Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
Marais des Cygnes River bottoms, Kansas · 808 ft
Typical peak
Oct 18 – Oct 26
moderate confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
The largest bottomland hardwood forest in Kansas, oak and hickory over flat river floodplain rather than the prairie the state is known for. The canopy closes overhead, so flat light reads better here than low sun, which only catches trunks.
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
Refuge headquarters at 24141 KS-52 east of Pleasanton has a paved accessible nature trail; graveled refuge roads and marked lots reach the interior forest trails. Parking is allowed in designated areas only.
What turns here
- oak
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 22Typical color progression for Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge. No change from Sep 14 to Oct 1. First color from Oct 1 to Oct 10. Approaching peak from Oct 10 to Oct 18. Peak from Oct 18 to Oct 26. Past peak from Oct 26 to Nov 5. Bare from Nov 5 to Nov 19.
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is typically at past 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
74°F / 51°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
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge on October 22, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:07 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 103° | 7:34 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 36 min of low, warm light | 8:10 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:03 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 36 min before sunset | 5:55 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 256° | 6:31 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:58 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 58m · 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.