Turning the calendar to the fall months brings the opportunity to travel along paths, trails and roads in and around Seattle that are full of the colors of fall.
The Pacific Northwest’s temperate weather encourages trees and ground covers to change color as they prepare for hibernation, while a wide variety of tree and plant species call the area home.
What all this means is that Seattle residents have a seemingly endless number of places to view fall colors, including the following eight destinations.
The Bavarian village of Leavenworth for Oktoberfest
The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth is a part of town built to resemble a German hamlet. The local community needed an attraction and decided to recreate a Bavarian town in Washington State.
The Cascade Mountains surround the village and enhance the feeling that you are in Germany. It’s a great place to look at leaves as the leaves turn, shop and enjoy a glass of German beer while listening to live polka during the annual Oktoberfest.
Chihuly Garden and Glass – Seattle Center
Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures provide bursts of color and contrast against the backdrop of fall colors in the garden of his Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. The primary colors of his work clash with the golds, browns and reds of the changing leaves to stimulate your eyes as you walk the paths. Make sure you also step into the Glasshouse/Gallery 9 to get the full experience of his artwork.
Mount Rainier National Park
The fall colors in Mount Rainier National Park come as the meadows and fields become dormant just before the first snow falls in mid-October. The changing colors of the grasses and plants contrast with the pine trees scattered throughout the park. Keep an eye on the larches and blueberries to discover the best fall colors.
Washington Park Arboretum – Seattle
The Washington Park Arboretum has several types of trees that change color during the fall and is easily accessible from anywhere in Seattle. Residents who want to experience fall colors without leaving the city will find satisfaction in the foliage at the Arboretum. Make a point to stop at the Japanese Garden in mid-October for the Maple Festival to experience the rich colors of the maples and take the self-guided tour to get the most out of the experience.
Olympia
The state capital is full of destinations with vibrant fall foliage, making it a great destination for a day trip. The Capitol Campus features a landscape that invites you to stay a while as you watch the colors of the oaks, maples, sweetgums and other tree species that change color. Located next to an old brewery, Tumwater Falls Park follows the Deschutes River and features a trail that passes a salmon hatchery for the ultimate PNW experience.
Rinehart Park – Ellensburg
Rinehart Park offers a narrow strip of parkland along the Yakima River, ideal for an afternoon alone, with family and pets. There is a picnic area, a small boat launch and a dog park where dogs can run off-leash. Visitors can enjoy a day out on the river or stroll along the trail to leisurely watch the fall colors. The size of the park makes it easy to explore and enjoy the outdoors with little effort.
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park is about a four-hour drive from Seattle, but it’s worth making the trip and staying a few days to take in all the fall colors. The park has a number of hiking loops that range from easy to difficult, and all offer the opportunity to see different landscapes, see how different types of plants cope with the seasonal changes, and see the peaks and valleys in all their forms. autumn glory.
Hoh Rainforest – Olympic National Park
The Hoh Rainforest is largely planted with evergreen trees and ferns, with large amounts of moss and vines oozing from the trees. There aren’t many fall colors, but the maples and vines turn a brilliant red and stand out against the evergreens. October is the best time to visit to get the best visual experiences, and the best trails to follow for the views are the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail.
