2018 Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report
This is the 5th year running for the FunintheUP.com fall color report. This is the most accurate and up to date information on the fall colors you will find. We travel the roads across the UP weekly and use our vast number of contacts for this report. Don't miss the colors, bookmark our page, and stay tuned for the lastest developments in the color, they could change quickly and you could come to early or come to late and that wouldn't be fun. Thanks for following, enjoy your day!
Share your Fall Color Photos with us! Email to us fallcolors @ funintheup.comTag us #funintheup on FunintheUP Twitter or funintheUP Instagram page
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- Steve Jurmu - U.P. Adventure Guide
First hint of fall color change that we reported was on Sunday July 15th in the Ottawa National Forest. See video below.
I try to update weekly report on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. You can read each weeks report below.
Week 1 - Week 2 - Week 3 - Week 4 - Week 5 - Week 6
Week 7 - Week 8 - Week 9 - Week 10 - Week 11 (current week)
Past Years Color Reports:
Fall color report 2017 - Fall color report 2016 - Fall color report 2015
Fall color report 2014
July 15th, 2018 - First fall colors reported for season.
Week 1 - July 22nd - July 28th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
Hiking in the Ottawa National Forest on July 15th we saw many yellow, orange, and partially red aspen leaves on the ground. This is the first fall color we have spotted this year. As many know this is usually the time of the year when you start seeing a handful of leaves changing and falling already. Also you will notice in the woods the braken ferns are starting to turn yellow and brown. Over the course of last weekend we saw the temps drop in the evening and the colors starting to pop out now. Seeing colors this time of the year isn't unusual as some might think, if you have lived in the UP for any significant time you know that colors start appearing the end of July to first week of August. Peak colors vary depending on conditions moving into the fall and also depending on where in the UP you are. Stay tuned each week for the new fall color report. Hopefully the color will last a little longer than last year.
Fall Color Tours are available with Upper Peninsula Tours - fall color hiking, kayaking, and driving tours
Week 2 - July 29th - Aug 4th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
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View Week 2 Photos
Well this week you can really start to see that fall is moving in. You can also feel it during the evenings as the nights get a little cooler and the dew settles in. The cool nights have really brought out the color in many leaves through much of the UP now. Traveling through the Keweenaw there are a few trees here and there with color starting, while up on Mount Houghton on Sunday we noticed a few trees with color at the top of the summit. In Houghton area there are many trees along M26 with color, and a few between Houghton and Chassell as well. Along M26 from Twin Lakes to Mass City there are a fair number of trees with some red and yellow, especially along the swamps as those trees get a vibrant red quickly, expect to see vibrant reds along this stretch this coming week into next week. You can also see some reds along the swampy area off Cliff Drive from Ahmeek on the left side after Seneca Lake. From Ontonagon to the Porkies there are a few trees starting to change color now. Also a few here and there in the Porkies along South Boundary Road, you may spot a tree here and there from the lookout at Lake of the Clouds, but you'll have to really look. Along M28 from Bruce Crossing to Lake Gogebic there isn't much change right now, a tree here and there. Driving down Hwy64 to US2 there were plenty of trees changing color already. On US2 from Marinesco to Wakefield there were a handful of maples and many aspen changing. Over in Bessemer and Ironwood area there are a few trees with color. Driving on Black River Road there wasn't much color to notice, but watching closely you could spot some with color. In The L'Anse area there is color here and there, colors being spotted out near Skanee and through the Huron Mountains. Over in Marquette people are noticing trees with color through the City of Marquette. Along US41 you'll see color from L'Anse to Marquette, mostly around Covington Jct to Three Lakes, not much beyond that. Out in the eastern and southern UP we haven't heard of to much color being reported, but you will see the aspens changing hues though, the maples aren't as thick as in the central, western and northern UP. Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 2. Feel free to message on facebook for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Photos by Steve Jurmu
Week 3 - Aug 5th - Aug 11th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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View Week 3 Photos
There is slowly more color developing, now more people are noticing it, if you're driving almost anywhere in the UP you can't help but notice it. We have been getting those days in the upper 60s and mid 70s with some cooler 50s weather at night but not enough cooler evenings to really have the color start popping. On the 5th temps reached lower 80s and the rest of the week it stayed in the mid 60s and 70s, great weather indeed, still enjoying summer up here.
---Western UP ---
Color change has begun, driving down any road you can see it. This weeks adventures we noticed more leaves along M28 from Bergland to Ironwood changing color, reds, oranges, and lots of yellow starting. You'll also notice driving along M64 from Silver City to US2 especially from White Pine to Lake Gogebic quite a few trees with color. US2 to Wakefield from 64 there is a lot of pine and aspen trees, this week the aspen are really starting to show color, but it seems to be getting muted already with a few hotter days we had, aspen leaves can really burn up quick. Around the Ironwood and Bessemer areas there are trees with color, if you are traveling down Black River Rd you'll notice the color now, two weeks ago it was hard to see any color, you had to really pay attention. From Wakefield to the Porkies you'll see a few reds and oranges, and a handful of apsen with color, this is a beautiful stretch of road during peak color, plan a trip along this route sometime around week 7-10. Out in the Porcupine Mountains there isn't much to report, along South Boundary Rd there is some color, especially more interior. Views from the Lake of the Clouds overlook are green, don't expect changes here to start to early, usually around week 5 and 6 you'll start noticing a few colors changing along the bluffs.
