Things to do in Independence in October

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Overview

October is a good time to visit Independence. The weather is usually moderately chilly, with temperatures ranging from 40—67°F (5—19°C).

Independence has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Independence. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Independence in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Independence? See our Independence Trip Planner.
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Best events and things to do in Independence in October

Top experiences in October
We couldn't find any experiences in October
Holidays in Independence in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Independence in October

Temperatures on an average day in Independence in October

The average temperature in Independence in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 67°F (19°C) to a low of 40°F (5°C). Some would describe the temperature to be moderately chilly.

For comparison, the hottest month in Independence, July, has days with highs of 85°F (30°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 24°F (-4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Independence in October based on historical data.

Visiting Independence? See our Independence Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October
67°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly
Feels like
8%
Chance of rain
0.043 in
Amount
8.3 mph
Wind speed
39%
Humidity
11.3 hrs
Daylight length
6:59 AM
Sunrise
6:16 PM
Sunset
74%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 67°F (19°C) and a low of 40°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Independence in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Independence has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Independence that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Independence for October.
Manzanar National Historic Site
1. Manzanar National Historic Site
4.8
(1614)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Japanese-American relocation center during WWII now featuring artifacts, a virtual museum & more.
Slide 1 of 8
My family and I happened to come upon this place on our route to Yosemite and we're so glad we did. We visited on the 4th of July and could easily view the indoor exhibits and do the auto tour as it wasn't crowded. we easily spent 4 to 5 hours taking it all in. I would highly recommend everyone to visit to learn some important history.
Isela R — Google review
Okay, we visited this place during the federal government shutdown so the visitor center was closed and you could not visit the barracks on the inside, just walk around. Essentially you drive your car from spot to spot around the entire location. We stopped at the orchard and the Rose garden and the pond in progress. Then we visited the grave site. They are starting to recreate a baseball field as well. I have studied this particular part of our history and was very grateful that I had the opportunity to see it in person.
Shedowa J — Google review
We just driving tour around Manzanar. It was very surreal experience for us adults and the kids were struggling to understand but They’re young. would recommend it to junior high and high school age students as well as all adults this is part of our history
Denise P — Google review
Very interesting place. We visited during federal govt shutdown and an off day for the visitor center. We did the auto tour. Looks like they have many projects going on. Right now it's a beautiful, peaceful place.
Jean T — Google review
A wonderful historical site. As someone who is fascinated with history, this was a welcome surprise in a road trip. I didn’t know I was going to be anywhere near this site. We stopped and spent a few hours here, learning more about those affected by this dark time in our history. I would love to stop again when it’s a planned stop so I can give it more attention.
Mandy S — Google review
Manzanar, as a US concentration camp during WW2, is an important historic site; however, it seems due to DOGE cuts, the hours when the visitor center is open have been cut back. You can still see all the exhibits that are outside the visitor center, however -- the garden, the cemetery, the different camp buildings,etc. The plaques and recordings are informative and compelling, often the voices of the former inmates, and they discuss everything from arrival at the camp and basic daily life to their eventually release and return to society. There is also a public bathroom near the cemetery.
S G — Google review
Take the time to visit, take the self-guided auto tour, and think about what we have done in our past. We really need to learn from these things, and I'm not sure we have.
Graeme W — Google review
Exceptionally well done. Centered the Japanese experience throughout. Kid-friendly. The auditorium houses the main exhibit which is thorough, historically relevant, and graphically interesting. I am a history buff and I learned a lot. The staff behind the desk was great and encouraged every kid who came in to participate in the jr. ranger program and the learning activities. The driving tour was also great, although the radio broadcast doesn’t add much. You get a real sense of the scale of the camp and everything that went into creating and sustaining Manzanar by doing the drive.
Olivia H — Google review
Eastern California Museum
2. Eastern California Museum
4.8
(185)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Slide 1 of 8
What a gem. The museum is free, but donations are welcome. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Great collection of local history. The museum has a large outside part with farming, old buildings, and a train building. It's a must-see.
Peggy D — Google review
What a treasure museum to visit after finishing the Manzanar National Historical Site. They have a beautiful display and collections. I wish they would get more visitors in the future. The staff is very friendly. Their gift shop is also very nice. Must visit!!!!!
Siqi S — Google review
Great museum with a wide range of items. Old maps about the California aqueduct were my favorite. The narrow gauge train engine was being worked on so the kids got to climb aboard and ask questions.
Daniel R — Google review
Made a pit stop at the museum after finishing work at the Inyo court house. The Inyo county museum contains historical artifacts of the 1st people's and settlers/ranchers. We stayed a little over an hour. Kids learned a lot of history of the area. I am glad we did a pit stop. Shawn the curator was very knowledgeable and it was great to talk to her. She is very approachable and very generous with her knowledge. Kids enjoy talking to her. With the stop if you are heading to and from mammoth mountain.
Sam B — Google review
The steam train was excellent. I remember playing on it many years ago when it was at the park. It's amazing to see it running!
Micah “ — Google review
