There’s no denying that when summer turns to fall in Oregon, the state erupts in a breathtaking array of colors and fall foliage! If you’re visiting Oregon in the fall and want to enjoy all the gorgeous colors on display, the detailed information below will be helpful. It’s a guide to the best place to see fall foliage in Oregon, brought to you by the storage experts at Northwest Self Storage! Read on to discover Oregon’s best fall locations and thoroughly enjoy nature’s beautiful bounty during your stay in the Beaver State!
The 11 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Oregon
1. Toketee Falls
A 113-foot waterfall, Toketee Falls is stunning no matter what time of year you visit. However, the surrounding foliage adds an extra layer of sensational color and beauty during fall, making it even more captivating. It’s a short hike up to the Falls’ viewing platform, where you can enjoy stunning views and the alluring array of fall colors! In short, you’ll fall in love with the Falls during fall!
2. Portland Japanese Garden
There’s no denying that Portland is a big, rowdy, and busy city. However, the Portland Japanese Garden is right in its heart, a tranquil oasis where you can enjoy nature and relax. The best reason to head there in the fall is the gorgeous Japanese maple trees, which transform into a fiery display of orange and red once summer has ended. A stroll through the Garden’s meticulously manicured paths is an exercise in relaxation and a true autumn delight.
3. Mount Hood
The tallest peak in Oregon, Mount Hood, is nestled within the picturesque Cascade Range. Like many surrounding mountains, Mount Hood is transformed into a tapestry of amber, gold, crimson, and other striking colors every autumn. One of the best ways to enjoy them is by staying at the Timberline Lodge or hiking on the exhilarating Timberline Trail if you only have a few hours to spare.
4. Columbia River Gorge
There are several ways to enjoy the Columbia River Gorge in the fall, including a drive on the historic Columbia River Highway. There, you will glimpse the fabulous vistas of this colorful forest when the leaves change their hues. Nearby, you can also explore Multnomah Falls, the Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, all impressive but even more so from September through late October.
5. McKenzie River
A fall hike along the McKenzie River is truly a delight for the senses! One of the best ways to enjoy it is to walk the Clear Lake Loop Trail, where you can see the river’s crystal-clear waters and the reflection of the vibrant fall colors. Another excellent option for hikers and sightseers is the McKenzie River Trail, and both deliver marvelous views of Oregon’s incredible fall foliage.
6. Wallowa Mountains
If you find yourself in northeastern Oregon, make a beeline for the Wallowa Mountains, where you’ll find a serene and stunning fall landscape. If you’re a hiker, the Chief Joseph Mountain Trail is a great place to start, but there are many other trails to enjoy in this part of the state. Known as the “Swiss Alps of Oregon,” the Wallowa Mountains are radiant with soaring peaks, lush meadows, and pristine lakes. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll find many recreational activities to enjoy, including hiking, horseback, riding, fishing, and backpacking. That said, fall is the best time of year to visit for incredible colors.
7. Silver Falls State Park
Affectionately referred to as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state park system, Silver Falls State Park is celebrated for its 7.2-mile Trail of 10 Falls. During autumn, the lush forests and 10 (yes, 10!) waterfalls erupt in a decadent explosion of stunning colors! With serene canyon trails in this old-growth forest, it’s easy to immerse yourself in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most glorious natural areas!
8. Crater Lake National Park
A true geological marvel, Crater Lake National Park is renowned for its deep blue, crystal-clear lake that’s nestled in the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama. The deepest lake in the United States was formed over 7,000 years ago when volcanic activity rocked the area. The water is intensely blue and, during fall, looks even more glorious!
9. Willamette Valley Vineyards
Picturesque throughout the year, the Willamette Valley explodes in golden splendor during the fall. The colors are even more memorable against the backdrop of the area’s rolling hills. Bonus: they make some of the country’s best wines!
10. The Oregon Coast
While the Oregon coast doesn’t have the same dense and beautiful forests as its inland regions, a coastal charm is unmatched in the Northwest during fall. Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean as you take in the changing colors of the vegetation beachside is a memory you won’t soon forget!
11. Mount Bachelor
The last of our best places to see fall foliage in Oregon is Mount Bachelor, which is famous for skiing in winter but, during fall, is just as enjoyable. Even better, you can take a chairlift ride to the summit and get a bird’s eye view of the splendid fall colors!
Store Your Things Safely No matter the Season with Northwest Self Storage
If you’ve just arrived in Oregon with plans to stay, or you’ve lived here your entire life, and you need more storage space at home or work, Northwest Self Storage can help! Northwest offers storage units in Oregon that are safe, highly secure, affordable, and convenient. With amenities like month-to-month rental leases, drive-up storage units, and vehicle storage in Oregon, your belongings will be safe and sound when stored with Northwest.
You can reserve storage units in Oregon online in under 10 minutes as no deposit and no credit card are needed. Until then, we hope that today’s list of the best places to see fall foliage in Oregon has opened your eyes to the state’s glorious fall colors!