Phantom Fall with rainbow, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, California

 

Phantom Fall gets its name because it's seasonal and might not appear at all in dry years. We hiked out to see it the first week of April in 2023. We arrived just at the right time to see this rainbow form in its mist. The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, where the fall is located, is north of Oroville, California. The reserve protects a volcanic tableland that is level for the most part, but streams cut deep gorges in some parts. The water drops along the rock wall, then free falls in front of an alcove. There's a steep trail down to the base of the fall and we saw people walking behind the water.

Canon 70d, ISO 100, f13, 1/30 sec, 49 mm,

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!

Ravine Falls, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, near Oroville, California

In January 2023 California was hit with a series of storms and it has been in the media that the seasonal waterfalls at the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in northern California were flush with water. This reserve is northeast of Oroville, California.

 This is Ravine Falls. It's about a mile and a half hike from the trailhead. We knew we were heading toward this waterfall when the trail took us from open rolling plain and started switchbacking down into a ravine, hence the name of the fall.

We had been wanting to visit this reserve for many years now, because of our interest in vernal pools.  They occur in the rolling plains that visitors can see right at the trailhead.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story.

Valley Oak at sunset, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, near Oroville, California

 After an afternoon of hiking in the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, near Oroville in northern California, we got back to our vehicle at sunset. Right next to the parking area was this beautiful valley oak, making a silhouette against the bright horizon. We've heard about this place for many years, but this was our first visit and it won't be our last. This visit was in January, so we plan to go back later in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Taken with a Samsung a52 6u smartphone, ISO 2000, f1.8, 24 mm focal length equivalent, 1/8 sec, using Night Mode without tripod, processed in Digikam and GIMP

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!