Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River
Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma · 473 ft
Typical peak
Oct 29 – Nov 6
high confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
The Mountain Fork River runs out of the base of Broken Bow Lake through pine and hardwood bottom, tight enough that the far bank fills the frame. Flat light keeps the water readable and stops the pine from going black next to the oaks.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Park office at 4350 S Hwy 259A north of Broken Bow; river access, picnic areas, and the David Boren trail all have marked lots inside the park. A parking pass is required.
What turns here
- shortleaf pine
- white oak
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Nov 2Typical color progression for Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River. No change from Sep 25 to Oct 12. First color from Oct 12 to Oct 21. Approaching peak from Oct 21 to Oct 29. Peak from Oct 29 to Nov 6. Past peak from Nov 6 to Nov 16. Bare from Nov 16 to Nov 30.
Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River is typically at peak on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
77°F / 55°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River on November 2, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:13 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 107° | 6:39 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:14 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:02 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 4:50 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 253° | 5:25 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 5:51 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 46m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.