Fall Color Scenic Drives Around Lake Superior - 2011

Fall Color Report Overview, 2011
(see latest report below dated 10/01/2011)

Rainfall has been below average around Lake Superior the last 30 days. Early in September temperatures were above normal so I've been concerned about stress on the trees. But the last week they have returned to normal and expect to stay that way for the next 10 days. Rain the past few days has helped the situation and the 10 day forecast for most of the Lake Superior region is for sunny weather and average temps. So make your plans to go in the near future.

The recent cooler weather has started the color change in some areas. The earliest color change near Lake Superior generally occurs in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, around Ironwood's Black River Harbor and the Porcupine Mountains, then a little later along Highways 26 and 41 up to Houghton and then to Copper Harbor. In the UP last color season, we found the area around Tahquamenon Falls changing earlier. Ditto for a little north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Lindsey at Sault Ste. Marie Tourism reports color change in their area at about 25-30%. Color change along Wisconsin's shore doesn't show much until October, but earlier in late September a side trip loop south of Ashland to Copper Falls and Potato Falls can be productive. Along Minnesota's North Shore, you find two color seasons. Areas with a good concentration of Maples will show in September but the areas with Birch and Aspen look to October for best color. The region around Grand Portage State Park (and High Falls ) is currently reporting 25-50% color change.

--Ross

Fall Color Report Update - October 1, 2011

In Western Michigan the reports show color change at or near peak along the Black River Scenic Byway, along US 2 from Ironwood to Wakefield, and in the vicinity of the Porcupine Mountains. Weather has been ideal. Nancy at Keweenaw Visitors Bureau expects good color for at least another week. Look for color change exceeding 50% near Munising and over 75% around Tahquamenon Falls and nearing peak. Good time to take the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway between Paradise and Sault Saint Marie. In Minnesota the DNR reports color change exceeding 75% from Gooseberry Falls to Silver Bay; color change around Temperance River and Lutsen is between 75% and Peak. In the Grand Portage area they also report between 75% and Peak, but we found along scenic Highway 61 north of Grand Marais less than 75% because of the high percentage of Aspen and few Maples or other hardwoods. Tram rides at Lutsen Mountain are very popular at the moment as color approaches peak. Hikes to Oberg Mountain will continue to show beautiful colors along the trail and from the top. In Wisconsin, Travel Wisconsin reports the area near Hurley is between 75% and Peak. I expect the same for the route from Potato Falls to Copper Falls in Mellen. Ashland and Bayfield remain between 25 & 50% but look for that to advance quickly over the next week. As you get closer to Superior color change is exceeding 75%; check out the area at Amnicon Falls - should be quite colorful. In Ontario, around Thunder Bay color change is around 50% due to high percentage of Aspen, but changing daily. Around Sault Ste. Marie and north to Wawa we expect it to exceed 50% and recommend a trip now by car or rail north of Sault Ste Marie to Algoma Bay (by car) or Agawa Canyon (by rail).

Fall Color Report Update - September 27, 2011

A few days ago, Michigan.org reports color change occurring along the Black River Scenic Byway, along US 2 from Ironwood to Wakefield, and about 25% peak in the vicinity of the Porcupine Mountains. My guess is that now the change is at least 50% in this area. Look for color change around 50% around Tahquamenon Falls as they generally show earlier color change. In Minnesota the DNR reports color change between 25 & 50% from Gooseberry Falls to Silver Bay; color change around Temperance River and Lutsen is at about 50% and in the Grand Portage area between 50 and 75%. Today there were beautiful colors from the top of Oberg Mountain. In Wisconsin, Travel Wisconsin reports the area near Hurley is advancing nicely at about 75%, Peak Color may be less than 2 weeks away from Peak Color. Look for some nice color south of US Hwy 2 near Potato River Falls and Copper Falls. Ashland and Bayfield are between 25 & 50%; the area between Ashland and Superior is about 25%; the Bayfield Chamber expects peak color the second week in October. Our sources in Ontario, at North of Superior Travel and Sault Ste. Marie Chamber report color change around 50% and changing daily. A trip by car or rail north of Sault Ste Marie to Algoma Bay (by car) or Agawa Canyon (by rail) in the next two weeks could be rewarding.

During the next few days we'll be along Minnesota's North Shore reporting directly on conditions.