---Northern UP---
Up in Keweenaw county there isn't to much to report, it is much like last week. There is more color developing now, you'll notice more trees along US41 the covered road section with colors, it is fun to see the color pop out at you as you drive along the highway. Views from Brockway Mtn this week were green, you were hard pressed to see any color, the views were amazing as always. The drive along M26 from Copper Harbor to Eagle river had minimal color, a few trees with color, but nothing to noticeable. Overal the Keweenaw has some color, but your best color can be seen from Delaware to Lake Medora right now. Down 5 mile point road there is a decent amount of color popping out, nothing to significant yet. Down Cliff Dr from Ahmeek to Phoenix you won't notice to much color except in the swampy areas where there are reds developing pretty good along those areas. Views from Mt Bohemia, Vooddoo Mtn, Mt Houghton, and Bare Bluff are amazing as always but there is lots of green to be seen for miles, it won't be until about week 6 that you'll really start noticing the forests changing.
Calumet area along M203 there is now some color developing, a ride down to Bucky's had some nice reds and oranges starting to show. Over on the eastern shores from Lac La Belle to Rice Lake there wasn't much color to be seen yet. Over to Jacobsville and White City the same thing, little color. Areas around Traprock valley and Lake Linden had some colors popping out. The drive along M26 from Lake Linden, to Dollar Bay, and to Hancock has some good color starting, plenty of maples with red and orange now, some color can be see across Torch Lake as well. From Houghton area along m26 to Toivola and Twin Lake has a good amount of trees changing now. This is one of my favorite color drives in the UP, usually good color each year. The village of Toivola has a handful of trees along Misery Bay Rd that are changing now.
From Houghton to Baraga, there isn't much color to see yet. L'Anse to Covington Jct along US41 you'll now start seeing color change, even last week it was hard to find a tree with color. From L'Anse to Skanee there isn't to much color, same with around Pequaming and Aura, give it a couple weeks and you'll start noticing more.
---Central UP---
The drive this week along Co Rd. 510 we could see some color here and there along the route. Co Rd. 550 the same thing, a little bit of color. Areas around Marquette had little change, the views from Mt Marquette still green yet. The drives along M28 to Munising, still very green. Along US41 south to Trenary still very green, a few aspen here and there with a little yellow. The Negaunee and Ishpeming areas had a little color starting to be seen around Teal Lake and Deer Lake and also along Co Rd. 480, and M35 south past Tilden mine. Not much change around Gwinn at this time. Heading back up along 565 there were a few trees that were changing but nothing much.
---Eastern UP---
No significant changes. Reports minimal.
---Southern UP---
No significant changes. Reports minimal.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 3. Feel free to message on facebook for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Photos by Steve Jurmu
Week 4 - Aug 12th - Aug 18th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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View Week 4 Photos
The color change has slowly progressed, you'll notice a few more trees each day with color in their leaves now. Overall color change is less than 5% in all areas of the UP.
---Western UP ---
Minimal change from last weeks report.
---Northern UP---
Minimal change from last weeks report.
---Central UP---
Minimal change from last weeks report.
---Eastern UP---
No significant changes.
---Southern UP---
No significant changes.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 4. Feel free to message on facebook for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Week 5 - Aug 19th - Aug 25th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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View Week 5 Photos
This week there is a bit more color along the roadsides. By now there aren't to many roads especially in the Western UP and Northern UP that don't have a few trees with color. We had some warmer temps which dried up some color a bit, but with a little rain on Friday things look to be back on track. Hoping that we start getting some cooler nights soon and keep the really warm days away so the color develops nicely.
---Western UP ---3-5% overall
More color now along hwy 519, M28, US2, and the little bit on South Boundary Rd in the Porkies. There still isn't anything to significant to write about from a couple weeks ago.
---Northern UP---3-7% overall
Areas along US41 up to Copper Harbor is beginning to see color now, views from Brockway Mtn still appear really green yet, give it about 2 weeks and you'll start to notice the color. Areas around Houghton from Hancock to Lake Linden are developing as well as US41 to Chassell, more color than last week. M26 from South Range the Ontonagon county line has a fair amount of color, but doesn't look to different from last week. Areas around L'Anse and Skanee are still developing, again things haven't changed to much for a couple weeks.
---Central UP---3-5% overall
Most roads have color now, people now seeing colors popping along 510, 550, 553, 492, 35, 576, US41, and other major routes. Reports around Gwinn are there are a few colors starting to show up now, but very minimal. Views from Mt Marquette, Hogsback, Sugar Loaf, and Gobblers Knob all still show 95% green. A few trees around Grand Marais and Munising along H58 have color, nothing major yet.
---Eastern UP---0% color overall
No significant changes. Reports minimal.
---Southern UP---0% color overall
No significant changes. Reports minimal.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 5.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Photos by Steve Jurmu
Week 6 - Aug 26th - Sept 1st, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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Color this week has really come along nicely. Up in the Keweenaw this week I noticed many leaves changing now even from 5 days prior. Most of the UP is like this now, good color patches here and there along the roadways. We should really start seeing some good progression of color into the teens percent this week in many areas of the UP with the cooler 50 degree nights. The rain has helped things from drying up to quickly as that was happening 2 weeks ago with some warm days. We do need it to dry up though slightly or it will be another late color season like last year into mid October. If the weather stays in the mid 60s and we get a few upper 40s lower 50 degree nights we should see it develop into excellent colors this year. With prime time color viewing from Sept 19th - Sept 29th, the following week there will be nice color as well, around slower developing areas like along Brockway Mtn Range, Lake of the Clouds overlook, Munising lakeshore, and Mackinac Island.
