Pembina Gorge Trailhead
Pembina Gorge, North Dakota · 1,371 ft
Typical peak
Sep 19 – Sep 27
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunset
The deepest cut in North Dakota, holding the largest continuous undisturbed forest in the state on steep valley walls above the Pembina River. Sixteen miles of trail run the rim and the slope, so the gorge can be shot from above or from inside it.
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
Trailhead is about 8 miles northwest of Walhalla; the state park campground is at 10457 121st Ave NE. Trails close after significant rain, so check the OuterSpatial app or call the park before driving out.
What turns here
- bur oak
- quaking aspen
- paper birch
- green ash
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 23Typical color progression for Pembina Gorge Trailhead. No change from Aug 16 to Sep 2. First color from Sep 2 to Sep 11. Approaching peak from Sep 11 to Sep 19. Peak from Sep 19 to Sep 27. Past peak from Sep 27 to Oct 7. Bare from Oct 7 to Oct 21.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 2.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 19
5 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
54°F / 36°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
Pembina Gorge Trailhead on September 23, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:48 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 89° | 7:20 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 42 min of low, warm light | 8:01 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:24 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 42 min before sunset | 6:47 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 271° | 7:28 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:00 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 12h 9m · 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.