Fall is a time of rejuvenation and my favorite season. With the shift of the California Current, rains begin to fall in California after a summer of drought while the high country along the Pacific Slope finds snow returning. We retreat inside our homes but native plants and animals must adjust to the changes. Some birds migrate, mammals might hibernate, and some plants shed their leaves and “hibernate” for winter in their own way. Below is my favorite place to find fall color in the Klamath Mountains and it also happens to be along the Bigfoot Trail.

Siskiyou Wilderness

I’ll start by admitting that my son’s middle name is Siskiyou. This wilderness was my first destination upon moving to Humboldt County and I’ve been back many times since–and learned something new each trip. The wilderness represents the mystery and intrigue of Conifer Country and holds within its boundaries at least 16 species of conifers – making it second to the Russian Wilderness in diversity within the Klamath Mountains. A few other regional highlights include the success story of the GO Road, the epic Bigfoot Trail along the crest, and a stay at Bear Basin Butte on the edge of the wilderness. Once you visit, you will never forget this place.

Fall Highlights:

• Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
• Vine maple (Acer circinatum)
• Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
• Umbrella plant (Darmera peltata)
• Dwarf huckleberry (Vaccinium caespitosum var. caespitosum)
• Cascade bilberry (Vaccinium deliciosum)
• Blue or thin-leaved huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum)

• Read More about the Siskiyou Wilderness

• Where to go on the Bigfoot Trail? Check out Clear Creek: