Fall Colors In Washington State: Five Great Day Trips
Fall foliage
An Introduction to Washington State
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles.”
Anne Frank
Washington is really two states, and they are divided by the Cascade Mountains, which run north and south through the entire width of the state. In western Washington the weather is affected predominantly by the Pacific Ocean, the result of which is a west coast marine climate, and that means a rather mild climate. Although there are a number of deciduous trees native to western Washington, and they do provide fall colors, the colors are not as vibrant as you would see in other parts of the country.
Eastern Washington has a semi-arid steppe climate, and although it has cooler fall temperatures, the native population of deciduous trees is sparse and does not lend itself to an abundance of fall leaf attractions.
For those who love fall colors, the only place to find an abundance of them is in the Cascade foothills. There you have cooler nighttime temperatures and the colors are vibrant in October and early November. With that in mind, the drives we are recommending are all in the Cascade foothills. Any one of these drives will provide viewers (leaf peepers) with great vistas and unforgettable scenery.
North Cascades route
North Cascades Highway
One of the prettiest drives in America, no matter the season, is the North Cascades Highway, but for leaf peepers this is a must. Cottonwood, aspens and larch provide the colorful show on this drive. The color begins in Marblemount in Western Washington along State Route 20. You can stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center just before Newhalem and ask the rangers about prime color locations.
This section follows the Skagit River and if you are lucky you will be rewarded with an eagle sighting to add to the enjoyment. Always have your camera ready along this portion of the trip.
Other stopovers are the Rainy Pass picnic area and the Washington Pass Overlook. Once you have crossed Washington Pass you will begin the slow descent into the Methow Valley. You can stop at the visitor center at milepost 192 and check for fall color updates, and if you are into mountain biking you will have an abundance of trails that will take you to other must-see locations.
The Methow Valley is filled with larches and maples, and by mid-October the viewing is at its peak. Stop in Winthrop for lunch and continue on to Twisp to finish the journey. Plan on six hours for a one-way road trip that will leave you breathless and give you more than enough time to take some great pictures.
Mount Rainier Loop map
Mt. Rainier Loop
Brilliant fall colors and unforgettable views of Mt. Rainier highlight this five or six hour journey. Begin in the town of Naches in Western Washington and turn left on US 12 to White Pass. As you go through the Tieton River drainage you will be treated to wonderful autumn color from western larches, aspen and cottonwoods.
Head over White Pass and stop at the scenic overlook at Clear Creek Falls near milespost 154. Continue to the town of Packwood and turn right on Skate Creek Road. You will enjoy great color along this stretch and then will enter the town of Ashford. Turn right on SR 706 and enter Mount Rainier National Park. Go east on the Stevens Canyon Road. Stop at Reflection Lake for some great color and reflections of Mt. Rainier, and enjoy the red of mountain ash and huckleberries,
To complete the loop turn left at the park entrance, then right on SR 410. Lake Tipsoo will give you more reflective views of Mt. Rainier, and some spectacular blueberry leaves will add more color. Finish up at the intersection of SR 410 and US 12.
LEAVENWORTH
My goodness, if it is fall then Leavenworth must be seen! Located 153 miles east of Seattle on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, Leavenworth is the number one destination for those seeking prime fall color.
The town of Leavenworth is on Highway 2 just west of Wenatchee. It is a Bavarian-style town and is surrounded by brilliant colors during the fall. The annual Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival is held the last weekend in September. Bring your mountain bike and hiking boots and head off on the trails for some spectacular scenery.
When you are all done with the exercise portion of your trip, walk the town of Leavenworth and enjoy first-class food and entertainment.
Leavenworth foliage
Chinook Pass Scenic Byway
Begin in the town of Enumclaw in Western Washington and follow SR 410 along the White River into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Here you will be treated to brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges as you head uphill to Chinook Pass Summit.
Heading down from the pass, going eastward, you will parallel the American River and then the Little Naches River. These river valleys are perfect for October as the colors never disappoint an avid leaf peeper.
The trip ends in the town of Naches where you can relax over a meal after your two hour drive.
Along the road to Chinook Pass
Mt. Baker Highway
A one-way drive of 57 miles, the Mt. Baker Highway has everything you could ask for during a leisurely fall drive. Breathtaking mountain vistas and wonderful splashes of color are all along the roadway.
