How to View Fall Foliage in the Pacific Northwest

In the fall, the Pacific Northwest can put on a riotous display of color that will surprise those who think of the area as gentle and soft-spoken.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hiking Boots
• Warm Clothes
• Maps Of The Pacific Northwest
• Picnic Basket
• Picnic Blankets
• Scrapbooks
• Wine Bottles
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Day Packs

1. Find out fall foliage timing predictions for the year. Peak foliage times for both Washington and Oregon begin in late October and last until the beginning of November, though color will probably start to peak in mid-October in the highest parts of the Cascades and along the Idaho border.

2. Try Mount Hood in Oregon as a base for exploring fall color, with the drive along the Hood River Valley as a high point. Mount Hood also has a Harvest Fest one weekend in October, including a train ride to view foliage in neighboring orchards and farmlands.

3. Take a good drive on Highways 2 and 20 through the Cascade range; allow time for side trips and hikes.

4. Consider a brief respite in Seattle as a lively starting point for a day trip or a weekend visit.

5. Visit Wenatchee, Washington, for a quieter location. It is an excellent base for exploring the eastern side of the Cascades.

Tips & Warnings

• For peak color times, call [phone] in Washington or [phone] in Oregon. For more information about fall foliage on National Forest Service lands, call [phone].

• This is a quiet time for tourists in most places. Although reservations for lodging are recommended, you probably won't need to call very far in advance, and you may be able to find lodging without them.

• Nights can be chilly, but days will be reasonably warm. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain at any time. Snow is a possibility in the highest elevations.