Where to Find Stunning Fall Foliage in the Pacific Northwest
![Fremont-Winema National Forest at Rocky Point](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/fremont-winema-national-forest-at-rocky-point.webp)
As the leaves turn and Halloween decorations pop up around town, people can’t help but gaze at the vibrant Fall foliage. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), it’s pretty impossible to miss. From golden vineyards to fiery maples, orange hues splash across the evergreens to steal the show. Still, some places seem more meant for this time of year than others, so here is the low-down on stunning autumn views in the PNW. If you’re not satisfied with our list, you can always call the U.S. Forest Service Fall Colors Hotline at +800 354 4595 for expert tips.
Gardens and arboretums
It’s no surprise that the spots designed for beauty will best showcase October shades. From the state of Washington, with the Kubota Garden and the Washington State Arboretum, to Oregon, with Portland’s Hoyt Arboretum, to southwest Canada, with Victoria’s Butchart Gardens and Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden, brilliant colors complement the original splendor of each location. Featured in the reflection of tranquil ponds and draping over picturesque bridges, the dying leaves seem almost to come to life.
Kubota Garden, 9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA, +1 206 725 5060
Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221, USA, +1 503 865 8733
![Butchart Gardens](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/butchart-gardens.webp)
Mt. Rainier National Park
Park
![Mt. Rainier National Park](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/f4f9ap.webp)
Mt. Hood National Forest
Forest, Park
Hatley Castle
Building, Museum, University
![Hatley Castle | © erase99 / Flickr](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/hatley-castle.webp)
Silver Falls State Park
Park, Natural Feature
![South Falls at Silver Falls State Park](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/south-falls-at-silver-falls-state-park.webp)
International Selkirk Loop
Okay, so choosing a trail that spans a quarter of the PNW as a single Fall foliage spot might be cheating a little, but it’s all so pretty! Surrounding the Selkirk Mountain Range, the trail loops through Canada, Idaho, and Washington State. Golden Western Larch leaves put on a show along with plenty of options for side-trails. A highly recommended detour is the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge where you can add gorgeous creatures to the scenery.
Columbia River Gorge
Park
First things first, the technical designation for this gorgeous (#puns) area is the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The U.S. government has already recognized how beautiful it is and spends money to protect it – how’s that for an endorsement! When it comes to Fall colors, Beacon State Park, Route 20 (Maple Pass and Lake Ann), the Historic Columbia River Highway, and the Lewis and Clark Trail Scenic Byway all come highly recommended.
Leavenworth town
Park
You know you’ve found a good Fall foliage spot in a town that hosts its own Autumn Leaf Festival! The charming Leavenworth is a great starting point for autumn vistas since it is nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Nearby trails and routes for admiring the Fall colors include The Enchantments, Cascade Loop Scenic Highway, Tumwater Canyon, Apple Capital Loop Trail, and Blackbird Island. Otherwise, stay in town at Waterfront Park for something just as stunning.
Fremont-Winema National Forest
Forest
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Bridge, Forest
The third and final national forest on the list, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie is best viewed from either the Mt. Baker Byway on State Route 542 or the North Cascades Highway on State Route 20. Of course, if you get bored of stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange, there are plenty of nearby outdoor activities to get you moving. In fact, this is true of most places on the list. Either way, happy Fall!
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Marblemount, WA 98267, USA
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/baker-river-bridge-in-fall-650x302.webp)
![landscape with balloons floating in the air](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trips_turkey_-cappadocia_stocksy_txp81a0648dwea300_medium_2665653-1024x682.webp)
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