Tumwater Canyon
Central Cascades, Washington · 1,488 ft
Typical peak
Sep 22 – Sep 30
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
US-2 runs ten miles through a granite canyon where vine maple and bigleaf maple fill the slope above the Wenatchee River. Flat light beats sun here because the canyon walls throw hard shadows across the water most of the day.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Drive US-2 northwest from Leavenworth and use the paved pullouts at the Tumwater Canyon dam and the Swiftwater picnic area within the first six miles.
What turns here
- vine maple
- bigleaf maple
- black cottonwood
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 26Typical color progression for Tumwater Canyon. No change from Aug 19 to Sep 5. First color from Sep 5 to Sep 14. Approaching peak from Sep 14 to Sep 22. Peak from Sep 22 to Sep 30. Past peak from Sep 30 to Oct 10. Bare from Oct 10 to Oct 24.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 5.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 29
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
57°F / 37°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
Tumwater Canyon on September 26, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:24 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 91° | 6:55 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 41 min of low, warm light | 7:35 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:54 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 41 min before sunset | 6:12 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 269° | 6:53 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:23 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 11h 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 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.