Bear Hole in Fall Glory

Falling Leaves and Tranquil Streams: Capturing the Essence of Bear Hole in Upper Park's Autumn Splendor

There is such a small window for getting this image.  Autumn can last for 4-6 weeks in Chico, but there are really just 2 weeks where any one area is in maximum Fall color.  If there are no amazing clouds, or my schedule doesn’t line up with them, I must wait another year.  Years later, here we are.  An image worth the wait!

A friend and I had hiked in the area a week prior and while the clouds were good, the color was not.  Just when I was starting to think the year would pass, this day happened.  Pretty much peak color with an afternoon clearing storm.  I tried a couple other views before settling on this one.  This composition has the perfect balance of iconic rock with Fall color, green foliage, and incredible sky.  It was one of those special moments that had me wondering at the time, “Could I represent it in a single image.” The sun in my face, shining through trees making their color glow.  Immersed in dark volcanic rock that was reflecting almost white in places.  Clouds ever changing as the wind slowly moved them.  This dynamic event is what I was able to achieve here.

There was a couple finishing up a swim when I arrived, but once they left only a few hikers came through.  I was surprised to have nearly 2 hours of this view all to myself.  This day was such a reminder of how close the stunning beauty of nature is to everyday city life.  Every time I am in this part of the park, I ask myself why I don’t do this more often.  Perhaps this image will help with motivation the next time you or I are wondering what we should do this afternoon!