Begin in Bellingham in northwestern Washington and follow the Nooksack River Valley for most of the drive; the towering trees hover over the roadway, giving one a sense of driving through a natural tunnel.
For hikers there are seemingly endless opportunities to get off the beaten path and find less-visited groves of autumn color, and there are many turnouts along the highway that will afford great photo opportunities.
The trip ends at Artist Point and a spectacular view of Mt. Baker. This is a great two-hour drive that should stretch into five or six to properly enjoy all that Mt. Baker has to offer.
Along Mt. Baker Hwy
More sites to see
- Washington State Tourism: Five Must See Sights
Five sites that are an absolute must if you visit Washington State.
So Much More
Make no mistake about it, fall colors can be seen along practically any road in western Washington and along many roads in the Cascades. Pack up the car and head down any country road and you will find out what most residents of Washington have known for years: Washington truly is nature’s paradise, no matter what season you choose to visit.
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Comments
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on August 07, 2017:
Well Phyllis, I'm glad this brought back fond memories for you. It certainly did for me while I wrote it. Thank you!
Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on August 07, 2017:
Hello, Bill. Oh my gosh, how I miss my home land of Washington. Your article has taken me back to my childhood. My Dad loved to drive and at least once a month he would pile all seven of us kids and Mom in the car and "go to the country" as he called the trip. All the places you mention here are strong and pleasant memories in my mind and heart. I stumbled upon this article of your when I was editing my "Poor Lost Souls of Washington State Hospital". I had never read this piece of yours, so hopped right in. Thank you so much for writing and sharing this great article.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on October 19, 2012:
Thank you RTalloni; I appreciate the visit.
RTalloni on October 19, 2012:
Thanks for this look at pacific Washington state's fall beauty!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on October 02, 2012:
Duchess, those road trips do have a habit of growing longer at this time of year, don't they? Thank you so much; I'm glad you enjoyed the journey!
Duchess OBlunt on October 02, 2012:
I love Autumn. In the northern parts of Canada the leaves have come and gone already, but in the more southern parts, the colours are breathtaking.
I had a 2 hour drive last week that turned in to a four hour drive because I just couldn't resist snapping as many pictures as possible. Photo ops everywhere.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of Washington with the world!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 11, 2012:
Ruby, Diablo is gorgeous this time of year; good choice and thank you for the visit.
Maree Michael Martin from Northwest Washington on an Island on September 10, 2012:
With Autumn almost here, I am getting ready for another trip to Diablo. Thanks for a wonderful hub showcasing all the beautiful trees!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 09, 2012:
Paula, it starts for me with the crispness of the air in late August....then the smells....and the breathtaking colors....and the falling leaves during a good wind....I even love the smell of burning leaves, although we rarely smell that anymore. Bev and I will pile up leaves and fall in them, and kick them around......what a great season, and I'm not surprised that you agree. :) Thanks Paula!
Suzie from Carson City on September 09, 2012:
Did someone say, "Fall foliage?" You have my attention. Autumn...my favorite season of all. This is the time of year I spend the most time outdoors. Can we ever really get enough of such breathtaking beauty of nature, bill? Everything about it.....sights, fragrances.....I want to capture the alluring smells of Autumn leaves, in a bottle! Impossible, I know. The photos, such awesome colors and the freshness of new life....or is it re-birth? A bit of both. Whatever, I don't want to miss a moment...as I'm sure you and Bev drink it all in, as well!! Beautiful.....I love this hub..... UP+++
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 08, 2012:
It's a flood of Tammy tonight! Thank you my friend; I can't imagine not being around fall colors, but then it's been this way for me every year of my life except one. I'll send more pictures in the future so you can see us at our peak.
Thanks again Tammy!
Tammy from North Carolina on September 08, 2012:
Beautiful hub! Fall is my favorite season. I love changing leaves. I have missed these sights since I have moved to the south where leaves don't change so dramatically. Gorgeous!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 08, 2012:
Rajan, thank you my friend; your loyalty and support is greatly appreciated! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on September 08, 2012:
Bill, there is so much color in the foliage in the fall season and I entirely agree with what Anne Frank says. By remaining close to nature, man cannot feel unhappy. Alas, we are drifting away from nature and from the simple and pure pleasures of life.
