Visiting Oregon in fall felt like we’d stepped right into a real-life watercolor painting. Imagine this: crisp, cool air, cozy flannel jackets, and landscapes overflowing with color as the foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. We loved the wide variety of exciting possibilities in Oregon during our autumn trip, whether it was soaking up the coastal magic, sipping cider in a charming and historic small town, or strolling through the Columbia River Gorge’s lush pine-needle forests. The state was truly a treat for our senses! However, that wasn’t all. There were also scenic drives, a ton of festivals all around the state, corn mazes, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and whatnot. So, we grabbed our cameras and our fall hiking gear and set out to explore the autumnal beauty of the Beaver State.
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Weather
Autumn temperatures differ across Oregon, with daily high to daily low temperatures usually staying between 48 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though autumn in Oregon can have some sunny and warm days, even along the coast, the Pacific Northwest weather isn’t always cooperative. So, we made sure that we packed lightweight base layers, rain hiking jackets, and Walmart fall shoes. Since we’re the outdoorsy kind, we even packed waterproof hiking shoes, which you should do too if you plan to stay outdoors.
The state’s peak foliage color time is mid-October, with the higher elevations changing color first. So, regions like the coastal range, the Cascades, and Bend, Oregon, in the fall will begin showing the signs of autumn first, followed by the eastern regions like the Willamette Valley, Salem, Portland, and Eugene. Finally, it’s the sea level and valley towns that are some of the last areas to peak. The best thing to do would be what we did; begin in the Gorge or the Mount Hood region, gradually traveling southwest through Eugene and stopping in Florence.
Leaf peeping by boat
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Viewing fall foliage is always an exciting prospect, but have you ever done it by boat? We’ve always seen the leaves from the backcountry roads and highways, but we got to experience them from the water for the first time in Oregon. Think absolute tranquillity as we floated down the waters, with spots of color floating in the rapids and trees trailing their leaves in the calm waters, all without any congestion or traffic. We boarded a boat along the Willamette River in Eugene, but it also goes through Oakridge, Portland, and many other small towns in the state. So, it depends on where you are, and you can leaf-peep on the water there. The’s also the Rogue River that drops down from the mountains and the Siuslaw River that winds to the coast.
When we were in Eugene, we went on a scenic jet boat tour, allowing for a comfortable ride, especially in shallower parts of the river. Not only did we have a knowledgeable guide who told us all about the region, but we also enjoyed a picnic lunch onboard the boat. It had delicious food and wine, as we soaked in the warm glow of the late afternoon Eugene sun.
Bird and wildlife watching
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Autumnal foliage in Oregon also brings about lovely fauna in the form of birds and animals of all kinds. Think turkeys, chipmunks, squirrels, beavers, raccoons, foxes, bears, deer, and whatnot! While touring Highway 38, we stopped at places like the elk meadow and butterfly pavilion and even whale watching points and the Sea Lion Caves along Highway 101. When we were in Eugene, we saw alpacas at Aragon Alpacas and visited the Cascades Raptor Center. While in Portland, we checked out the Wildlife Safari and the Portland Zoo.
Two experiences we enjoyed immensely were birding and whale watching. For birding enthusiasts, the wetlands along the Klamath Basin Birding Trail on the Pacific Flyway are a haven. They’re vital resting grounds for more than a million shorebirds like pelicans, egrets, geese, ducks, and more between September through November. For these, you need compact birdwatching binoculars. Finally, we indulged in whale watching at prime viewing sites along the Oregon shoreline. These included the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint near Bandon, the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, and the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. Don’t forget to pack your whale-watching binoculars for this!
Wine Country
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Since we’re out-and-out oenophiles, we couldn’t help but fall in love with the state’s wine country in the Willamette Valley. The valley is especially known for its Pinot Noir, a dry red wine. With more than 800 vineyards and 600 wineries in the valley, we had a lot to explore and drink our way through. Add to the fact that many of these wineries host events in autumn, and you now know why autumn is our favorite season in Oregon! If you’re looking for a seated wine-tasting experience, try the Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston, Sidereus vineyard and winery in Cornelius, or Bailey Family Wines in McMinnville. Vibes and wine abound at the Elk Cove vineyards in Gaston. Despite being a little out of the way, we wanted to visit this 1974-founded, family-run winery, which offered not only Pinot Noir but also other wines as well as a tasting room.
Another great wine country place is the gorgeous Ashland, where the three best wineries in the region are the Long Walk Vineyard, Irvine and Roberts Vineyards, and Dana Campbell Vineyards. Last but not least, we indulged in the amazing St. Josef’s Grapestomping Festival in Canby. It took place at St. Josef’s Winery and we had absolute fun indulging in this iconic tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans. They certainly made winemaking look like fun!
