Bridge over the river.

Oregon’s statewide Fall Foliage Hotline is now open and providing regular updates on the status of fall color along the many scenic byways and trails across the state. The hotline, staffed by Visitor Services personnel at the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO), is the official resource for travelers and commuters wanting to access the beauty of fall in Oregon during the brightest peak color times.

Visitors can call the Fall Foliage Hotline at (800) 547-5445 to obtain information on which routes offer the most varied color palette on their way to fall festivals, nearby adventures, romantic getaways and restaurants serving up Oregon Bounty. The Fall Foliage Hotline is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Starting in October, the hotline will be closed on Sundays. After hours, foliage seekers can listen to an up-to-date voice message highlighting foliage “bright spots” statewide, or visit the Web site anytime at www.VisitLaneCounty.org/foliage for comprehensive updates and recommended routes.

Color conditions can change on a daily basis, so travelers should be sure to get current color updates before hitting the road. Regional highlights from throughout the state are available online.

For example, fall is the perfect time to experience the great outdoors of the southern Willamette Valley and the coast. Dressed in burnished gold and pumpkin-colored leaves, the lakes and waterways of Lane County offer adventurers a different perspective on fall foliage viewing. Leaf peepers can take advantage of the blue skies and mild fall temperatures of the Oregon coast in a kayak, where smooth waters in and around Florence make this a great time for all experience levels. People can also head to the pristine, un-crowded banks of the McKenzie River in the Cascade foothills, where the summer steelhead season is revving up this month.

From the Cascades to the Oregon Coast, Lane County offers visitors the greatest variety of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and cultural exploration in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can easily fly into the Eugene Airport, ride in on Amtrak or drive Interstate-5 to the Eugene-Springfield metro area to start their next vacation.

For more information on fall foliage, please vist Lane County’s website at www.VisitLaneCounty.org/Fall, or check out our Trips We Love Section.