Tumwater Canyon
Central Cascades, Washington · 1,488 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 22 – Sep 30
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
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.
Color starts around Sep 5.
Light at peak
Tumwater Canyon on September 26, 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 | 6:24 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
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.