First time visitor to this museum. There is a wonderful Native American baskets display. Also in the museum are displays related to early settlers, mining, weapons and outdoors are narrow gauge railroad items, buckboards, mine cars and historic buildings.
Joe T — Google review
This place is a gem and should not be missed. An excellent collection of Native American baskets and overall well presented history of Owens Valley and area. The exterior and garden area has original structures, train tracks and view of Mt Whitney that absolutely astounding and so beautiful. The staff is knowledgeable and there gift shop is complete. They don’t charge but please take cash as donations are so vital to their operations.
Steve F — Google review
Learned a lot about Native American basket weaving from the staff hosting the museum. The laborious crafting and the individuality of the baskets makes them an art form. The rest of the museum has a lot of relics from a bygone era. Nice that people are willing to share their possessions with the public.
Don M — Google review
Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery at Oak Creek
3. Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery at Oak Creek
4.7
(383)
Fish farm
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Beautiful building and grounds. Museum, gift shop and restrooms. Great place to visit and rest. Well worth the visit.
Roxanne K — Google review
One of my favorite stops. It is absolutely beautiful with the pond and historic hatchery building. It is a good spot to stop for a picnic with the lovely grass and picnic tables. They also have a food dispenser for the fish, so have some quarters ready.
Fawn S — Google review
In august the visitors center is open Fri to sun we got there around 1:30 and the visitors center was open. They have a bag of feed for a dollar and is cash preferred. The bathrooms were well maintained and donations appreciated. We learned the devastation that nature can have and a new found respect for it’s history. Such a treat to check the inside. Many places to sit and soak up the scenery.
Andrea A — Google review
I didn't give it two stars because I didn't like it, it's because there's no fish. I didn't know it but because of a fire and in a landslide they closed the fishery. Volunteers do their very best to restore it and keep it open 3 days a week but it is not the same as it was. I would still stop and make a donation. They repaired the pond in the front and you can see giant trout in that
Emil W — Google review
Wonderful stop especially for the kids. Feeding the fish is very fun here. You can get feed from the store/museum when they are open and when they are closed there is quarter operated dispenser lake side.
Vram G — Google review
Had to pinch myself to seeing I was real! It is a storybook like feeling while you frolic amongst the luscious green grounds and watch as the trout and duckies swim. Thank you Steve for taking me to this little piece of heaven.
Caren F — Google review
So Fun. I definitely recommend stopping here it is beautiful and full of information. We fed the trout and saw some Big fish in the water.
Irvy F — Google review
Staff on hand helpful, gift shop was great. History of this place is amazing 👏
Michelle G — Google review
Reward Mine
4. Reward Mine
4.7
(58)
Natural feature
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Please note that the trail to get here has been washed out by the recent floods. You have to make it up and down a very steep and incredibly loose hill to make it back to the road. Triple locked with 30” KO2s aired down I just barely avoided being stranded. Nothing short of a true 4x4 with a rear locker should try the trail now. Once you’re there it’s an awesome very unique experience though with a perfect camping spot next to the mine!
Riley M — Google review
Amazing places still exist that we can enjoyed that would creep you out when you turn off your lights...do look up for thr arrows to lead you out of this mine. My first time there...only a short section of the climb was a bit tricky for me...I am new to dirt riding.
I C — Google review
Your reward for making up to this secluded spot is to take your full sized truck a mile down an abandoned mine and make it out to tell the tale. We took 3 full sized and lifted Toyota Tundras down this route and just when I was wondering if we'd have to back out and what a pain that would be there was a turn around at the very end. There we encountered a family and kids walking the route! I was glad for the turn around space, and for the tailgate ride out, but the route is totally walkable. There's no room to pass, so if you encounter another vehicle going the opposite direction you'll have to back that thing up. There is a fresh air shaft that leaves the mine well ventilated. This is not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth the adventure!
Sarah A — Google review
A neat hidden gem. Must have 4x4 and high clearance. Expect loose gravel on steep grades combined with sharp and ragged rocks. Never go alone with only one vehicle and Be Prepared For Self-Rescue!!! There is no cell service and no internet. Bring Extra WATER!!!! Extra fuel in a 5 gal container is also highly recommended. As a Texan I would also advise anyone to bring duct tape and bailing wire just in case suspension or steering damage were to occur.
Timothy P — Google review
Wow, it’s a little eerie but it’s all good fun. Take your 4x4 thru a real mine. Depending on the route you take to get there you may need 4x4. Great views of the eastern sierras from the mine. If you keep driving thru the mine it will take you 5-8 minutes before you reach a point where can turn your vehicle a round. A very cool place to explore!!
Andrew C — Google review
Fun! I didn't have time to explore the mine but wanted to take a photo of my stock truck in the entrance for all my Jeep buds. There's a more adventurous and challenging approach further to the north and a much easier approach that's pretty much straight up to the south. I accidentally took the adventurous route up and then the easy way down (phew). I do think it would be easier and safer with a more lifted/high-clearance/shorter wheel base vehicle and spotter. If you go without you assume the risks accordingly (but also my truck made it in mud and snow - not impossible but perhaps foolish!). Have fun and be safe!
Lindsey — Google review
The trip was fun. Here are some tips: 1. The road headed up will wreck your car. There are rocks that will hit tires/oil tank or high center if not experienced enough. 2. Bring heavy duty flash lights. 3. Water 4. Have fun
SmileForMe360 — Google review
Fun drive out to the mine. Don't forget to also visit Eclipse Canyon right next door...
Glenn W — Google review

Popular road trips from Independence

What's the weather like in Independence?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Independence for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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Independence throughout the year

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