State parks and gardens
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From national arboretums and city parks to historical state parks, there dearth of gorgeous verdant spots to enjoy the state’s autumn foliage. Of them all, portland probably has some of the most lovely parks and gardens within a city. These include the Hoyt Arboretum, a woodsy park with more than 2000 different trees. We especially loved touring the Portland Japanese Garden, where we saw some of the state’s best fall foliage on huge trees. We also visited the Peavy Arboretum at Oregon State University and the Oregon Garden in Silverton.
That being said the state is also home to some lovely state parks which are easily accessible. For instance, we were mesmerized by the coastal forests and gardens right on the edge of the ocean at Shore Acres State Park. Since we are history and culture buffs, we also visited the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which commemorates the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Since we spent so much time in Portland, there was no way we weren’t visiting the famous Mt. Tabor Park. We walked the paved trails on a day trip adventure at the end of which were stunning views of the city.
Last but not least, we also visited the year-round Alfred A. Loeb State Park, an underrated fall gem near Brookings. Located right along the Chetco River, the state park was all about crisp river views, golden foliage, and imposing and towering myrtlewood trees. Did you know that we camped right here on the river? Yes!
Pumpkin patches and farms
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Autumn is pumpkin season in Oregon and it’s a much-celebrated tradition. Since we were traveling with kids, we had lots of options for family-friendly Oregon fall activities, right from hayrides and corn mazes to picking the perfect pumpkin for our porch. For all-around autumn fun, we’d highly recommend Pumpkin Patch on Portland’s Sauvie Island, Oregon’s most beautiful and largest pumpkin patch. This family-friendly farm not only had a large pumpkin patch, but also a petting zoo, hair rides, and even a challenging corn maze. Did we mention the cider donuts and the stunning views of the island? Yep.
that’s not the only place, though. Salem’s 1929-founded E.Z. Orchards Farm Market even has an annual Harvestfest. The kids especially enjoyed the place, which had delicious seasonal treats like fresh doughnuts and apple cider, lots of games, and even farm animals, besides the cozy farm vibes. Gervais’ 1895-established Bauman’s Farm and Garden is voted Oregon’s best pumpkin patches. Besides the corn maze and giant pumpkin patch, it also boasts an epic obstacle course and apple canons! If you’re in Grants Pass, don’t miss Fort Vannoy Farms with its sprawling pumpkin patch, hayrides, exciting corn mazes, and the ultimate – the Pumpkin Chunker!
Fall festivals
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Oregon does come alive truly during autumn, especially since it’s also home and host to a multitude of festivals. You name it, there’s a festival for it in Oregon. Are you a fan of apples? Oregon in autumn is all about apple cider doughnuts, apple pies, and apple picking. Hillsboro’s Oregon Heritage Farms has all that, and then some, and the Apple Butter Festival is unmissable. It features games and crafts, delicious apple-based treats, local artisan booths, live music, and even apple butter-making demonstrations. If you’re a history lover like us, you’ll love the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire in Kings Valley and Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival. While we stepped back in time in the former— 500 years, to be precise — we loved the fascinating and reimagined new takes on the Bard’s original works in the latter.
We bet you didn’t think that you’d ever see a fall kite festival, but Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival is something that shouldn’t be missed. Held on the beach annually, it features impressive kites of all sizes and shapes against a bright blue sky, family-friendly activities, festive food, and even kite-making workshops. Finally, don’t miss what is the Western U.S.’ only Swiss-Bavarian cultural festival, Joseph’s Alpenfest. This lively celebration of Bavarian culture in the Wallowa Mountains features authentic German beer and food, polka dancing, yodeling, and even traditional alpine music.
Scenic drives
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Is it even fall if you haven’t taken off for a long scenic drive? It’s the same when it comes to scenic drives in Oregon, and there are many regions and routes that we were able to enjoy. For instance, we loved touring the 57-mi-long (92 km) Vineyard and Valley Tour Route through the Tualatin Valley. Not only did we spy gorgeous fall foliage, but also we tasted carefully crafted wines and enjoyed handpicked produce. We started south of the Portland Metro area, where the route begins, with lush vineyards and rolling hills on either side. It wasn’t just about fall hues here; it was also wine tastings, charming farm stands, and the crisp air.
Two other regions and routes we loved traversing were the Elkhorn Scenic Byways and the West Cascades. Both these picturesque routes offered breathtaking views of pristine lakes, winding rivers, and cascading waterfalls, along with spectacular fall foliage, of course. The Elkhorn Byway, especially, also offered us access to amazing historical sites such as Blackfellows Hand Cave, Blast Furnace Park, and the Australiana Pioneer Village. Another highlight was the Sweet Creek Trail, where one can hike, fish, and walk along the route to soak in the autumnal foliage.
