Where to Find Fall Color in Oregon

Autumn in Oregon is right around the corner.  And as we’re enjoying these final days of summer in Bend ~ it got me thinking about where to find the best fall color in Oregon.  When I lived in Portland, this was always a magical time of year.  In the “Park Blocks” downtown, the leaves would start changing color, & Washington Park turned into a magical wonderland of autumnal colors.  But Portland isn’t the only place in Oregon to find gorgeous fall colors.  In this article, we’ll hop around the state: from Hood River out to Central Oregon, & all the way down to Ashland, in search of the most show-stopping fall color!

 

Map of Fall Color Spots in Oregon

Below are six of the best spots in Oregon to catch the changing fall colors.

1. Downtown Portland

Because you’ve got such a massive number of trees in Portland, many of which are deciduous, you’ve got a recipe for spellbinding fall color.  Nothing’s better than having a delicious Portland brunch, grabbing coffee to-go, & then strolling the streets to admire the scene. 

 

Best Spots for Fall Color in Portland, Oregon

 

• Washington Park
• Japanese Gardens
• Hoyt Arboretum & surrounding trails (the Maple-Wildwood Loop is particularly spectacular in fall)
• Pittock Mansion is surrounded by deciduous trees that are gorgeous in fall, & views of the city are also incredible.
• Laurelhurst Park
• Forest Park
• Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego (there’s also a great off-leash dog park there)

 

One of my favorite hotel stays in Portland, that’s close to Washington Park: the 1920’s-inspired Hotel Deluxe.  It’s pet-friendly, & set in a quiet, safe part of town.

2. Mount Hood Scenic Loop

The Mount Hood Scenic Loop starts in Gresham, & takes you up the mountain on Highway 26, getting you up close to Mt. Hood & the iconic Timberline Lodge (made famous by Stephen King’s “The Shining“).  You can break up your journey & spend the night or on the mountain, take a hike to sensational Paradise Park, & check out the cute mountain town of Government Camp. 

From there, the Scenic Loop continues north on Hwy 35 to Hood River, which is a beautiful town set on the Columbia River. 

 

The Columbia River Gorge

From Hood River, it’s a straight-shot west, back towards Portland on I-84.  This whole stretch of highway is set right along the Columbia River; in any season, it’s a gorgeous drive.  This corridor is known as the Columbia River Gorge, & it’s where you’ll find some of the state’s most iconic hikes & waterfalls. 

SPEND TIME hiking or camping here!!!  You won’t be disappointed.

 

Best Hikes in the Columbia Gorge for Fall Color:

• Multnomah Falls ~ You don’t have to hike here, you can simply witness the breathtaking falls (Oregon’s highest) practically from the parking lot. 
• Angel’s Rest Hike ~ One of the most popular hikes in the Gorge, & accessible for kids, dogs, & nearly all ability levels. 
• Dog Mountain ~ This is my favorite Columbia Gorge hike: it’s difficult, but the views are SO WORTH it!!!! It’s on the Washington side of the Gorge, across from Hood River. 

 

For a complete list of my favorite hikes in the Gorge, click here.

3. Silver Falls State Park

About 90 minutes south of Portland is Silver Falls State Park, the largest state park in Oregon.  Famous for its incredible waterfalls, 25 miles of walking trails, 15 miles of horse trails, & 4-mile bike path ~ there’s a lot to see here!  Especially during fall. 

If you choose to stay overnight in the area, Oregon Garden Resort is the cutest hotel around, located in nearby Silverton.  It’s just a 20-minute drive from the resort to Silver Falls State Park.  They’ve got beautiful sprawling grounds, & their Moonstone Spa is a great place to unwind after hiking!

4. Bend

Bend is the largest town in Central Oregon.  And as you can see from the photo below: there are trees everywhere.  While many are evergreen, you’ve got plenty of aspens, dogwoods, & maples to provide spectacular fall color.  Bend is a very outdoorsy town, with plenty of opportunity to leaf-view, whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply tipping back a beer downtown. 

And which Bend hotel gives you the best view of all this color?  Undoubtedly, Tetherow Resort, which sits atop a hill with incredible, panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. 

 

Best Places in Bend to Find Fall Color:

• Along the Deschutes River Trail ~ A walking/hiking/mountain bike trail that runs from Farewell Bend Park all the way down to Sunriver.
• Drake Park & Mirror Pond ~ Walkable from downtown Bend, this is an easy spot to spot fall color.
• Drive up the Cascade Lakes Highway & stop at one of the many awesome lakes along the highway to witness russet leaves surrounding pristine mountain lakes. 
• Head up to the Metolius River near Sisters to get that “in-the-woods,” fall feeling.
• The Old Mill District in Bend ~ I remember driving to Evoke Winery last fall, & the trees heading down to the Old Mill shopping area were ALL bright yellow.  It was spectacular!

5. McKenzie River

The McKenzie River runs right along Highway 126, east-to-west.  If you follow the highway all the way west, you’ll land in Eugene.  And if you take it all the way east, then head up to Highway 20, you’ll end up in Bend.  The McKenzie River is popular with photographers, fishermen, & those seeking hot springs, as both Belknap & Terwilliger Hot Springs are nearby. 

A central town & great base for exploring the river is Finn Rock, & Eagle Rock Lodge is my top pick for hotel stays in this area.

6. Ashland

Ashland & the Rogue River Highway are great places to witness fall color in Oregon.  Ashland is such a cute town, with an old-fashioned, vintage vibe; they’re known for hosting a popular Shakespeare Festival every summer.  As for fall color, the best spot is undoubtedly Lithia Park, which borders Ashland Creek, & has walking trails, duck ponds, & a rose garden. 

My favorite hotel in Ashland is the historic (& some say, haunted!) Ashland Springs Hotel, which is elegant, charming, & in walking distance to downtown.

Where to Find the Best Fall Color in Oregon

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