---Western UP ---5-10% overall
Things are looking good around Ironwood, Bessemer, Watersmeet. Colors are getting better along US2 from Ironwood to Marinesco now with some nice reds starting, lots of poplar trees along this stretch which are turning yellow now. US2 to M28 on Hwy64 you'll see plenty of colors only around 10%, but expect it to change into the 20-25% later this week. From Watersmeet to Bruce Crossing you'll notice most of the color around Bergland and along the marshes with reds and oranges, along the fields you'll notice some trees with color too. Up along Hwy 519 is always a good stretch for color and it looks this year will be a great year for this drive, take this road from Watersmeet to South Boundary Rd into the Porkies. You'll usually see some excellent color along the way. South Boundary Rd has some developing color now, a couple weeks ago there was a tree here and there, but now you'll see plenty of trees changing. Lookout from the Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak is still green, you'll notice a few trees in the surrounding area with color but you have to be looking for it, you will notice the hues changing but it is hard to notice. Overall color change is less than 5%. If you are visiting Bonanza falls this week you'll notice a little color along the riverbank now, this is an excellent place to view a nice waterfall, explore, and view some nice colors during the fall color season. The color around Ontonagon, Rockland, and Old Victoria is coming along, but not as much as I thought it would have this week. There's color but it is spotty still, some good color along the rivers from Silver City to Greenland. Around Old Victoria you'll see colors along the resevoir, give it a week and a half and color here should be moving forward nicely. There is great hiking along the NCT with some great lookout point that have excellent fall color views.
---Northern UP---5-15% overall
I'll start up in the Keweenaw this week. Color around Copper Harbor is slow right now, maybe 5% color, views from Brockway are still very green. Driving in on US41 from Mohawk to Copper Harbor has some good color, you can't but help notice it, give it 2 weeks and the color will be great. The drive along M26 from Copper Harbor to Eagle River is always a pretty one, but if you're looking for some color this week stick with driving down US41. Views coming down Gratiot Rd I noticed a little color. Views from the Cliffs I was able to see color but overall around 5% maybe 8% total color, give it a week and it might hit 20%. From Calumet to Hancock there is a good amount of color, most of it I have noticed is around the airport to Quincy Hill. Lake Linden, Bootjack, White city, there is color with some good patches a long Bootjack Rd., closer to the Lake not as much. Areas around Lac La Belle and Bete Grise there was color but it will still be 2 weeks before it gets good. Houghton area to Chassell has some good color starting, especially just outside MTU campus to the golf course. Also in Chassell there's a few trees with some good color starting. US41 to Baraga is pretty unexciting for color right now. Moving back over to M26 from Painesdale to the Firesteel bridges, the color is really starting to pop, this is always one of my favorite drives, because the color is usually always nice, early on through peak. The little village of Toivola has some big maples with good color already. Down at Agate Beach and Misery Bay you'll see sporadic color, but the drives to the lake are always worth it to look for agates and go for a swim, or watch a sunset. Out in the L'Anse area color is coming along, Skanee Rd has plenty of trees with color overall around 5-10% color. US41 from L'Anse to Covington Jct, this week starting to see that color we are used to seeing, started out a bit slower this year than normal, this area is one which many drive through and get excellent views of fall, but it changes quickly along this stretch.
---Central UP---5-10% overall
From Covington Jct to Marquette you'll see colors, just most of it is further to the west outside of Michigamme to Covington Jct. US141 from Covington Jct to Crystal Falls has some nice color developing, this is usually a good stretch if you want to see fall color and perhaps a moose too. Around Ishpeming and Negaunee there isn't much change yet, same goes for areas around Marquette. Get up onto Co Rd. 510 or 550 you'll start to notice a bit more color, it is always fun to do the loop from Marquette on 550 to 510 or in reverse, stop at a few waterfalls on your way like Birch Creek falls, Alder Falls, Bushy Creek Falls, Yellow Dog Falls, Big Pup falls, Pinnacle Falls, or Bella Falls, especially with the rain we have been having, they should be flowing good. Not much change around Munising right now, a few trees here and there. Not much further south on US41 near Trenary either the sporadic tree with color.
---Eastern UP---3-5% color overall
You'll see colors in the swampy areas along M28 in the Seney area. Hwy 77 south to Blaney Park there is some color now. US2 you'll see colors now, not a lot but there is color. M77 up to Grand Marais there is some color being seen, give it a week and it should double. Areas around the Soo and St. Ignace color is starting now, about a week and a half behind the western UP, somewhere around 3-5% now.
---Southern UP---3-5% color overall
Not much to write about here, little color change, there are however more trees being spotted with color now, it is like the eastern UP slower to develop.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 6.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Week 7 - Sept 2nd - Sept 8th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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Earlier in the week there wasn't much color change from the week prior. It wasn't until later in the week that we saw a few nights drop in temperature that brought out the colors, really starting to see some bright reds and oranges now, looking good overall.
