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I would never describe summer as an unwanted party guest. Oregon summers are most certainly beautiful and, once they’ve left, I am always impatient for them to return. But, while the chillier and rainier weather has been dropping by parts of the state for some time, summer seemed to keep showing up, intruding on fall’s designated calendar months like a party goer who sticks around after the music is off and the lights go on. That changed this week. Fall has finally booted summer out the door!
And now that fall is here, most people will start turning to thoughts of cider, pumpkin pie, and Halloween costumes. With the summer crowds now focused on decorative gourds, it’s the ideal time to bundle up in layers, fill up a thermos, and hit the trails! To help guide you, Oregon Wild presents: “The Top 5 Places to Check Out Oregon’s Fall Foliage.”
Makenzie Pass-Santiam Pass
The vine maples in this area have already turned, but you may still be able to catch a bright red contrast on harsh, black lava flows or the brilliant greens and blues of Clear Lake.
Recommended Hike: Clear Lake
Columbia River Gorge
In addition to the changing leaves, fall is also the time that salmon are spawning in the rivers that flow into the Columbia. A trip to the eastern side of the Columbia River Gorge will feature groves of cottonwoods and oaks turning.
Recommended Hike: McCall Point
East Slope of Mount Hood
Another great opportunity to see bright red vine maple set against Mount Hood’s iconic, rocky façade. You'll also be able to see see the Western Larch that grow in this area. This is a rare and unique conifer tree that acts like a deciduous – every fall its needles turn yellow and fall, then regrow in the Spring.
Recommended Hike: Tamanawas Falls
Black Butte
Take a cruise near Black Butte Ranch to see the aspens turning yellow and and their leaves shimmering in the breeze.Afterward, head up Black Butte Trail to for a view of the snow covered tops along the Cascades.
Recommended Hike: Black Butte Trail
Coastal Rivers
Whether you choose the Alsea, Siuslaw, Smith or Umpqua Rivers, prepare for the giant yellow maple leaves that are falling like massive snowflakes. Fog and mist in the valleys along the way linger until late morning, offering a ghostly and mysterious beauty to the atmosphere.
Recommended Hike: Smith River Falls Recreation Site
Looking for more? Check out Oregon Wild's Suggested Outings!
