A peaceful scene that appears at this time of year are the cottonwoods turning gold along the Carson River at Cradlebaugh Bridge, on the north end of Carson Valley, on Highway 395.
Professional photographer Patrick Wilkes ventured over to the Cradlebaugh Bridge to see how the fall colors there are progressing. He reports that overall the cottonwoods along the river are in the Getting Better stage (25%). Some individual trees in that area have reached 50%, so itās looking pretty by the river right now, even if it hasnāt reached its peak color.
If you stop to take a photo, be careful of the traffic whizzing by on Highway 395 and for your safety stay off the road while youāre taking photos.
Maples, Pumpkins, and Pig Races
Also looking pretty in the Carson Valley are the red maples. Theyāre mostly Near Peak at around 70%, with some stragglers, like the one in our backyard, just starting to turn. Some of the maples are half green and half red, decorating the valley in Christmas colors.
While youāre taking a fall color drive through Carson Valley, visit Corley Ranch for their October Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Thereās a lot going on at the Harvest Festival during the week, but on weekends you can also watch pig races or try the giant sling shot or wagon rides.
Rain and Snow in the Forecast
Rain in the valleys and snow at the higher elevations is expected over the next few days, so your best bet of viewing the fall color will be over the weekend of October 19 ā 20, 2024 and beyond. The cold nighttime temperatures could freeze the leaves of some trees, but weāll hope for the best.
Carson Valley Fall Foliage Update 2024
Cradlebaugh Bridge Cottonwoods ā Getting Better (25%)
Cottonwoods Throughout the Valley ā Patchy (10%)
Maples ā Near Peak (70%)