Rib Mountain State Park
Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin · 1,917 ft
A quartzite ridge standing 700 feet above the Wisconsin River valley, with an observation tower clearing the treeline for a full circle over Wausau and the surrounding hardwood. Oak holds rust color here a week past the maples, which stretches the season.
Typical peak
Sep 27 – Oct 5
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunset
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
Getting there
Take Park Road south from WI-29 at the Rib Mountain exit to the summit lot, then walk 200 yards to the observation tower.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- red oak
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 1Typical color progression for Rib Mountain State Park. No change from Aug 24 to Sep 10. First color from Sep 10 to Sep 19. Approaching peak from Sep 19 to Sep 27. Peak from Sep 27 to Oct 5. Past peak from Oct 5 to Oct 15. Bare from Oct 15 to Oct 29.
Color starts around Sep 10.
Light at peak
Rib Mountain State Park on October 1, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:27 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 94° | 6:56 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 39 min of low, warm light | 7:35 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:48 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 39 min before sunset | 6:01 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 266° | 6:40 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:09 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 44m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
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.