I fully expected my first Northwest Montana Autumn to be somewhat less beautiful than the New York ones I have experienced. After all, the types of trees in Montana are different, mostly conifers and other pines. There isn't a plethora of maple, oak and the like, which in the Northeast typically pop with beautiful explosions of red, orange and yellow leaves. So I expected a fairly unexciting change of seasons.
It's nearing late October now, so we are right in the middle of Montana's Autumn season. The question is, is there any color here? And if yes, from what?
I have to say I am immensely satisfied with the amount of Fall colors, but they are coming from a source I did not expect. On our Kalispell property and in the surrounding mountains, there are many pine and conifer trees including the Larch or Tamarack tree. Tamaracks are everywhere. And unlike all the pine-cone producing trees I'm familiar with, these trees are deciduous and lose their needles every winter. But first, just like other similar trees, they turn colors in the Fall. Mostly a brilliant shade of yellow.
So all of a sudden in then last few days, the Tamarack starting changing color. There are mountainsides full of yellow nearly everywhere I look. And I've been told that when the needles fall, the entire ground will be yellow. While I certainly do not want to rush this season, I am excitedly awaiting a ground covered with soft and bright needles. Just another thing that makes this area so special.
The other thing I expected about a Montana Autumn was that it would be cold. While in general it does seem to be a little colder than my old stomping grounds, the lack of humidity makes it feel warmer. That might not seem to make sense, but back in NY I was always cold. As soon as the temperature went below 60, I'd start piling on extra clothes and socks. I would wander around the house all bundled up. Not here! I am wandering out the rental home barefoot with nary a chill. And there have been some mornings in the teens. (Before you get excited about the low temps, by noon it could be 50 - it just starts cold).
And we have had plenty of 60 degree Autumn days. With sun. I'll take it!
So, bottom line. So far the temperature has been just fine, the precipitation negligible and the colors, amazing.
The only way to know for sure that what I say is true, is to come see for yourself! You won't be sorry! I am definitely loving the Kalispell Montana area.
For more information on Kalispell, see here.
Originally published at thehousekat.com.
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