---Western UP ---10%-20% overall
Areas around Ironwood are looking good now, spotty color along US from Wakefield to Ironwood, but some really nice patches. The drives around the ski hills have some good reds and oranges, always nice stopping at Powerderhorn falls and Gabbro falls for a nice view. Taking Black River Rd up to Lake Superior was really nice this week, the color is really starting to pop. Need a place to stay why not book a night or two at Black River Lodge then go take in the views at Copper Peak and view the falls. Wakefield to Marinesco was looking good, the poplars are really yellow right now with lots of leaf loss already. The reds and oranges along this stretch looking good as well. M28 from Wakefield to Bruce Crossing is good, just not a super vibrant drive, lots of color being noticed across the fields, encourage you to take some backroads for some color. Around Lake Gogebic in Berland there is plenty of color right now, should get really nice next week. Around the Porkies color is still green for the most part except interior and higher elvations along South Boundary Road. Lake of the Clouds overlook is still really green with occassional red spotted. Along the Lake there is a lot of green still, this is always around a week to 1 week and a half behind the interior of the Porkies. Ontonagon along M26 is pretty yellow but lots of green still out there, most color being spotted around the rivers that cross the road. As you get closer to Greenland you'll notice more color.
---Northern UP---10%-30% overall
Interior portions of the Northern UP especially along M26 and US41 are really seeing good color along elevations of 1000-1500 feet. Color should start popping next week, but there is good red being seen now through most areas. US41 from Hancock to Calumet is nice, plenty of color to spot. From Calumet up into the Keweenaw around Mohawk there color is minimal but some good spots being seen now, the reds were really nice and bright. Up into the Keweenaw along US41 there is good color, it really started to get bright now, good reds and oranges, plenty of yellow, this drive is sweet, one of the best color drives in America is along US41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor. Along the shores of Lake Superior are minimal color, but it is there, give it another 2 weeks and it should be really good. Around Lac La Belle color is spotty. Higher up on the hillsides you can see the color starting. Mt Houghton, Bare Bluff, Mount Bohemia anyone? Yes please, some of the best views in the Midwest. Gay to Jacobsville is pretty minimal for color right now, wait a couple weeks and it will be better. From Lake Linden to Hancock there is good color along M26, probably will be peak in 2 weeks. The roads in Baraga county are showing color just not as much as I thought this week, perhaps next weeks report will be good. L'Anse to Skanee had good color, the best was around Silver Falls rd hill. Also heading towards Big Ericks bridge there is good color now, but not as good as it could be, like other places 2 weeks and it will be really sweet, fall fishing on the Huron River anyone? Me Me Me! The drive from L'Anse to Covington Jct is ok, but not the best yet, this is a good drive but it changes quickly, 1 week and it should be good views the whole way, peak probably in 2 weeks to 2.5 weeks. The drive across M28 to Bruce crossing is nice especially around Covington and Kenton, but color will get better soon, more reds on the eastern half of this stretch.
---Central UP---10%-20% overall
Big Bay, Marquette, Ishpeming, Negaunee, all have good color. Didn't get a chance to get this way to get a good report, but from what I have heard from my sources say color didn't change much from last week. Should add another 10-15% change this coming week.
---Eastern UP---10%-20% color overall
Eastern UP reports this week have been minimal. Leaves are turning, but it seems slow right now. The northern shores are really green yet, more interior has color but more yellows that reds and oranges. Cut river bridge there's more color this week, maybe 1 week there should be some good photo ops. Haven't gotten much around St. Ignace this week or the Soo, but it shouldn't have changed much from last weeks report.
---Southern UP---5%-15% color overall
More color is starting to be reported, overall most people won't notice to much change, but if you look closely at the leaves you'll notice the greens fading into yellow hues. You'll notice most color along US2 than anywhere south of there right now.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 7.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Week 8 - Sept 9th - Sept 15th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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Hello and welcome to Week 8 UP Fall Color Report.
Wow what a few days makes for fall color. Early in the week the color wasn't looking like it would progress to fast this year, probably because of the rains we had that slowed the progression just a bit, Things dried up a bit later in the week and we had a little cooler evenings and warmer sunny days, prime time for color change.
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---Western UP---35%-70% overall
Excellent color progression through the western UP. Things are looking better after late this past week. Color in the Porkies is coming along now, overall color in the park being around 35%, higher through the interior. Views from Lake of the Clouds overlook and from the Escarpment trail you'll see plenty of color starting. There is a lot of yellow developing with some bright oranges, and little red being seen directly below along the Carp river. More interior along South Boundary Rd more color is being seen, especially along the wet marshes. There is a bit of color now showing up while viewing the waterfalls at Presque Isle. People hiking through the Porkies along the trails are seeing plenty of leaves dropping from the trees now. Along Hwy 519 from South Boundary Rd to Wakefield the color has really started to pop, good reds being seen, I would say about 1 week and color should be getting good here, if you wait to long on this stretch you miss out on the real beauty. The color being reported from Copper Peak is that colors are running about 40-70% on through the surrounding areas. From Greenland to Silver City there is good color now, good reds being seen around the marshy areas and rivers that cross the roads before Silver City. Bonanza Falls has color along the river now, should stop by there soon, the color is nice and with a good waterflow at the falls makes for some good pictures. If you are driving from Silver City to Bergland you'll notice good color throught the Trap Hills. If you want a nice drive, take Old 64 to Berland just after White Pine it is a nice drive, dirt road but it causes you to slow down and enjoy the color more. You could stop at Little Trap Falls to and see the 25ft waterfall.
