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The advent of fall brings beautiful colors to the
foliage along California’s rivers and streams. Late September through
October is an ideal time to experience the fall color. Here are some
great ideas to experience fall colors along some of our free flowing
rivers. What more do you need as an excuse for a road trip?
Arroyo Seco River 
The moderating influence of the coast brings fall a
little later to the Santa Lucia Mountains in Monterey County. So be sure
to visit the Arroyo Seco River a few weeks later in the season. The
Arroyo Seco is one of our top candidates for federal Wild & Scenic
River protection. It’s likely that Representative Sam Farr will
introduce legislation next year to protect the Arroyo Seco and other
rivers along the Big Sur Coast. To visit the Arroyo Seco River, take
Highway 101 to the Salinas Valley. From the small town of Greenfield,
drive west on Arroyo Seco Road to the end of the road (marked by a
gate). From there, you can drop down to visit the river or hike up the
closed road to a series of cascades and pools in a rocky gorge.
 East Carson River
A favorite of rafters and kayakers
in the spring, this eastern Sierra river puts on a fantastic color
display in the early fall. A 10 mile segment of the East Carson River is
a state Wild & Scenic River but someday we hope to protect the
entire river on public lands in the federal system. From Lake Tahoe,
drive south on Highway 89. Just beyond the town of Markleeville, the
highway begins to parallel the East Carson River. At the intersection
with Highway 4, you can either continue up the river or turn left on
Highway 89 to view the incredible golden aspen display at Monitor Pass.
Deer Creek
Draining the northern Sierra, this small river
parallels much of Highway 32, which offers one of the most scenic fall
drives in the mountain range. Deer Creek is also one of the few streams
remaining in the Sierra that still supports Chinook salmon, which
migrate up the creek in the spring and spawn in early fall. From its
intersection with Highway 99 in Chico, drive east on Highway 32 into the
mountains. You can park at the first bridge crossing Deer Creek and
hike the trail down the creek for several miles or you can continue
driving along Highway 32. A few miles upstream of the first bridge
crossing, a small and difficult to spot sign notes the location of Upper
Deer Creek Falls, which is a short scramble down from the highway.
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