Mineral Springs Falls
Sheyenne River Valley, North Dakota · 1,181 ft
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
A small spring-fed drop in the wooded Sheyenne valley in Ransom County, and one of very few natural falls in the state. Flat light is the whole game on a low-volume fall like this, where direct sun blows the water out and leaves the oak behind it muddy.
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
Reached on foot in the Sheyenne River valley south of Fort Ransom, off the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. The walk in is short but unimproved.
What turns here
- bur oak
- basswood
- quaking aspen
- green ash
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 30Typical color progression for Mineral Springs Falls. No change from Aug 23 to Sep 9. First color from Sep 9 to Sep 18. Approaching peak from Sep 18 to Sep 26. Peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Past peak from Oct 4 to Oct 14. Bare from Oct 14 to Oct 28.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 9.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 25
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
59°F / 39°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
Mineral Springs Falls on September 30, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:58 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 7:28 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 40 min of low, warm light | 8:08 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:21 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 40 min before sunset | 6:34 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 7:14 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:44 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 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 E, sets W.
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.