---Northern UP---40%-60% overall
The color change is really taking hold in some areas now, the stretch from Painesdale to Mass city has really turned quickly, hitting 70-80% color in a few days. The same with the drive on US41 from L'Anse to Covington Jct, especially around the Canyon Falls area. Views from Copper Harbor at Brockway Mountain are good with plenty of color starting to be seen, but in a little less than 2 weeks you should be about peak color, perhaps a bit sooner with this cool week of weather and just a little sunshine through the days. US41 drive is excellent color now on the way up to Copper Harbor. Lac La Belle area has some good color appearing, the views from Bare Bluff, Mt Bohemia, and Mt Houghton are getting better daily. Eagle River and Eagle Harbor areas just a touch more color from last week, views from the old lookout tower off Eagle Harbor Cut off rd you could see plenty of color on the tree tops. Around the Houghton area to Chassell there is good color now, the whole stretch now has around 40-50% color. US41 from Chassell to Baraga now has good color starting. Hancock to McLain state park has good color, yes you can get to the McLain from Hancock on the road again, beware there is a one lane bridge at Swedetown creek. Heading out along Canal Rd there is excellent color. Going further south from Mass city to Bruce Crossing there is a lot of yellow along the roadsides, not a lot of red or oranges, color is around 40-50%, still plenty of green being seen. If you are in the L'Anse area you'll want to take Arvon Road loop it is a good drive on dirt road that has nice color this past week. There are plenty of waterfalls to stop at too to enjoy while in the area, over 20 of them. Areas along Lake Superior still have a lot of green but there is color out there, more along Skanee Rd than anything. If you are taking a trip out to Michigan's highest point (Mt. Arvon) you'll see lots of color in the interior.
---Central UP---30%-60% overall
Higher elevations and interior around Big Bay has pretty good color. Views from Thomas Rock (Gobblers Knob) should be really good towards the end of this week. Driving down CoRd 510 there was nice color being seen, still plenty of green, but overall good progression. Along 550 from Big Bay to Marquette there is nice color from Garlic river to Sugarloaf. Didn't make it up Sugarloaf or Hogsback but I am sure the color would be nice from there by the end of this week as well best views for color right now would be looking to the south off the mountains. Views from Mt Marquette were good, lots of color below, but still plenty of green in there. This is always a popular spot to take in the views of downtown Marquette. Interior regions from Marquette mountain to Gwinn on 553 had good color but some stretches with plenty of green. The north to south routes on M35, 565, 476, and 581, out of Ishpeming and Negaunee all had some good color patches. There are some waterfalls to the south here to visit which are a nice stop on your color drive too. Schwietzer creek falls, Ely Falls, Warner Falls, Company Meadows falls, and the ever popular Black River Falls. Hwy 95 is a good drive right now too, expect color to really pop by the end of this week. Over towards Trenary and Skandia are progressing, lots of color along US41 going south. The drive east along 94 to Munising there's plenty of nice color to satisfy. Stop at Laughing Whitefish falls or Au Train Falls for a relaxing time.
---Eastern UP---20%-40% color overall
Out in the eastern UP color is mostly in the 20-30% range now. Lots of color being seen along the Tahquamenon River. Take a ride on the riverboat tours, maybe you'll spot a bear. Areas to the north have less color around 20% for the most part, Muskellonge state park to Whitefish point is looking really green at this time, but there is color if you look close, next week we should see some good progression, especially with the temps dropping into the 40s at night, which should speed the process nicely. Around the Soo now there are reports of good patches along I75 to the Mackinac Bridge. From Mackinac Bridge to Blaney park there is color on US2, still spotty but it is progressing into the 25-30% range now. Around Newberry and McMillian along M28 there are some good patches now. Around Munising and Grand Marais color is still minimal, give it a week for the color really to start popping, if you want to come up to Munising there are still boat rides, kayaking, and waterfalls to enjoy your vacation with. This weeks drive on Hwy 95 from Munising to US41 was showing good colors especially around Autrain Falls to Chatham. The views at Laughing Whitefish falls were good, mostly yellows being seen here though.
NOT UPDated---Southern UP---20%-30% color overall
Color still developing, should get better very quickly down south. The drive on US2 from Iron Mtn to Escanaba has some pretty good color starting.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 8.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Photos by Steve Jurmu
Week 9 - Sept 16th - Sept 22th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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Hello and welcome to Week 9 UP Fall Color Report.
So before I get into the report, I want to remind everyone this report is only a guide. Color can go from 50% to peak in a matter of days some years, this year doesn't seem to be that year. When most people look at a leaf during fall color change they see 100% color or 100% green, failing to understand the process of color change in the leaf, even at peak color there will still be solid green in some leaves. When I look at fall colors I see solid green, hues of color, leaves changing into hues of yellowish green, or greenish into yellow, greens, yellows, reds, oranges. Color change isn't one day it's green the next it is 100% color like most people think of it as. Fall color season is a progression, some years faster than others, not all areas progress the same, especially here in the UP. I look at color from roadsides, backroads, drone views, and up close leaf peeping in places I go. The weather can make the colors move quickly. I've seen a week of 80s and 90s kill fall color just like that when it was only 50% color. I've been through plenty of fall color years where color changed dragged on and on because of dreary days with some rain, then all of a sudden we hit peak color. So plan your vacations and trips with that in mind. Our color season here in the Upper Peninsula is (maybe I am biased here) the best in the US. Enjoy it, even if you come before peak color, hit peak color, or miss peak color, your time in the Upper Peninsula will be amazing, because the U.P. is an amazing and beautiful place.
