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EXPLORE: Fall Colors

By Beacon Staff

Last Sunday was the first official day of autumn, marked by the sun crossing directly over the Earth’s equator.

For many Montanans, including myself, this is a favorite time of year. Bundle up, find a partner and tour our wild backyard. It’s a spectacular experience in autumn.

For the first time in a few years, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is allowing visitors to experience the “Crown Jewel” in fall up the west side to Logan Pass. The road is scheduled to stay open until Oct. 20. East side access to Logan Pass closed Sept. 22 for rehabilitation work.

Closer to Kalispell, Lone Pine State Park is celebrating the 20th annual National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28. Park staff and volunteers will assist with basic trail maintenance and other improvements at Lone Pine. Volunteers will meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Foy’s Lake Property across from Lone Pine Road. A barbecue is slated for around 1 p.m.

The Forest Service also has a website featuring information about the best sightseeing opportunities during autumn, the science behind fall colors and other interactive features. Visit www.fs.fed.us/fallcolors/2013.