Backpacking in the Fall

[Trinityalps]

It just doesn't get better than this time of year, at least in Northern California. Temperatures during the day are really comfortable. At night it's cold and great for sleeping. No bugs. No people. Fall colors starting to show. I' m getting set for another trip this weekend and I can't wait. In a few weeks, snow will start hitting the higher elevations in the Trinity Alps and Russian Wilderness so I am jamming as many trips in now as I can. Winter backpacking is O.K., but nothing beats being in the mountains in Autumn.

[GreatDivide14]

I'm jealous. I had a wonderful time in the Trinities in the summer of '04; I was there right as the snow was melting off the higher parts of the Green Mountain area. The flowers were in full bloom, the weather was clear, and the creeks were full of secluded swimming holes to cope with the 100* afternoons. Still, I hate being stuck here when I know the mountains are at their best. In the summer of '03, I got to enjoy central Colorado through the middle of October; fall colors, clear days (a nice change from afternoon showers every day), cool nights, early snow on the higher mountains. It doesn't help that most of my latest gear acquisitions have been made with fall in the mountains in mind. It hurts to think about it. Summer in Mount Rainier earlier this year was great, but I'd love to see it after all the dang mosquitoes are dead. I want to get back to Elysian Fields with the first snows. Not that fall is all bad here; the local forested ridges and stream-cut valleys turn from green to every shade of brown and red and orange and yellow in October, and I'm looking forward to it. The generally boring undergrowth begins to die off, and I can see things again. Wildlife starts foraging to stock up for the winter ahead (though admittedly, hunters know this too and kill the solitude), and I can't walk far without flushing a family of turkeys. The fall rains refill the creeks and the little ten-inch waterfalls. Yes, it's the best time of the year to get out, here and everywhere else, but I hate having to miss the best parts of the country during the best time of the year. I'm forever indebted to Wayne-O and Barn for their wonderful <A HREF=http://forums.outdoorreview.com/showthread.php?t=587>Wind Rivers trip report</A> last year; if any of you have a digital camera, for God's sake use it and make more trip reports!

[Trinityalps]

I've been there. Unable to get out because for a number of reasons and wishing you could. I know that trip reports make those times bearable so I'll take a look around for some photos to post. I'm still a film photographer and a serious one, but I do have the ability to scan and convert it to something digital. Quality is just better that way.

I know about being outside in the Midwest. Cut my teeth backpacking in Northern Michigan almost 40 years ago. That where's I learned about snow camping. You're right on the money about the fall colors in the midwest. There just isn't anyplace that can beat that area.