Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest
Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma · 1,017 ft
Typical peak
Oct 26 – Nov 3
high confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
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 .
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.
Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest 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
78°F / 52°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
Cedar Lake, Ouachita National Forest on October 30, 2026, 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.
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.