Summer wanes, the temperatures drop and Oregon’s forests move into fall party mode. From mountain forests to river valleys around the state, a riot of color celebrates the changing of the seasons.
But do you know where to catch the dramatic colors just as they’re starting to turn or reach their peak? Mid- to late-October tends to showcase the best fall foliage in Oregon — although the timing varies by region. Peak colors often hit the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon a few days to a week earlier than Southern Oregon and the Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge region, while Northeastern Oregon leaves can take even longer, with the brightest colors emerging as late as mid-November.
Here’s how to get out and join the festivities by bike, by car, by train or on foot.
Where to Take a Hike with Fall Foliage
The Upper Deschutes River Trail is popular for leaf peeping in Central Oregon, starting at Meadow Camp picnic area and following the riverbank’s colorful fall foliage to the spectacular Lava Island Falls and Dillon Falls. Best of all, the hike is as long as you make it — but the easy terrain and inspiring scenery will probably keep you exploring. In Eastern Oregon, the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness lights up with golden larches, dogwoods and cottonwoods in the autumn. An easy 5.8-mile route along the East Fork Canyon Creek hike (with a trailhead south of Canyon City) is a good bet for fall color and solitude. For a simple stroll, head to Lithia Park, known as Ashland’s crown jewel, in Southern Oregon, featuring nearly 100 acres of tree-lined terrain.
Where to Take a Bike Ride with Fall Foliage
Take in views of autumn fields and vineyards along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. The 134-mile route starts in Champoeg State Park north of Salem and ends in Armitage County Park in Coburg, and can be ridden in its entirety or in sections. Look for the fiery reds and oranges of maturing grapevines and golden leaves of walnut trees in towns along the route. The 36-mile Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway starts and ends in Cottage Grove. Riders pass over six covered bridges (three on the historic register) and through a bright yellow tunnel of cottonwoods. You’ll see colorful oaks along the hillsides.
Where to Take a Scenic Drive with Fall Foliage
Follow the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway in Southern Oregon from Gold Hill east of Grants Pass north toward Crater Lake (an easy side trip) then west through Glide to Roseburg. The route takes you past several volcanic peaks, rushing rivers and fall splendor in the Umpqua National Forest. In the Central Cascades, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway offers a one-of-a-kind view with dazzling red vine maple juxtaposed against black lava. The West Cascades Scenic Byway weaves through deeply forested corridors that turn brilliant colors in the fall.
Enjoy waterfalls, overlooks and forests bright with seasonal color in the Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge region, where you can take the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway around Oregon’s tallest peak. From there, follow the river east to the charming towns of Mosier and The Dalles or loop back west to Troutdale and Portland. You can also take a leisurely drive along Highway 26 to Timberline Lodge, where the colors of huckleberries and vine maples put on a grand display in the fall. For an extra side quest, look for Lolo Pass Road, a scenic drive that splits from Highway 26 near Welches. The winding road passes mountain neighborhoods before making its way up the pass. Drive carefully and keep an eye out for wildlife as well as scenic viewpoints. Finally, just southeast of Portland, a road trip on Highway 224 through Estacada offers views of the vibrant foliage along the Clackamas River, with burn scars from the 2020 wildfires as a reminder of nature’s power and resilience.
Where to Take a Train Ride with Fall Foliage
Through October, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, departing out of Wheeler, offers the Nehalem River Fall Splendor Excursion Train with gorgeous views of Nehalem Bay and the red and orange palette of maple and poplar trees among the evergreens. Meanwhile in Eastern Oregon, the Eagle Cap Excursion Train winds out of Elgin and into lovely roadless forests along the Grande Ronde River to meet up with the Wild and Scenic Wallowa River near the mountains. Check out the Fall Photo Run and other special themed trips — like wine and cheese, brews and brats or an autumn “train robbery” — to see golden larches and bright yellow leaves of cottonwood and willow trees. Near Baker City, hop aboard the Sumpter Valley Railroad, a vintage 1915 steam locomotive, as it travels through old mining country. October sees Fall Color Trains and a special weekend for photography.
In the Columbia River Gorge, the Mount Hood Railroad offers scenic train rides through orchards, forests and farmland beneath the slopes of Mt Hood. Departing from Hood River, the journey travels along a historic rail line with views of the Hood River Valley, making it an especially beautiful outing during the fall when the landscape is filled with autumn color. Food and drink are available for purchase, and a variety of seasonal and themed excursions are offered throughout the year.
If You Go:
When traveling along farm roads in the fall, make sure to be aware of slow-moving tractors and other farm equipment on the roads. Try to do more than just snap a photo at each spot — take time to explore, slow down and pop into local businesses. When you’re enjoying these colorful natural areas, make sure to respect all trail users (follow leash laws) and pick up after your pet. Also, picnics are awesome, but always pack out your trash to keep these places clean and photo-worthy for generations to come.
