Fall is quickly taking hold up here on the mountain. Summit temps have dipped into the 30s for the past several nights consecutively, and early mornings have that brisk chill that lets us know that change is in the air. The mountain’s plant life is following suit, preparing to hunker down for the cold months. All around, undergrowth is yellow, orange, and red, more so the higher you climb. The animals seem to be feeling the same anticipation: small birds and squirrels flitting about amongst the trees as if in a zealous rush to get ready while the clear weather holds.
Today brought a cold morning and a pale blue sky that grew more vibrant as the day progressed. The sunlight flitted into the real headline of fall on the mountain: the glowing boughs of our western larches. They’re just starting to turn gold, and the timing couldn’t be better with Tamarack Festival kicking off on Saturday, named for these very trees. Up near Lakes Clara and Marion above 5000 feet, the needles are already moving fast through that transitional stage, their once-dark needles turning lime green as they head toward their famous golden color in the coming days. From there, the most vibrant colors will work their way down in elevation as fall continues to develop.
The snow we picked up a few weeks back has long since melted out, but the sense of anticipation for what’s still coming hasn’t gone anywhere… if anything, it’s building. October is a golden month, and we’re moving into it with plenty of pent up excitement.
We’ll see you back at the Pub on Friday before we kick off Tamarack Festival on Saturday, the first of 3 incredible festival Saturdays at the mountain. For all the details on Tamarack Fest, click here.
Base Area Forecast
Thursday 10/1: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind.
Friday 10/2: Sunny, with a high near 62. Light west wind.
Saturday 10/3: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Sunday 10/4: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Chair 5 Pub Schedule
Friday 10/2: 4–9pm
Saturday 10/3: 11am–9pm — also day one of Tamarack Festival, bringing us live music, guided hikes, food, and activities for the kids.
Sunday 10/4: 9am–2pm
Summer Access Policy
During the summer season (May–October), public access within the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit area is permitted except where restricted due to maintenance and construction. We love seeing the Mission Ridge community in the mountains and on the trails year-round, but please make sure to check out the full access policy by clicking the link below.