This weeks report will not be to different from last week. I haven't moved the color percentages much for this week. The reason being is color change didn't progress as fast this week, bring up the perecentages through the map 5% at most. We had rain and lack of sunshine two things which slows down color. The cool evenings are needed but not the overcast cool days. We need the dry days and nights with a bit of sunshine in combination of around 38-50 degree nights to really see the colors progress nicely. It is better however to have a little bit of rain and overcast days than 75-90 degree days with baking heat, that too will be a killer of fall color, even more soon than a little rain and overcast days. So this coming week we should start seeing some higher elevations hitting 75-peak% color. Other areas along Lake Superior from the Porkies to Copper Harbor, to Munising, over to the Soo will still be mostly in 40-60% range for color. The more inland you go from these areas the color could be higher through the week.
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---Western UP---40%-75% overall
Color change is mild in most places. There has been a slight uptick in color progression everywhere but not enough to really change reports from last week much. Views from Lake of the Clouds were a little brighter in color, mostly seeing changes on the souther side of Lake of the Clouds, a bit more orange from last week. Drives around Ironwood, Wakefield, and Watersmeet there were a few trees and areas with more color but nothing changed to much from the week prior. M64 along Lake Gogebic there seems to be a bit more color. The yellows have dulled a bit along US2 from M64 to Wakefield, with a few more reds being seen now. The area from the Silver City to Ontonagon has a bit more color, some nice reds were seen along this stretch but mostly dull yellows. From Ontonagon to Greenland most of the good color was closer to Greenland. Areas around Bruce Crossing to Kenton are filling in nice now, the southern side of the highway seems to have some nice color around Gem and Agate Falls. Bond Falls should have some nice color this week, expect a fair amount of other tourists there each day till color season ends.
---Northern UP---40%-70% overall
Copper Harbor still pretty green, a bit more can be seen this week from the overlook at Brockway Mtn looking 360 degrees. Look for that to change this week as the cooler weather is taking hold, probably will be moving into around 50% color through Copper Harbor area this week. Drives along US41 from Lake Medora to Calumet were great, plenty of color to be seen, but not at high enough to satisfy most fall color tourists, look for this week to really set the color off, should hit about 60-75% in this stretch this week. Around the rest of the Copper Country the colors are filling in slightly from last, less green is being seen, but some of the bright reds are fading just a bit, but still plenty out there. Houghton to Chassell is a bit better now, hitting around 70% color. M26 from Painesdale to Mass City is still good, lots of color still to come, more yellows have filled in, still green hues in the leaves, but look for this stretch to turn 75-90% color this week if we get that sunshine we need. The L'Anse area out to Skanee is a big more colorful this week, the views coming down Silver River Hill are looking better than last, a bit more yellow is filling in, but the best is yet to come. There are so many great views in NE of L'Anse and along Huron Bay and Keweenaw Bay it is an area people really love, while you're that way visit Michigan's highest point Mt. Arvon and see some of the over 140 waterfalls in Baraga County. US41 from L'Anse to Covington Jct was good. More color now through the hills around Alberta, soon this area will hit peak, two weeks ago it was already hittingabout 60%, but this week slowed color just a bit, it is about 75% color now, with peak just around the corner. US141 from Covington to Amasa was nice, a very good color drive but it goes quickly along this stretch, around 50-70% color this week, probably hit peak early next week if it stays sunny.
---Central UP---40%-60% overall
Areas around the city of Marquette were still in the 35% range. Views from Mount Marquette showed mostly green. Expect things to hit around 50% color through the city this week. Outside of the Marquette area along US41 from Negaunee to Michigamme there was a lot of color around Michigamme and Champion and less further east. There were some good patches, but it didn't seem more than last weeks report. There is a fair amount of color on M35 south, Hwy 95 south, 576, 465, and other backrounds south of Ishpeming. There were some nice patches of color on 553 around Marquette Mountain ski hill all the way to 4 corners. Co. Road 480 had some good colors too. Color outside of Marquette area to the west and south is around 50%-60%. If you head north of Maquette on 550 you'll see color but a lot of yellow. Views from Sugarloaf are your best bet for seeing color right now, and who doesn't want the views it provides from the summit. Most of your color seen was towards Hogsback Mtn. This view will be filling in nice this week into next week as the temps stay cool and we get a few days of sunshine. The drive along US41 from Harvey to Whitefish falls had some good color, some reds, oranges, and lots of yellows around 50% color through the area right now, probably moving into 70% by this coming week.
---Eastern UP---20%-40% color overall
Color through most of the eastern UP especially along Lake Superior is around 30%, a little higher into the 40-45% range in the interior portions, this should change this week as the nights stay cooler. You don't want to wait to long if your visiting any area in the eastern UP because the color season is always a bit shorter than the western and northern UP areas because the lack of hardwoods like the western UP has.
---Southern UP---30%-45% color overall
No change from last week.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 9.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Week 10 - Sept 23rd - Sept 29th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Fall Color Tours - Upper Peninsula Tours
off beaten path views - sightseeing and photography tours
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Hello and welcome to Week 10 UP Fall Color Report.