Thanks for such an absorbing read as well as some fantastic and colorful photos.
Voted up & awesome.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 06, 2012:
Glimmer, it is pretty special, but then I've seen some great places in many other states. I'm kind of partial to Washington, though. :) Thank you!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 06, 2012:
Eddy, thank you my dear; come visit and I'll be your tour guide. :)
love to you my friend,
bill
Claudia Porter on September 06, 2012:
This looks so beautiful! My brother went there years ago and said it was one of the most beautiful places he'd ever been. If family wasn't on the East Coast I think he would have moved there.
Eiddwen from Wales on September 06, 2012:
Oh Billy what a great hub, I vote across the board and of course the brilliant 'Up up and away!!!'
I am saving into my 'Armchair Travelling slot. A must for those gloomy wet days.
Take care Billy and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Avian, I'm sure there are, but in all honesty, I only know a few of them. You'll have to come out and identify them for me on your next vacation. :)
Thank you!
Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on September 05, 2012:
These all sounds like great places with lots of terrific scenery. There must be lots of good birds, too.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Suzette, you are greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the tour with me; if you ever come out west you'll have to let me buy you lunch....heck, I'll even be your tour guide on one of these drives. :)
Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on September 05, 2012:
Beautiful hub, Bill. Washington state has beautiful countryside and mountains. If I ever get out west again, I will certainly do one of these drives - I bet they are beautiful at any time of the year, but especially when the leaves turn. The photos are gorgeous, especially the placid, glassy looking lake with the beautiful foliage around it. I love your quote from Anne Frank - so touching and so true. Thanks for sharing a bit of your state with us!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Ruby, we will be here waiting for you when you do decide to visit! Thank you and we'll leave the light on for you.
Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on September 05, 2012:
You live is a beautiful state. The fall colors are gorgeous. I have never been in Washington-State. Thank you for sharing..
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Mary, these are old pictures, but some of the leaves have begun to change.....but we are still three weeks from vibrant colors. I'm glad you liked it and I did see upstate New York back in 1980 and it was stunning.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Thank you Maria! My state! I love that....yes, this is my state, and yes, it is beautiful!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Movie, someone else from Great Britain remarked yesterday that you don't see fall colors, and that surprised me. I hope someday that you will have the opportunity to do so. Thank you kind lady!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Vellur, thank you, and if you ever saw Washington you wouldn't want to leave.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 05, 2012:
Martin, thank you, and you are of course correct. This is a beautiful country for sure.
Mary Craig from New York on September 05, 2012:
You really should be a tour guide, making Washington more and more appealing. As others have said here, we in NY thought we had the corner on the market of Fall Foliage! Leaf peepers from NYC crowd upstate every fall to pick apples and watch the colors of the leaves turn, almost before their eyes. Are you saying your leaves have already begun?
Loved the hub with all the specifics about where to go.
Voted up, useful, and beautiful.
Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on September 05, 2012:
Fall is also my favorite time of year, Bill, and thank you for sharing such fabulous foliage with us... There is nothing that brings a feeling of tranquility more than getting lost in nature's splendor.
Your state is gorgeous! Voted UP and UABI. Hugs, Maria
Movie Master from United Kingdom on September 05, 2012:
These places sound like a photographers dream and has me wanting to book a plane ticket.
I would love to see these fabulous fall colours - it's on my bucket list for sure!
Fabulous thank you and voted up!
Nithya Venkat from Dubai on September 04, 2012:
WOW so very beautiful and vibrant with colors. After reading your hub, I have come to understand why this beautiful place offers solace and comfort. Washington - breathtakingly stunning, beautifully showcased and a beautiful hub.
Martin Kloess from San Francisco on September 04, 2012:
Thank you for the tour and nice pictures. America is such a beautiful country.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Well, Jackie, we'll leave the light on for you! We're not going anywhere! :) Thank you my friend; I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on September 04, 2012:
Wow, how beautiful, and there is nothing so stunning as fall is there? Never been to the west but sure would love to. This makes me want to even more. My best friend who was from that area passed away a few years ago. I probably would have gotten there otherwise.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
I do too, Ginger! Thank you!
gingerka from Colorado on September 04, 2012:
Thanks for all the great pictures. I love Washington.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Thank you Faith! I do consider myself pretty lucky, growing up in this part of the country. There is beauty everywhere....but then, that's true everywhere, is it not. :)
Peace and happiness to you my friend.
