by Treas Manning

We all know how beautiful the Tahoe Truckee area is in the summer and winter that's a given, lots fun in the sun and snowy bluebird days. What you might not know is how spectacular the fall months are. The sun is lower in the sky casting a soft light on the mountains, and meadows. The air is a bit cooler and the crisp breeze is refreshing. September the aspens, cottonwoods, and willows are starting to turn. By October the colors are vibrant with yellow, orange, and red quaking leaves, it is truly breathtaking.

If you are a photographer Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas are popping with colorful opportunities for photographing, hiking, and family fun.

1. Around the lake, Paige Meadows is a cluster of pristine meadows each surrounded with aspens and wide expanses of golden fall grass. If you head out early you may even spot a bear lumbering through the meadows. Both sunrise and sunset are great times to photograph. Paige is also a favorite spot for dog lovers. Your pooch will run circles in the wide open meadows. You'll find paige Meadows at the top of Talmont on the west shore, not far from Sunnyside Resort.

2. Hope Valley is halfway between South lake Tahoe and Kirkwood on hwy 88. The large meadows are teaming with photographers, hikers, and picnickers. Everything from golden grasses, yellow creekside willows, and hillsides of orange and red aspens; old corrals and shacks make this an awesome spot for photography and a great spot to run your dog and let the kids explore.

3. One of my favorite spots is an old shepherd's cabin encased in a grove of tangled aspens. You've probably driven right passed the cabin other times of the year, but when the aspens turn their lights on the scene is ignited with color. The best time of day for this location is late afternoon when the sun is behind the aspens and the rays are peircing through the broken boards of the cabin. There's even an old outhouse, a great place to take some fun pictures of the family and the kids will love climbing the the leaning branches of the aspens. The shepherd's cabin is right alongside the road driving up hwy 267, just a couple miles passed the Northstar turnoff heading from Truckee.

4. Heading north on hwy 89, you'll see many aspens right alongside the road but the real treat is heading out toward Jackson Meadows Reservior, a left turn off hwy 89. The road is above and looking down on several large lovely meadows with a creek winding through them. I love the bright colored aspens among the dark green pine trees. This a great place to putts around on your mountain bike or to dirty up your car on the dirt roads that meander through the many meadows; another great place for kids, dogs, and a picnic. I like the late afternoon here.

Whether you are an aspiring photographer or a professional, or just looking for a stroll among the beautiful colors of fall at Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the surrounding areas, these spots and many more are truly picture perfect.

If you have some shots you would love to share, please send them to me. We would love to post them on our website and share them with others. Give us a brief description of the area, highlights, throw in a couple of photo tips and activities that others might find interesting...and by all means stop by the shop and say hi.

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