Wow this week has been crazy, the colors just popped everywhere! If you are reading this report and thinking you're going to come up in 2 weeks and see color, the only color you might see is a few trees with yellows and a lot of bare trees and snow. Well the first snowfall already happened Sept 29th. This week will be your best bet for seeing great fall colors, the later it gets, you risk missing good color because the rain and winds that usually starting picking up can blow much of the remaining leaves off the trees causing many areas to turn bare quickly. Read the full reports for different regions of the UP below. Next week will probably be our last report, because we will be into peak or past peak color in much of the UP besides Mackinac Island and Drummond Island.
---Western UP---60%-80% overall
Peak will be this week through much of the western UP. Lots of color, once you get on the peaks and look down on the tree tops you really see the full beauty of the colors. The roadsides are filling in quickly along the major roadways of US2, M28, Hwy 64, and Hwy 45. There are many backroads with nice color too, it's always fun to travel down some of these backroads which you haven't ever been down to see different areas. Bruce Crossing to Wakefield is nice right around Bruce Crossing and nice once you get closer to Bergland, there are a lot of poplar trees along this stretch that just don't pop in color. The Wakefield area has nice color, go north on Hwy 519 to the Porkies for excellent reds and oranges, always a favorite drive of mine. The views from the ski hills near Ironwood and Bessemer are excellent, take a chairlift ride to see it on a grand scale. Ironwood area has filled in and will be peak the next few days. Views from Copper Peak were excellent and showing almost 90% color. Always a good stop along Black River Road are the waterfalls in the Ottawa National Forest. The views in the Porkies at Lake of the Clouds overlook are looking good, you can't go wrong visiting now through the end of the week and into early next week, peak will probably close to this weekend into early next week. Views from Summit peak are showing a bit more color than Lake of the Clouds, around 75% a few days ago, will be peak by the weekend. Interior portions off South Boundary Road are turing quickly and will be peaking shortly. Ontonagon and Silver City has good color now overall around 70%, lots more yellows than anything. Taking Hwy 64 south you'll see more reds.
---Northern UP---50-80% overall
Color, color, color everywhere. The views have been awesome, there isn't a drive that doesn't have nice color now. The Keweenaw is excellent now. Copper Harbor views at Brockway Mountain are filling in, most of the hillsides to the south at the lookout are at 60-70%. Views from Brockway to the east looking over towards Lake Fanny Hooe were about 40% color mid week last week, same with views to the NW. The color is better each day, expect peak color about early to mid week next week. Views from the Cliffs, Mt Houghton, and Voodoo mountain were great, with a lot of color, around 70% overall, peak color will hit by this weekend through much of the interior portions. Areas along the Portage Canal in Houghton and Hancock have started to blossom with color now, more so on the Houghton canal side (around 60%) than the Hancock and Ripley side (around 40-50%), expect percentages to go up about 20% this week. Outside Houghton towards Chassell color is reaching 80% color along US41. Heading along M26 from Painesdale to Mass City is an awesome color drive right now. Painesdale to Donken you'll see a lot of reds, so much red this year along this stretch, the best I have seen anywhere in the the UP this year. From Donken to Mass City is more yellows and duller orange color, there are a few reds mixed in but nothing like the first part of the drive. Also a nice drive is Misery Bay Road from Toivola to Misery Bay, lots of reds and bright color, maybe you'll see some turkeys or sandhill cranes in the fields on the drive. L'Anse to Skanne is pretty good now, overall in the area is about 60-75%, expecting peak this weekend here. If you are up at Mt Arvon on a clear day you can see the Keweenaw, the drive up is just beautiful, expect a lot of mud and pot holes, be prepared to get stuck if you have a sedan or low profile vehicle. Taking US41 from L'Anse to Covington Jct you'll see almost peak color, the colors get really nice about 2 miles outside of L'Anse all the way to Covington Jct. This area goes peak quickly and leaf loss is fast here, peak is happening now, still good color about mid week. From Covington Jct to Bruce Crossing there is excellent color, most of the roadsides are showing up to 70% color now. Us141 from Covington going south has excellent color around 80% most of the way, peaking this week, expect some leaf loss now.
---Central UP---50%-70% overall
The best areas along US41 are from Covington Jct to Champion right now, wow a few days prior color was low, but it really popped and now is at 70% color, peaking now through the week, expect leaf loss this week along this stretch. From Champion to Marquette the color is here and there, seeing more color now from Jasper Knob and along Teal Lake. Drives to the south of Ishpeming were good, more color than along US41 in the area, around 60-70%. Towards Gwinn color was good around 65%. Views from Mount Marquette are now around 50% color, expect peak viewing around early next week. Sugarloaf and Hogsback views were showing best color to the south around 60% color, less on the lake side. Drives along 550 and 510 had good color but not near peak yet, around 60% color seen most of the drive this week. M28 to Munising from Harvey is good and best closer to Munising. The lookout view at the turnout is worth a stop. Munising area has overall 60% color, moving into 75% range the next few days, closer to Lake Superior less color. You can't go wrong with a drive down H58 right now, the colors were excellent. Hwy 94 across to Chatham is a good drive with lots of color, good places to stop are at Au Train Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls.
---Eastern UP---50%-60% color overall
Colors in the eastern UP really started happening this past week. Areas around the Soo have been slow to change, but color should start to pop this week. Just late last week it was around 30%, now about 50% color, by the weekend should be around 60-70%, especially if we get a day or two of sunshine. Tahquamenon falls state park colors around 50%, expecting this week to hit around 70-75% with some sunshine. This week will be an excellent time to visit anywhere in the eastern side of the UP as the colors start to get going good. Areas closer to Lake Superior like Whitefish point and to Grand Marais have color but less than interior at elevation around 50% on average along the shoreline, it could pop quick though.
