I’m really loving fall this year. It’s funny because I’ve noticed so many people taking trips to Vermont to see the “change of seasons” and I’m kinda standing here scratching my head. Isn’t Oregon just as beautiful in the fall time? Am I not supposed to spread the word? Are we keeping this a secret for some reason? Nevertheless… if you are still on the hunt for fall and fall foliage, I’ve pulled together this list of the most beautiful fall sport in Oregon. And, before you head out, make sure to check out this Fall Foliage Heat Map to see predictions of color change across the country and use it to time your road trip to see Oregon’s Fall Foliage!
The Pittock Mansion
Portland’s Forest Park
Portland’s sprawling Forest Park, is filled to the brim with the big leaf maple tree. Take the Maple Trail Loop Hike for a unclose and personal tour of the gorgeous canopy above.
Portland’s Washington Park
Portland’s Washington Park is one of my absolutely favorites. Between the abundance of trees at Hoyt Arboretum, the beautiful Portland Japanese Garden and the gardens of nearby Pittock Mansion, there’s plenty of fall foliage color to enjoy.
Mt. Hood Scenic Loop
By combining the Mount Hood Scenic Byway with the historic highway to get the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop you’ve got yourself a 146-mile drive that is full of stunning fall colors. If you’d like to enjoy more of the fall scenery, continue by 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.
Willamette Valley Wine Country
Some of the most beautiful fall colors can be found in Willamette Valley wine country, where rolling green vine covered hills turn hues of yellow as the vineyards harvest their grapes for the season. The perfect time is the month of October.
Silver Falls State Park
Red alder and vine maple are common within Silver Falls State Park, and add a brilliant splash of color to your fall waterfall photos. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls and see which trees have turned for the season.
McKenzie River
Growing up in Eugene, often times my family and I would drive up the McKenzie River which runs from Eugene to Clear Lake. The trees line the road, and as you meander along some of the most beautiful countryside in Oregon, the view is all at your fingertips. Try a side jaunt along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail or drive the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, which drives by the aspen stands of Black Butte Ranch and offers some incredible views.
Silver Falls State Park
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
If you ever decide to drive south, try out the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway which connects I5 from Roseburg down to Gold Hill and soon you’ll find yourself meandering 172 miles along the North Umpqua and the Upper Rogue Rivers. You’ll drive by the smaller Cascade peaks as well as lakes, waterfalls and plenty of glorious fall color.
Ashland’s Lithia Park
Lithia Park
The 93 acres of forested canyonland in downtown Ashland’s Lithia Park is a fall color wonderland, intermixing local deciduous trees with ones unfamiliar to Oregon forests, like European beech, Japanese snowbell and eastern flowering dogwood.
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