Most Oregonians would cite Fall as being their favorite season in the Pacific Northwest. And, as we drove home from the Oregon Coast this past weekend, I could almost be convinced to claim Fall as my favorite season too. The change in foliage color along the road was just so beautiful. It’s no secret that the best time of year for a road-trip through Oregon just might be fall, as the summertime crowds have gone and the weather is idyllic. So here are five easy, cozy fall getaways in Oregon – all within a few hours drive of Portland or Eugene- that will really fill your tank with Fall.
Before you head out on your weekend, make sure to check out Fall Foliage Heat Map to see predictions of color change across the country and use it to time your trip to see Oregon’s Fall Foliage!
Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge
Head out to the Mount Hood Railroad and purchase tickets on board their fall foliage train. Offered only during Autumn Fest (mid-October), train riders will experience first hand the season’s vivid leaves from the comfort of a rumbling locomotive. You’ll depart from Mt. Hood Railroad Depot in Hood River and head towards Parkdale, where you will stop for a layover of “live music, fresh produce, fine art” and the foliage of surrounding orchards and hills.
If trains are not your thing, consider driving the Fruit Loop Drive. A 35-mile loop through the beautiful Hood River Valley and filled to the brim with views of the orchards, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and the Hood River.
In the evening, curl up by the fire and enjoy the scenic views of the scenic Columbia River Gorge from your room at the Columbia Cliffs Villas Hotel.
As you head home, make sure to stop in at Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest falls in the state of Oregon to enjoy watching the water drop over 600 feet through the Autumn leaves.
Multnomah Falls
Oregon Coast
Take in autumn on the coast from the The Ocean Lodge, a truly beautiful and romantic lodging on the Oregon coast in Cannon Beach. Enjoy a stroll along the beach of the famed Haystack Rock, then curl up by the fire and watch whatever storm may roll by. For a hike, go to Ecola State Park and hike Ecola Point to Indian Beach, or head into town to gallery hop through the many art galleries and get a jump on your holiday shopping. Finish the day by warming up with a bowl of chowder and a hot toddy at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.
Want to drive down the coast and explore more? Check out this weekend guide to Pacific City, Oregon, which is a short drive south from Cannon Beach!
Central Oregon
If relaxing lakeside with a glass of wine and a wool blanket are your thing, then head straight for Black Butte Ranch right outside of Sisters, Oregon. Here in the Deschutes National Forest, you can reconnect with the natural world with a nearby trail hike or just take it easy your cabin, enjoying a roaring fire and a good book. Onsite amenities also include a day spa, hot tubs, seasonal pool, and full gym. For dinner head over to The Lodge to enjoy a cozy atmosphere, good bottle of wine and thick steak. Plan to head into the town of Sisters one day to grab a cup of coffee from Sister’s Coffee, a to-die for pastry from the Sister’s Bakery and to stroll Main Street.
Southern Oregon
Nothing says fall quite like apple-picking and Southern Oregon is a mecca of locally-sourced and fresh, seasonal food. Spend your morning out at Valley View Orchards in Ashland, enjoy picking fresh, organic apples straight from the tree and then head to Dana Campbell Vineyards to enjoy a leisurely wine tasting. To relax those aching muscles from the earlier harvest, check into Lithia Springs Resort and let the curative underground mineral waters heal you.The healing waters are piped into the rooms, bungalows and suites as well as a private soaking tub at Waterstone Spa, where you can also book a massage or facial. In the late afternoon stroll through a lush, four-acre sanctuary of gardens, trees and ponds on your way to enjoying the afternoon tea the hotel provides in the lobby.
Willamette Valley
Go ahead and get lost along the backcountry roads of the Willamette Valley, knowing that a good glass of pinot is just around the bend. As you meander, you’ll notice the grape vines foliage in full Fall mode. Plan to hunker down at The Allison Inn & Spa for the weekend and check out the tasting rooms of Soter, Bergstrom and Argyle. You’ll be just minutes away from the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountain AVAs, all the tastiest vineyards sites and all the best fall colors.
Allison Inn & Spa
Enjoy your travels throughout Oregon this Fall!
XO,
M
Cozy GETAWAYS in Oregon Fall Fall Colors Fall Foliage Fall Foliage Map Fall getaways Fall Heat Map Fall Wine Tasing Hood River Multnomah Falls Oregon Oregon coast Oregon Fall Oregon Fall Getaways Oregon Fall Travel Guide oregon getaways Oregon Scenic Drives Southern Oregon willamette valley Wine Tasting
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