The Pacific Northwest is spectacular during the fall months with natural areas that are colorful, quiet, and (due to the cooler temps) fairly bug-free! Unfortunately, the season passes fast. Take advantage of the time you have left and catch the changing hues before the last leaves drop. Pull on your fleece jacket, put on your hiking shoes, pack some power snacks and get ready to explore some of the most scenic trails the area has to offer. The following are our top picks for the best spots to catch fall color in the Pacific Northwest.
Approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle and a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Portland, Mt. Rainier’s brilliance during the autumn months is hard to beat. Between Mt. Rainier National Park and in its surrounding areas, there’s no shortage of hiking options.
Choosing which trail to hike once you are in Mt. Rainier National Park can be a challenge since there are so many to pick from. If you want to see some wildlife, your chances are good along the 8.4 miles of Shriner Peak trail. Or enjoy a shorter stint and take in expansive meadows and the icy reflective waters along Bench and Snow Lakes trail.
Explore Mt. Tahoma Trail and enjoy a 360-degree view of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens from a ridge top at 4,760 feet at High Hut. You can also see some spectacular fall color if you make your way to the top of the Hut Associations three additional trails.
Plan a day trip or enjoy a weekend getaway and stay at one of Rainier Lodging’s cozy, wooded cabins. What could be better than soaking in a hot tub and cuddling up by the fireplace after a day filled with hiking in the brisk mountain air?
Spokane draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over the PNW with its stunning river gorge and its extensive system of hiking and biking trails. Mount Spokane is just one of the areas that are perfect for a fall outing. There are more than 90 miles of trails to explore during the fall months, the fireweed blooms and the tall grasses turn amber and gold. For the ambitious, the hike to the summit is dotted with huckleberries and alpine forests. Once you reach the top, enjoy relaxing at the historic Vista House and viewing the changing colors of the lush forests, farmlands, and lakes from above.
Less than an hour drive from Ashland and Medford, Oregon the Cascade-Siskiyou Monument waits to take visitors on adventures through its 65,000-acres of protected land. The trail options are endless and offer hikers the opportunity to wander through old growth forests, explore a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and catch breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt. Ashland and the Siskiyou Mountains.
During the autumn months, you can expect to see wild grasses turn warm shades of yellow and brown in a patchwork pattern across the changing landscape. Make sure not to miss Pilot Rock, the remnant of an ancient volcano. Or Hobart Bluff, which gives hikers 360-degree views of the Rogue Valley.
There are plenty of beautiful lodging options close to the monument if you are looking for a mini vacay. Check out Green Springs Inn & Cabins and choose from a room at the lodge (some come with jacuzzi’s) or stay at one of their solar-powered cabins made from lumber milled right on the owner’s property.
Check out more of our picks for Pacific Northwest getaways!
(Top photo via David Berry, Flickr)
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