Many Oregonians cite fall as their favorite season, and it’s easy to understand why. As the heat of summer subsides and the crowds wane, the sun tends to stick around to illuminate reddening foliage, ripening pears and August-warmed waters. It’s time to throw expectations into the increasingly cool winds since you’re just as likely to find a gorgeous warm day at the beach as you are an early-season snowstorm in the Cascades. Dress in layers and don’t forget the camera.
Portland Food + Drink
Celebrate your love of great food and drink with a tasting trip in and around the Portland Region. There’s so much new lately, from brewpubs and urban wineries to food carts to award-winning restaurants. With crisp autumn temperatures it’s delightful to get around by foot or bike — rentals can be found around the city, or hop on a bike share with BIKETOWN.
Bonus: If you want someone to do the planning for you, book a guided food tour with a company like Lost Plate or Forktown. These pros will show you the top spots with curated recommendations to suit your taste.
Hood River County Fruit Loop
Fall is apple and pear season, making it prime time to tour the Hood River County Fruit Loop. The drive out here itself is one of the most scenic in the West, but along the way, find a myriad of orchards where you can pick fruit and sample fresh cider. A handful of wineries, pumpkin patches and many more surprises sweeten the deal.
Bonus: Taste the flavors of the Gorge at home with the Tastebound cookbook, a downloadable resource featuring more than a dozen recipes from local chefs that highlight ingredients in the area.
Smith Rock pumpkins
Speaking of pumpkins, Central Oregon is a top spot for taking an adventure while searching for jack-o’-lantern fodder. Try DD Ranch with a great pumpkin patch as well as a hay maze and petting zoo, or Smith Rock Ranch with a giant corn maze, pony rides and more. Both are located near the towering spires of Smith Rock State Park, which is lit up to perfection at this time of year.
Bonus: It’s not just pumpkins that are the prize in autumn. Oregon is home to some amazing corn mazes that make for fun-filled adventures all season long. Or level up and check out these hauntingly cool ghost tours.
Scenic Bikeway
For some of the best fall colors, explore Oregon wine country along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. While the walnut leaves turn golden, the grapevines contrast with bright reds and oranges. Stop in to taste wines along the way.
Bonus: Cycling enthusiasts who appreciate less-trafficked roads may want to check out the spectacular gravel routes that have been developed in recent years. The nonprofit Dirty Freehub has partnered with several regions to bring excellent rides to the public, and fall’s cool, crisp days are perfect for pedaling.
Wallowa Mountains
The turning leaves light up with citrus colors in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon. The crowds have subsided, bugs are few and the crisp temperatures are perfect for short to long hikes in these stunning mountains, often dubbed “Little Switzerland.”
Bonus: Eastern Oregon is just one of Oregon’s regions known for its exceptionally dark skies and pristine conditions for stargazing. Check out a guided stargazing experience or Central Oregon’s guide to dark skies for more inspiration.
Scenic Byway
If pleasure driving is more your style, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. The volcanoes, cinder cones and lava flows look even more otherworldly when surrounded by fall colors. The route leads from Crater Lake National Park through forest and moon-like landscapes all the way to the California border.
Bonus: If road trips make you hungry, look no further than Oregon’s self-guided Food Trails for inspiration on where to grab a snack — from farm stands and u-pick orchards to bakeries, restaurants, wineries and more.
