The 5 Best Spots for Leaf Peeping in Oregon: Peak Dates, Top Driving Routes, and More

Oregon is full of grey, green, and brown hues after the winter rains arrive; although these are wonderful colors for those who live here, it is not what most people would describe as “colorful.” However, the state briefly and, to some, surprisingly, bursts into a magnificent array of fall foliage before the cloudy days start. 

According to data from the U.S. Forest Service, deciduous trees make up roughly 10% of Oregon’s 30 million acres of forest, despite being more prevalent in metropolitan areas. Among these are massive groves of oak and red alder, sizable populations of maple and the coniferous western larch, as well as sporadic pockets of aspen, ash, and cottonwood. 

The best time to see these stunning trees is from late September to mid-October, and if you know where to go, you can see a spectacular display of color overflowing forth from our normally evergreen forests. 

You can always opt for the scenery of the city, where fall color is as plentiful as pumpkin-flavored everything, but think about going on an expedition into Oregon’s other autumnal locations, including its lush greenery, which provides more picturesque richness than you ever realized. Here are the 5 best spots for leaf peeping in Oregon! 

Portland Japanese Garden

One of the most realistic Japanese gardens in America, the Portland Japanese Garden was established in 1963 and opened to the public 1967. Visit the area for yourself, and you’ll soon realize why. The well-kept garden features several ponds, a few waterfalls, and moss-covered trails that beg to explore. When the incredibly well-known Japanese Maple drops her foliage for the year in the fall, this unique beauty truly sparkles. 

In the months of October and November, photographers flock to the Japanese Garden like bugs to a light. One of Portland’s top spots for fall foliage is the Portland Japanese Garden. Make sure you order any of the teas on the menu or visit the intimate Umami Cafe for matcha.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood is one of the first places in Oregon to display its fall foliage due to its elevation. The Mount Hood Scenic Byway is a wonderful journey to take in the autumn hues Oregon has to offer. Lolo Pass Road is another great choice close by. 

The path is known for the vibrant vine maples along it. Check out Mount Hood National Forest’s Hunchback Trail #793 if you’re searching for a fantastic fall hike. In contrast to the evergreen forest’s green, the maple trees stand out. Although this 1.9-mile walk reaches 2,000 feet in a steep gradient, the views are worth the effort.

Around Mount Hood, we’d also suggest a fantastic location to enjoy the fall colors where the Clackamas River passes past Mount Hood. The river’s banks are full of deciduous trees that produce a stunning autumnal display of yellows, oranges, and reds.

Mountain Roadtrip

As soon as you leave Portland, get on the I-84 and exit at exit 22 to access the Historic Columbia River Highway. Alongside the magnificent Columbia River, this lovely route meanders across a colorful environment. Drive slowly during this section to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. For breathtaking, wide views, stop at the Crown Point Vista House and the Portland Women’s Forum Lookout.

You’ll then travel to Multnomah Falls. This magnificent Oregon landmark is amazing. One of the tallest in the nation, this flowing cascade is particularly magnificent in the fall when it is full of rich auburn foliage. There are lots of fantastic treks in the region if you want to get some fresh air and exercise. The venerable Multnomah Falls Lodge also offers dining options and a gift shop.

Finally, your journey will come to an end at the Hood River. You’ll reach the lovely riverside village of Hood River after winding past the several magnificent waterfalls of the Gorge. A nice downtown area, with magnificent views, tranquil fields, and more are found here. If you want to extend your trip over several days, this charming town is a terrific place to stop in for a lunch or stay the night.

Willamette Valley

Calling all wine enthusiasts! The Willamette Valley, which is close to Portland, is well-known for its wines, particularly its pinot noir. But later throughout autumn, when the grapes turn a brilliant yellow, the highlands and curving valleys are exceptionally beautiful.

Wine region is found from cities like McMinnville and Newberg, which also have their own attractions like Newberg’s Bald Peak State Park, which has a panoramic view of the city and its surrounds.

Many parks, like Silver Falls State Park, are on the eastern side of the valley and have pine and deciduous trees bordering them, enabling you to tent among the shifting foliage. The campuses of Oregon State in Corvallis and the University of Oregon in Eugene are both deeper south, and trees surround them welcoming the new school year with a vibrant display of autumn leaves.

Drake Park

This well-liked downtown community meeting spot holds numerous events throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It is one of Bend’s oldest and best-known parks. This is our top pick for a lot of reasons. The park is conveniently in downtown Bend and is easy to get to, has a wide variety of trees planted throughout, and is a park, so the kids can play while you take in all of the splendor.

Additionally, Mirror Pond’s reflection of the autumnal trees is really breathtaking if you enjoy taking pictures. The 13-acre park has more than half a mile of riverfront. The numerous maple trees in this park offer vibrant red and orange hues for your photos!

When to Expect Fall Colors in Oregon

Oregon’s peak color period is around the middle of October, however, it can often begin with a warm blush in the first few weeks of September and continue into early November with bright crimson leaves hanging to skeleton branches. 

The second week of October is usually the greatest time to go sightseeing, but if seeing the leaves at their peak is essential to you, you might want to keep track of changes by contacting nearby tourist centers for color updates and getting ready for an impromptu trip.

You’ll observe that the Cascades, Bend, and the coastal range will begin to exhibit the signals of fall early since trees at higher elevations shift earlier. Although the Willamette Valley, which is where Eugene, Portland, and Salem are located, is at a lower altitude, a large portion of Oregon’s eastern region is a high desert. 

Among the final areas to reach their peak will be the valley towns and the sea-level settlements along the Oregon Coast, such as Coos Bay, Florence, and Seaside. The surge of autumn foliage will travel from north to south as well as from high to low but don’t forget to bear in mind that northern regions become cooler first.

Depending on the weather, the entire display of color often lasts two to three weeks. Begin in the Mount Hood region or the Gorge, move progressively southwest, possibly past Eugene, and finish in Florence for maximum unfurling. Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know to see the stunning colors this Pacific Northwest state has to offer. Bundle up, grab your camera, and go out on an adventure to remember! 

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Jerry Sodorff