Normally, on October 14, the fall color at the Spooner Lake State Park backcountry would be at peak. But this year, like many other places, the fall color here peaked earlier than normal. That means much of the autumn foliage here is Past Peak. The good news, though, is that there are some spots where the color is still happening.
Other places, the leaves are still a healthy-looking lime green, which means in the next 5 to 7 days there could be another mini-peak.
On October 14, 2026, I hiked 1.5 miles up the North Canyon Road at Spooner Lake State Park towards Marlette Lake. About a half mile into the hike, there was a large grove of aspens turning yellow with one tree a vibrant orange. It looked the best backlit in the afternoon. If you want to take a short, easy hike to see fall color, hiking this first half mile of North Canyon Road is a good option.
Farther up the road there are patches of yellow trees mixed in with Past Peak aspens. It looks like some of the aspen leaves did freeze while still green, but there are enough healthy-looking green leaves to indicate there could be a small second act of fall color here within the next five to seven days.
From a fall color point of view, Spooner Lake State Park Backcountry isn’t looking perfect. But there are some spots that are still producing color or probably will be in the next five or so days.
Is There Any Fall Color Left at Spooner Lake?
The aspens around Spooner Lake itself are Past Peak, but there are a few trees that are green and bright yellow, which add a touch of color to the lakeshore.
A little fall color hanging on at Spooner Lake, 10-14-26, Kim Wilkes
Get Here Before Tuesday’s Predicted Storm
A storm is predicted Tuesday and Wednesday, so I recommend you head up to Spooner between now and Monday. By Sunday, it’s possible the green leaves will have progressed enough to add more color to the forest.
I ran into road construction at the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28, but it only caused short delays.
Spooner Lake State Park Backcountry Fall Color Report, October 14, 2026
Spooner Lake Backcountry – Past Peak but still some good color happening in a couple places and still some green aspens that are poised to put on a possible show.
Spooner Lake – Past Peak but some color here and there.
