Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River
Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma · 473 ft
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 .
Typical peak
Oct 29 – Nov 6
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
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.
Color starts around Oct 12.
Light at peak
Beavers Bend State Park, Mountain Fork River on November 2, 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
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
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.