Lake is dull, mostly brown. From Tern Lake to Skilak Lake is awesome, especially around Kenai Lake and Skilak. From Tern Lake to Moose Pass is also great. From Moose Pass to Seward is mostly turning brown instead of yellow.