--Ross

Fall Color Scenic Drives Around Lake Superior - 2010

Fall Color Report Update 10/01/10

Report from our recent visit to the Upper Peninsula. In the last few days we drove from Paradise, Michigan (west of Sault Ste. Marie) to Marquette, Michigan and then through Ironwood heading towards Ashland, Wisconsin. The fall foliage color from Paradise to Munising remained in the 50 - 75% region. Some of the Aspen are changing, very little change in the Oaks, but some Maples are past peak. Munising and Pictured Rocks will soon show more color from Aspen and Birch soon. Marquette area is showing good color because of more Maples . . . and the Aspen leaves seem a little further along than around Munising. As we traveled west from Marquette more Aspen showing good leaf color but also some of the Maples were past color but still lots of leaf color showing. My guess from what we have seen is that up in the Keweenaw along US 41 and in the Porcupine Mountains fall leaf color is at its peak. Overall the entire Western UP is at or near peak. Central and Eastern UP will be there soon.

Report from our recent visit the Wisconsin Lake Superior region. From Ironwood Michigan to Ashland Maples and Aspen are turning but looking across the bay to the Bayfield Peninsula it looks like the best color is still a week or two away. People visiting the Bayfield area for the Apple Fest who want color should take the side trip down to Copper Falls and then Potato Falls and then back to Ashland. Between Ashland and Superior, Wisconsin along US 2 there is very good color showing. Stop in at Amnicon Falls to see both color and roaring rapids from recent rains. If you are traveling between Superior and Ashland-Bayfield in a week or two the lakeshore route along Hwy 13 will be showing good color.

In Minnesota, much of the North Shore is now reporting 75 - 100% leaf color change. I expect some Aspen and Birch will continue to provide some color for a week or two but cool weather may precipitate leaf drop. Duluth is at 50 - 75% but further up the North Shore the time to see the best color is now.

In Ontario, up to Thunder Bay in the west and Sault Sainte Marie in the east up to Wawa, Ontario color should be at or perhaps past peak. North of those regions color change is slower because there are few Maples, Oaks, and Beech and other hardwoods which tend to turn earlier than Aspen and Birch. However Don from North of Superior Tourism reports there is now good color showing along the entire Ontario North Shore Circle Route.

--Ross

Fall Color Report Update 9/23/10

(Reporting from Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario) In just a few days fall color has significantly increased. I suspect this is due to cool nights and wet weather of late. The time to take that trip is NOW and over the next two weeks.

In northern Wisconsin Bayfield is now at 25 - 50%, Copper Falls at more than 50%, and east of Ashland closer to Hurley-Ironwood color is at 75 - 100%. In the Upper Peninsula color is 50 - 75% in the western UP between Ironwood and Crystal Falls and the Black River Scenic Byway and is about 50% in the Porkies. Color change towards the Keweenaw to Copper Harbor is around 30% with peak expected early October. In the eastern & central UP color is now showing around Munising and Sault Sainte Marie and expect to see some nice color appear by the coming weekend & significant color change in October. In Minnesota from Tettegouche to Grand Portage area is reporting 25 - 75% color change with peak color expected soon north of Grand Marais. South of Tettegouche expect color change to lag a week or so. There is now about 25% color change around Duluth. In Ontario, around Sault Ste Marie is showing 25 - 50%, north towards Wawa color is 20% or more. In the city of Thunder Bay color change is approaching 50% but less away from the lake and north of Thunder Bay. In general, although further north, color change in Ontario north of Thunder Bay Beech or Hickory).

Fall Color Report Update 9/21/10

In northern Wisconsin fall color is starting to show away from the lake south of Ashland in Copper Falls State Park. In September you'll find your best color there and around Potato Falls. Copper Falls and Hurley-Ironwood area is now showing 26 - 50% of peak color. From Bayfield to Superior, color change is at about 20%. In the Upper Peninsula color is starting in the western UP between Ironwood and Crystal Falls and the Black River Scenic Byway and is about 25 - 40% in the Porkies, according to Linda at Superior Shores Motel. Color change towards the Keweenaw to Copper Harbor is 15- 30% with peak expected early October. In the eastern & central UP color is starting to show around Munising, expect to see some nice color appear by the coming weekend & significant color change in October. In Minnesota from Tettegouche to Grand Portage area is reporting 10 - 25% color change - expect 25 -50% to be reported in a few days. South of Tettegouche expect color change to lag a week or so. No appreciable color change around Duluth. In Ontario, around Sault Ste Marie north to Wawa, Wayne at Mystic Isle Motel reports color at about 15 - 20% and in the city of Thunder Bay color change is 25- 50% but less away from the lake and north of Thunder Bay according to Don at North of Superior Tourism. In general, although further north, color change in Ontario is later due to type of trees.

