Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest
Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma · 1,017 ft
A clear lake below the north face of Winding Stair Mountain, with the ridge standing behind the water. Still mornings put the whole slope on the surface, and the pine understory gives the oak color something dark to sit against.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 26 – Nov 3
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
From Poteau take US-59 south about 22 miles to Holson Valley Road, west 2.5 miles, then north on Cedar Lake Road one mile to the recreation area. Paved day-use and campground lots reach the shore.
What turns here
- shortleaf pine
- white oak
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 30Typical color progression for Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest. No change from Sep 22 to Oct 9. First color from Oct 9 to Oct 18. Approaching peak from Oct 18 to Oct 26. Peak from Oct 26 to Nov 3. Past peak from Nov 3 to Nov 13. Bare from Nov 13 to Nov 27.
Color starts around Oct 9.
Light at peak
Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest on October 30, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:11 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 106° | 7:37 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 8:12 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:02 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 5:52 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 254° | 6:27 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:53 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 50m · 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.