Historic Covered Bridges and Homes
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Did you know that the state of Oregon has as many as 50 covered bridges? Yes! It’s the largest concentration of covered bridges in the West. In the Coast, Cascades, and Eugene regions alone, there are some 20 preserved covered bridges. We even drove through some of them, marveling at their nostalgic appeal and intricate architecture. Moreover, they were all framed by stunning yellow, orange, and red leaves, making for some of the best fall photos we’ve ever seen. When we drove down the Alsea highway between Philomath and Waldport, we stopped by some lovely covered bridges like the Hayden Bridge.
Besides covered bridges, we also love antiques, history, and Victorian architecture. So, we decided to visit the many historic homes along the Oregon Coast. Built way back in the late 1800s, these old houses, like the Hughes House in Port Orford, Burrows House Museum in Newport, and Flavel House Museum in Astoria, are now museums. Since they were open to the public, we were able to visit them all, especially with the fall foliage making for the perfect backdrop.
Shipwrecks, lighthouses, and beaches
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Since Oregon is a coastal state, we were excited to explore the shoreline and its magic during our autumn trip. And Oregon’s coast is not just about lovely beaches, but also shipwrecks and lighthouses! We began with the beaches and wayside parks, of course, especially between Yachats and Newport. One of our favorite beaches was the one at Waldport’s Bayshore Community, which had both dunes and a flat beach that went on for miles. If you’re in Newport, South Beach State Park is yet another expansive flat beach perfect for beachcombing and walking.
There’s something undeniably mystical and magical about lighthouses, and the state’s rocky coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses. Most of them date back to the late 1800s when they’d help ships navigate the turbulent and treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. For instance, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse just north of Newport, dating back to 1873. Since we hiked to the lighthouse, we were even able to spy some amazing views of whales that were putting on a free show in the bay nearby. Another excellent lighthouse was Heceta Head Lighthouse, which sat right next to the Cape Perpetua Southeast Marine Protected Area.
Finally, we were excited to explore the truths behind the stories of shipwrecks on the Oregon Coast. Some of the best spots to spot shipwrecks are the one of Peter Iredale in Hammond and we could even see it from near Astoria, where it ran aground in 1906. Two other shipwrecks are the steamship J. Marhoffer, which caught fire and exploded in Boiler Bay, and Mary D. Hume in Gold Beach, which is more of a final resting place rather than a wreck.
Hiking
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Hiking in autumn is one of the top must-do activities in Oregon, and so we did that too. Since we wanted to begin with an all-round adventure, we chose Silver Falls State Park for tons of outdoor opportunities. Not only did the 9,200-acre-huge park have hiking opportunities, but also options for picnicking, fishing, and camping.
One hike we’d recommend is the Deschutes River Trail, where we were enveloped in the golden hues of aspen trees lining the river at Dillion and Big Eddy Falls. This Central Oregon scenic hiking trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels, but it’ll appeal to nature and photography lovers too. If you don’t mind rising early, catch the golden aspens glinting in the morning light at the waterfalls.
We loved the wild landscape of Smith Rock State Park, with its miles of hiking trails and deep river canyons. Some of the best trails that we also hiked were the 3.4-mi-long Canyon to Rim Loop, the 1.8-mi-long Homestead to North Point Loop, and the 3.7-mi-long Misery Ridge Loop. The best bit? We spied mule deer and golden eagles amidst the fall foliage.
Where to Stay in Oregon?
- Starfish Point: One of Newport, Oregon’s best hotels, Starfish Point was both luxurious and romantic. Tucked at the northern end of Agate Beach right on the oceanfront, the resort not only had private beach access via lit-up pathways but also lush gardens with benches, barbeques, and picnic areas. We had the choice of several townhouse-style two-bedroom condos with sensational Pacific Ocean views, fully-equipped kitchens, cozy fireplaces, private balconies, and even two-person spa baths.
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- Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa: Staying on the Pacific Coast doesn’t get any better than at the gorgeous Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa. We were just two hours east of Portland and we were at one of the West Coast’s best spas, the Tidepools Spa. It boasted an entire menu of treatments, a hot tub, and million-dollar views. It’s no wonder this is one of the best spa hotels in Portland, Oregon.
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Places To Eat
- Jetty Fishery Marina: Food doesn’t have to be fancy to be good, as this amazing seafood seaside restaurant from proud Portland native James Beard shows us. It might be right through an unappealing RV park, but beyond it sits a dockside spot serving some of Oregon’s best bites; think fresh oysters and traditional crab from the Oregon coast. You pull up and choose your seafood, which the staff cleans and cooks, or shucks, complete with terrific views.
- Party Eugene: Sourcing ingredients from local breweries, wineries, ranchers, farmers, and foragers is this soulful restaurant with a hip vibe. Don’t miss their prized truffle tubers, deep-fried potato dumplings, soups, and more.
