Is there anything more spectacular than immersing yourself in fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest? We thought so. From wandering around your local town to taking a road trip, there are many opportunities to see bright and bold leaves transform before your eyes. But timing can be your biggest hurdle. The goal is to avoid going too late to find all that’s left is crispy brown leaves beneath your feet.
Still beautiful, but not the goal.
So, when do leaves change colors in the PNW?
According to the trusty Farmer’s Almanac, the general answer for the PNW is typically the second or third week in October. Of course, this depends on current weather patterns, as cold fronts may speed up or slow down the process. So word to the wise? Keep checking your local forecast if you’re planning a quick trip.
Now that you know how to navigate timing, we’d like to introduce you to the best spots in the Pacific Northwest to catch the signature shades of fall.
PNW National Parks for Fall Leaf Lovers
Glacier National Park: The Bullhead Lake Trail
Where: Montana
Peak Fall Foliage Times: Mid-September to Early October
About: Glacier National Park is known for its magnificent melting glaciers and more than 700 miles of trails.
Like clockwork, fall always ends up being one of the most popular seasons at the park given its deep display of aspen trees, which turn fiery yellow and orange. There are many pristine lakes scattered throughout the park, but perhaps the best one to few fall foliage alongside is Bullhead Lake. The trail to get there is challenging, yet rewarding, and features sweeping views of Redrock Falls. This is a go-to spot for leaf peepers, and moose too.
North Cascades National Park: The Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trail
Where: Washington
Peak Fall Foliage Times: Late September to Mid-October
About: Roughly three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park is another ideal local hotspot with glaciers and miles of twisting trails.
One of the most popular paths during fall is the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, which features a dramatic array of golden larches. Through this route, you’ll see glimpses of Lake Anna and Lake Rainy, along with several mountain ranges in the distance on a clear day.
Since this park is located in Northern Washington, temperatures tend to be a bit chilly, so pack a heavier layer, like a warm and durable men’s hoodie or a fleece women’s sherpa jacket.
Gorgeous Gardens with Plenty of Foliage
The Bloedel Reserve
Where: Bainbridge Island, Washington
Peak Foliage Times: Mid to Late October
About: If you live near Seattle like us, finding a serene spot to view fall foliage isn’t too far away. Take the quick drive to Bainbridge Island to discover the Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre secluded public garden and forest reserve.
With many species of trees found throughout the park, you can spot dreamy yellow, orange, and red leaves. Throughout autumn, we recommend heading to the Japanese Garden to check out the majestic maple trees. To allow for extra room and wandering, this area features timed ticket entries to avoid overcrowding, so book your ticket ahead of time.
Hoyt Arboretum
Where: Portland, Oregon
Peak Foliage Times: Late October to Early November
About: One of Portland’s must-see attractions just minutes from downtown, the Hoyt Arboretum is packed with more than 2,300 plant and tree species and has been nationally recognized for three collections.
The star of the show for this season will be the Maple Collection, which features impressive, vibrant colors for about a mile along the trail. And once you’ve soaked in those colors, it’s worth checking out the park’s additional loops to see the Conifer Collection, which features famous pine trees. Since Portland is usually milder in fall, you can wear more lightweight layers, like an agile and lightweight women’s hoodie or a smooth and sustainable men’s hooded shirt.
Captivating City Parks
The Boise River Greenbelt
Where: Boise, Idaho
Peak Foliage Times: Early to Mid-October
About: This bustling town in Idaho is known for many sights, and one of them being this 25-mile tree-lined pathway that follows the winding Boise River.
Whether you go by bike or foot, you will be guaranteed to see the leaves transform into shades of red, yellow, and orange. And if you head out in the early morning or late evenings, you’re bound to spot some local wildlife including songbirds, ducks, or even the majestic great blue heron.
Carkeek Park
Where: Seattle, Washington
Peak Foliage Times: Mid-October
About: While it’s not always top of mind for Seattle tourists, Carkeek Park is beloved by locals. An easy drive from downtown, this area gives you a little bit of everything, from meadows to the bustling Piper’s Creek.
One of the best times to visit is fall, as you can wander through bright orange and gold leaves, and eventually find your way to a beach that opens up to sweeping views of the Puget Sound and towering Olympic Mountains.
Since you might get hit with some sea spray on windy days, we recommend packing a lightweight and durable men’s jacket or a wind-deflecting protective women’s rain jacket.
Transitional Fits For Fall Foliage Hunting
You may have already started charging your digital camera to capture the best of fall foliage, but before you head out the door, make sure you have the right layers. While this season is known for mild temperatures, the mornings and late evenings can be brisk. Especially if you’re traveling later in the season, you may need to prepare yourself with thicker jackets. Explore our versatile men’s outdoor apparel and comfortable women’s outdoor styles to prepare yourself for every element. We hope you catch the leaves at exactly the right time!