---Southern UP---40%-60% color overall
Good colors now through the southern UP, most drives are good viewing but not peak yet, probably not until late next week.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 10.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Week 11 - Sept 30th - Oct 6th, 2018
Upper Peninsula Fall Color Report.
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Hello and welcome to Week 11 UP Fall Color Report.
This week will be the last fall color report that I will do. This past week we hit peak to past peak in some areas and moving into peak this week in a few other areas in the eastern UP, along Lake Superior, and the southern UP. There will still be good color this week though the UP in all areas, but most areas in the Northern, Western and Central UP will be fading in color and there will be lots of leaf loss with the rains and winds we are getting today and through the week. It isn't to late to see color, it is still good, but act fast. Areas to the east along Lake Superior from Grand Marais to the Soo are seeing about 75% color now, will be hitting peak color this week to the weekend. Overall you'll see plenty of colors on your drives throughout the UP. Dress warm and wear your rain gear as it will be windy, rainy, and wet most of this week.
---Western UP---Peak to Past Peak color
This week we saw the majority of interior portions of the Western UP hit peak and moving into past peak through the weekend. There are still some poplar trees which are changing, but your maples and birch have hit their peaks. Leaves under canopies of taller trees are still in 80% color through the interior areas of the Trap hills and Porcupine Mountains. You'll find excellent color still but you will notice plenty of leaf loss starting. Your views from the Lake of the Clouds overlook is hitting peak right now, best color started mid week last week and will be for another few days. Expect leaf loss to accelerate with the winds and rains that are happening through this week. Copper Peak overlook hit peak earlier this week, but there are still great views of color there and from Mt. Zion. Black River Road has good color yet, as does Hwy 519 from Wakefield up to South Boundary Road. The colors are amazing at Lake Gogebic along the lake right now too. Bond falls had excellent color this past week, it won't stay that way for to much longer. Agate Falls the colors were great too from up on top of the trestle.
---Northern UP---Peak to Past Peak color
Color and lots of it. We hit peak earlier in the week and now hitting past peak in many areas early this week. Already seeing plenty of leaf loss and fading reds and oranges. The yellows have gotten bright and really have filled in the forests with color. There are some trees in the understory of the forests with leaves that still have some green in them. US41 to Copper Harbor was excellent peak color for the length of the drive. Views from Brockway Mountain were better this week with peak color to the south, 75% to the east and west along Lake Superior. The views from the Cliffs were excellent with peak color through the hills as far as you could see. Views from Bumbletown Hill were excellent with peak color. Peak to past peak color along US41 from Houghton to Covington Jct with lots of leaf loss on the hills south of L'Anse. The drive on M26 from Houghton to Mass City is excellent with color being past peak, but there is still much color to be seen, the reds are fading, and there is leaf loss starting. L'Anse to Skanee the colors are excellent with peak to past peak in most areas, some areas along Huron Bay have a bit of green still but not much.
---Central UP---peak, past peak, to 75% color overall
Much of Marquette county is now peak color, a few interior areas around Michigamme are past peak color, but overall color is still pretty vibrant. There are few areas around Marquette with color starting into peak, but overall your views from Sugarloaf, Hogsback, and Mount Marquette are excellent color with 75%-peak color being seen as of yesterday, you'll stil have great color views this week on these peaks. Interior regions to the south off US41, Hwy 95, CoRd 553, Co Rd 480, all had great color still. Views from Thomas Rock (Gobblers Knob) were great, excellent color, the best in many years. County roads 510 and 550 have excellent color now, yellows have really filled in now, reds have really faded though.
---Eastern UP---70%-Peaking color
Areas from Grand Marais to the Soo are still moving into peak this week, so the color is still vibrant, but you might miss the full peak because of the rains and winds. The views from Mission Hill were very pretty, with color being seen about 75% color. Interior around Tahquamenon falls had about 75% color, so this week seems prime time for fall colors and waterfalls views. Driving M28 from Newberry to Munising were excellent with peak having hit and moving into past peak color, lots of leaf loss has started especially around the Seney stretch. Your drives on M77 and M117 were great, with lots of yellow being seen. Cut River bridge views were amazing, you have to stop here on your way across US2. Color to the far eastern UP is good around 75% color overall with lots of yellows all the way to DeTour.
---Southern UP---70%-Peaking color overall
Good color now throughout the southern UP. Areas around Crystal Falls have a lot of color, the drive down from Covington on US141 was full of color, but it has hit peak color and into past peak. Along US2 the color is around 80% overall. There is excellent color from Crystal Falls to Iron Mountain. Color is a bit less vibrant from Iron Mountain to Escanaba. All the way south to Menonminee the color is good with lot of yellow leaves a bit of leaf loss. Should be peak down here this week.
Thanks for tuning into the fall color report for week 11.
Feel free to message on FunintheUP facebook page for reporting colors or email photos to ( fall @ funintheup.com )
Colors of tree leaves
Oak - red, brown, russet colorsAspen(Poplar) - goldish yellow colors
Dogwood - deep reddish purple colors
Beech (very little in the UP) - light tan color
Sugar maple - yellows, oranges and reds
Red maple - deep red like scarlet
Striped maple - about colorless
Birch - golden yellow