Faith Reaper from southern USA on September 04, 2012:
Wow, stunnly beautiful. I wish I were there. The foliage has not changed yet here. It would be hard to stay inside living there with the splendid wonderment of colors all around, so very beautiful. You are blessed to live where you live surrounded by such beauty this time of year. God bless. In His Love, Faith Reaper
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Pam, we will save some color for you for the next time you visit. This really is a beautiful part of the country. Thank you for your kind words and loyalty.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 04, 2012:
Fall is my favorite time of the year and I try to travel north each October just to see the colors. I was in Oregon one October but only saw a bit of Washington. Your pictures are gorgeous and I would love to make that trip. There won't be any trips this year due to the problems I wrote about in my hub, but I'd rather have my mother alive than have the trip. Thanks for sharing such beautiful scenery.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
And cheers to you, Coffee, and thank you! We are having fairly warm weather right now, but the trees are beginning to change their colors despite the daytime temps. Thank you for the visit.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Thanks Ricky! We do a good job of keeping Californians out of there so there will always be room for you and your wife. :) And no worries, the rain will still be here when you arrive.
Marites Mabugat-Simbajon from Toronto, Ontario on September 04, 2012:
Omg, fall already out there? Must be up north here too going to Algonquin, Ontario. I love the fantastic play of colours of fall, it's like I'm in a different world especially if near the waters and a fall sunset blessing a day's end. It is wonderful and interesting to read the fall information you have put here, billybuc. Fantastic! Makes me plan for a long drive this fall soon. Cheers to you, sir!
Richard Ricky Hale from West Virginia on September 04, 2012:
Bill, thumbs up on another great article friend. I have never seen Washington, but I hope too one day. Beautiful place from the pictures and few shows I have seen. Love fall. Autumn and football, it never gets any better. I actually considered moving there when we get our settlement. One, my wife and I love the rain. Two, it is beautiful. Three, possibly look for some gold. Awesome job Bill. Voted up, useful, and beautiful. Take care pal.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Dianna, maybe I should stop then; we don't want anyone actually moving here permanently. :) Thank you my friend; I hope you do get to visit home in October, the perfect month for travel in my opinion.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Oh yes, Julie, CT has some serious leaf peeping opportunities. Thank you my friend and sending you warm wishes.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Rich, it's funny, but I've always wanted to see Lexington and Kentucky in general....I'm a big horse fan and I think race horses whenever I talk to you. Anyway, Tacoma is where I was born and raised. If you are ever in the area you have a place to stay.
Dianna Mendez on September 04, 2012:
The more you share on Washington state, the more people are going to want to visit there, perhaps move there. The beauty of this area is beyond words and does represent all God's handywork. I am so missing the fall change of season here in Florida. I may have to make a trip back home this October. Voted up and beautiful.
Blurter of Indiscretions from Clinton CT on September 04, 2012:
Can't wait for Fall! Being a northerner, we have a lot of these gorgeous drives as well. You made me excited for the leaves changing. :)
Rich from Kentucky on September 04, 2012:
Bill -
Sounds like absolutely beautiful country, my friend. Back during my military days, I was offered shore duty in Tacoma to re-enlist. Tacoma was tempting, but the re-enlisting factor was not. I missed a great opportunity to see some beautiful country, I'm sure. Great journey along Fall's path. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Rhonda, we can certainly link as soon as you finish yours, and yes, I like it....great minds think alike. :) Thank you my friend; you are very kind to me and I appreciate it.
toknowinfo on September 04, 2012:
Beautiful hub, Bill. Great minds think alike, because I started to write a hub about foliage in New York. If I am able to get it done soon, maybe we can link the 2 hubs to cover autumn leaves coast to coast. I didn't realize Washington had as pretty changes of leaves as we have. Thanks for teaching me something I didn't know, but then again, you teach me a lot of things, so thanks for everything you do.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Jo, thank you! We really do live in a great area for colors and natural beauty!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Nell, I take from that comment that you don't have brilliant fall colors over there? It never even dawned on me that you wouldn't. You have basically the same climate as we do here in Washington. How strange! Well, thank you my dear!
Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on September 04, 2012:
Hi billy, absolutely beautiful! we often get to see them over here on tv when autumn hits, and they show the different trees from around the world, and I often wish I lived there to see that, wonderful!
Jo Alexis-Hagues from Lincolnshire, U.K on September 04, 2012:
Billy, those images are simply breathtaking, another one for the bucket list, I have a feeling my retirement is going to be very busy. Brilliant as always. thank you for sharing.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Cyndi, isn't it fun jumping in leaves? I don't care how old you are, that is serious fun! I love autumn too and can't wait to take some drives in the country and capture some great shots....not as good as yours but for me, great!
Thanks Sis! You are a wonder and greatly appreciated.
Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on September 04, 2012:
OOOOOhhh! Purty! Hehe. I already have a photography trip planned for the fall colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I can't wait! Your hub just makes me want to do this even more! I LOVE autumn - the sights, scents, sounds, colors and romping in the piles of leaves we rake up to make compost. :D
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Bridalletter, probably our best month of the year is September;after that our fall rains come and it is not a favorite time for anyone. :) I hope you make it west some day; you won't be disappointed. Thank you!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Sasha, thank you as always for stopping by. I do believe Fall is my favorite season; I love the crisp nights and the colors as they slowly change. I'm glad you enjoyed the tour.
Brenda Kyle from Blue Springs, Missouri, USA on September 04, 2012:
Autumn is may favorite and I have been looking forward to experiencing it right here on hubpages too. I could stare at fall leaves all day, love road trips (for me that is into the lake of the ozarks in Missouri). I have not made it as far as Washington yet. I know I would go in the fall for sure! Love the hub.
Aloe Kim on September 04, 2012:
I adore fall for the colors alone! It's so trilling to see trees made of fire ^_^ (without actually being on fire and dying- that would be devastating) Last year I saw the most vibrant tree it was construction orange! It was practically glowing! ^_^ Thank you for the beautiful tour of Washington! I always enjoy these hubs. Voted and pinned.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Again, thank you Pooja! I love to write and I receive great satisfaction knowing that there are those like you who appreciate my writing so much. You feed my soul with your comments.
poojasd7 from India on September 04, 2012:
How lovely! Loved the pictures and the details about picturesque beauty. Billy, the amount of hard work and soul you put into writing, is really commendable. My hope to visit these wonderful places in US, grows stronger each time I read your travel-hub.
:-)
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Carol, I look forward to seeing that painting when you finish. I am in awe of anyone who can paint since I have trouble with stick figures. :) Thank you my friend!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Thank you Joseph but in this case I'm just the messenger; nature has done quite nicely without any interference from me. :) I'm glad you enjoyed the tour; here is hoping we have many years ahead of us to enjoy nature.
carol stanley from Arizona on September 04, 2012:
Are these gorgeous or what. I am in awe! I am going to pick one and paint it..and if I like it..will share.. Thanks for the beauty. I do miss Oregon for that alone.
Joseph De Cross from New York on September 04, 2012:
Wonderful green hub Billy. Amazing how nature is still running strong on that area. The fall foliage gives me a state of peace. Good inspiration for a Haiku! Lol! Perfect colors from that Chinook Pass and Mt. Baker Highway. Gee!The shades from red, orange and yellow paint a natural canvas that would be the envy of Picasso, or even Rembrant. Great tour Sir! Great God's creation! Thanks again Billy!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Roxanne, no doubt about it, Leavenworth is a "must see" location. Thank you for the visit.
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Susan, thank you, and I hope you do soon so we can have a cup of coffee and have our picture taken. :)
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
TT, I think there are leaf snobs on the East Coast. :) Don't tell them I said that....although when I was in Vermont for two years, I saw colors I have never seen in Washington. It is pretty here though. Thanks Sis!
Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on September 04, 2012:
Thanks Janine! The only problem I have with Washington in the Fall is that it isn't Vermont, where I lived for two years...that was the most beautiful display of color I have ever seen.
Roxanne Lewis from Washington on September 04, 2012:
The places you mentioned her are all really beautiful and peaceful. My favorite has to be Leavenworth though. The scenery and landscape is amazing in every season but the colors and smells of fall are breathtaking!
Susan Zutautas from Ontario, Canada on September 04, 2012:
Bill, I have to agree with you Washington is breathtaking not only in the fall but all year round. I really must make a trip back out west soon.