Consult color reports from previous years (below) to aid your planning for your fall scenic color drive.

--Ross
roscoetrails@gmail.com

Fall Color Report Update 9/27/09 (for historical comparison )

We just returned from the Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula. Maples are turning and should be quite colorful by the upcoming weekend. Oaks, Aspens, and Birches have yet to turn but may start soon. Some bushes and shrubs like Sumac are turning. Michigan Tourism reports color is looking good in the Porcupine Mountains and the drive along Michigan 26 to Houghton is showing red. North into the Keweenaw on US 41 is at 35 - 40% and should be showing good color over the next week or so. In central and eastern UP, the colors are a week or two behind that in the west. In Wisconsin, from Hurley to Ashland-Bayfield to Superior, Maples are turning - more so away from the Lake - near Copper Falls and Hurley-Ironwood area. Along Minnesota's North Shore, color change is less than 25% of peak from Duluth to Tettegouche State Park but more advanced (25 - 50%) from Lutsen to Grand Portage. Wayne at the Mystic Isle Motel near Wawa, Ontario reports color change has begun and forecasts peak color in two weeks. Lindsey at the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario tourism office expects peak color in a week or two. We are hoping to hear soon from North of Superior, Ontario during the coming ten days so stay tuned.

Fall Color Reports from 2008 (for historical comparison)

Update 10/5/08

Wisconsin from Superior to Bayfield to Ashland is getting more colorful and peak color could come during this week . . . . Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is at or a little past peak color along Highways 26 and 41. Brockway Mountain Drive should hit peak color later this week. Ditto for the Porkies which were not quite peak color last week. Color should still be good from Marquette to Sault Ste. Marie . . . . Minnesota North Shore color is at peak in the Lutsen-Grand Marais-Grand Portage region, and beginning to show elsewhere. Color change of Aspen and Birch are usually one to two weeks behind Maples . . . . Ontario color should be at or beyond Peak, with the yellows of Birch and Aspen now predominating over the Maples.

Report from 9/27/08

Wisconsin Travel Dept reports peak color change from Ashland to Hurley is about 30% and less than 25% from Bayfield to Superior. Peak color would be two to three weeks away. Color around Mellen and Potato Falls should be nice the last week in September, pencil in October for elsewhere along the lake . . . . Trina at Michigan's Keweenaw Chamber office reports color change at 15% and the Keweenaw travel bureau reports color change as high as 30% in some locales. Michigan.org reports color near Ishpeming and Marquette approaching 25%. So expect to begin seeing good color from the Porkies to Marquette the week of Sept 28th, but Peak Color in the Keweenaw may not occur until the following week or two. Color change in the UP is coming a little slower than last year, but do to recent rains it may last longer. . . . . Minnesota DNR reports that color change between 25 - 50% in the Lutsen-Grand Marais-Grand Portage region, but only about 10% change elsewhere along Lake Superior. Lutsen and Oberg mountains are said to be approaching full color as their forests contain good stands of Maple. Color change of Aspen and Birch are usually one to two weeks behind Maples . . . . Bruce at Ontario's North of Superior Tourism reports good fall color and expects beautiful colors the next two weeks. So the next two weeks would be a good time for that Fall Color trip along the northern shore. Tara at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario reports color change at about 30% and expects full color by the end of the month, first week in October. Wayne at the Mystic Isle Motel near Wawa reports a hard frost and color change beginning.

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Have a color report to pass along or a question - write me

Ross Reinhold - roscoetrails@gmail.com

Regional Tourism & Color Report Links:
Michigan UP: Keweenaw.org
Keweenaw Visitors Bureau
Ironwood, MI area color reports
Michigan: Michigan.org
Wisconsin: TravelWisconsin.com
Bayfield, WI Color Report
Minnesota: DNR NorthShore Parks
Ontario North Shore: NorthofSuperior.org
Ontario North East Shore: Saulttourism.com

Weather Channel Links:
Ironwood, Michigan UP
Houghton, Keweenaw Peninsula Michigan UP
Marquette, Michgan UP
Sault Saint Marie, Michigan UP
Ashland-Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin
Duluth, Minnesota
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Wawa, Ontario Canada
Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada