Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. Don't get me wrong, I love summer and spring, and even winter has it's appeal, but living in Oregon, I can't get enough of the vibrant fall colors, a slight chill in the air, and hiking foggy trails through the mountains on a rainy day to get a glimpse of stunning fall foliage. Oregon has so much to offer during fall, and I want everyone to get the opportunity to experience all of it. Check out this list of our top eight favorite things to do in Oregon in the fall.
1. Take A Hike And Get Up Close And Personal With Fall Foliage
Everyone probably expected me to put 'visit a pumpkin patch' as the number one thing to do in fall. That is on the list further down, but my favorite thing in the fall is to go hiking. The weather has cooled off, most of the annoying bugs and mosquitoes have gone away, and the leaves have started to change by early October.
If you're out hiking specifically to take in the beauty of fall colors, the best day to go is when it's windy or raining. That might seem like the worst time to go on a hike, but trust me on this one.
Rain brings out the bright colors on leaves and can turn a dull red, orange or yellow into something vibrant and stunning. And the wind? I got lucky enough to go hiking in the wind one time during the fall.
It was a magical scene where colorful leaves were blowing off of the trees around me and raining down over our heads. I stopped on the trail and just watched in awe for several minutes, and didn't continue on until the wind had died down a little.
But isn't hiking in the wind and rain miserable? I probably wouldn't go out in a gale and pouring rain, but when it's sprinkling out or a light drizzle, it's not that bad. Just remember to wear layers, warm and sturdy hiking boots, a warm hat, and a waterproof coat. Having a steaming thermos of hot coffee or hot chocolate waiting for you in the car or back at camp to help you warm up isn't a bad idea either.
Fall Trail Staff Picks
One staff member's favorite place to go fall hiking in Oregon is Sweet Creek Falls.
Another staff member reports that their favorite place to go hiking in the fall is Spence Mountain.
Check out our list of other staff favorite fall hiking spots here.
2. Go On A Covered Bridge Road Trip
It's easy to find good spots for fall photos in Oregon. By October there are stunning views of brightly colored leaves everywhere in our gorgeous state. One cool spot to take photos or to see fall colors is covered bridges. Today, Oregon has over 50 remaining covered bridges you can check out, but you can see some of our favorites that are surrounded by pretty trees here.
3. Take A Train Through Oregon's Fall Wonderland
Going on a drive through the mountains is one way to check out fall colors. Many people also enjoy taking a train ride on a historic railroad. This is a really unique way to kick back and relax while passing through vivid forests bursting with vibrant red, oranges and yellows. Check out the Mount Hood Railroad and Sumpter Valley Railroad here.
4. See Waterfalls Surrounded In Autumn Beauty
You can find waterfalls in almost any part of the state. All of them are worth visiting during the fall, though some will have more fall colors than others. These falls are a great spot to take photos, or to sit down and relax and just revel in the beauty of nature.
Autumn Waterfall Staff Picks
1. Golden And Silver Falls (45 minutes from Coos Bay) - This spot has abundant color in fall.
2. Multnomah Falls - Close to Portland, this one is a favorite of many Oregonians. Don't forget that a timed use permit is required through September 2nd.
3. Silver Falls State Park - This well known and beloved park is gorgeous at any time of year, but draws thousands of visitors during fall. This spot is like a fall wonderland, full of opportunities for good fall photos and stunning waterfalls.
5. Celebrate At The Mt Angel Oktoberfest
People travel from all over the state, and from around the Pacific Northwest to hit up the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest each year. Featuring wine, beer, cider, a wide array of food, and good music, this is one fall festival you don't want to miss. 2024 will be the 59th year of the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest.
With so much to do each year, it's easy to see why this celebration has been going strong for all these years.
Arts and crafts, a car show, activities for kids, Oktoberfest Olympics, races, lively street dances, and the ever popular wiener dog races are just a few things to do at this vibrant celebration.
6. Have A Meal At Multnomah Falls Lodge Amongst Vibrant Autumn Colors
It's no surprise that Multnomah Falls is on our list twice. A lot of people stop by to view the falls, but don't realize that there's a historic lodge to explore as well. The lodge was built in 1925 and features large windows looking out into the forest, making it a prime spot to have a meal and take in stunning views.
7. Get Pumpkins And Fresh Cider At A Pumpkin Patch (And Don't Forget To Do The Corn Maze)!
See, I told you that pumpkin patches would be on the list! Heading out to a pumpkin patch was always one of my favorite things to do as a kid, and I have to be honest, it's still one of my favorites now. Even as an adult I love getting to pick out a pumpkin (or several), get a candied apple, and drink fresh pressed cider out on a pretty farm.
I've been to a lot of great pumpkin patches across the state over the years, and haven't even scratched the surface of all the wonderful spots to visit. Check out our list of the best pumpkin patches in Oregon here.
Each is unique and different in it's own way, with themed corn mazes, harvest festivals and kids activities.
8. Kayak The Trail In Upper Klamath Lake
There are lots of great canoe and kayak trails throughout the state, and many of them are good for seeing fall foliage along the shoreline. One good spot to head out on a fall adventure is the Upper Klamath Lake canoe trail. There are several different stretches of the trail that you can do, from Pelican Bay up through various marshes and creeks.
You have a good chance of seeing a variety of bird species (350 species that pass through between fall and spring), and to see quaking aspens show off their vibrant yellow color in fall. In autumn, keep an eye out for American white pelicans and great blue herons as they migrate through the area between Alaska and South America.
You might also enjoy reading about these 5 places to check out fall foliage in Oregon, as well as these 12 places to see gorgeous fall colors.
Are you excited for fall to arrive yet?
