The 12 Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Pacific Northwest

Originally published October 22, 2015 | Updated October 1, 2018

When it comes to fall colors, New England tends to get all the credit. However, there is beautiful, albeit short-lived, fall foliage right here in the Pacific Northwest! From Victoria to Portland, an assortment of glowing leaves grace everything from hillsides to mountains with splashes of color. Whether you’re looking for a fun road trip or can only sneak away for an afternoon, check out our favorite spots around the PNW to soak in fall’s finest display!

Victoria

The Butchart Gardens

Chock-full of trees and flowers in a rainbow of colors, the ever stunning Butchart Gardens is likely the first place that comes to mind for spotting autumnal hues. Colorful dahlias that range from the size of tablespoons to dinner plates, compete with Japanese maples dressed in everything from fiery orange to vibrant crimson beg for your attention. Bonus points for stopping by the Sunken Garden to soak in glancing rays of sunlight filtered through the trees. It is the perfect spot to snap an amazing photo.

Check out Clipper’s Butchart Garden Overnight Package or Day Trip.

Beacon Hill Park

Conveniently located a hop, skip and jump away from Victoria’s busy downtown center, Beacon Hill Park is rich with forest flora and fauna. Stroll through this 200-acre urban haven to the park’s tremendous repository of Gary Oaks to soak in gold and brown hues. Then, swing by Rose Garden to catch late blooms or find a bench to admire the park’s Japanese maples. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter one of the many peacocks that roam the park grounds.

Hatley Castle

Surrounded by crimson hedges, orange maple trees and covered in ivy, Hatley Castle appears to have descended straight out of a fairy tale. The three gardens gracing the grounds are yours to explore, including the Japanese Garden, created in 1910 by Isaburo Kishida, designer of both the Butchart Gardens and Gorge Park. Wander along the winding, quiet paths and check out the amazing collection of maples and more.

Washington

Highway 2

Have an itch for adventure? Head out on Highway 2 between Monroe and Leavenworth. Cruise by aspens, big leaf maples, dogwood and other deciduous trees as their leaves transition from green to yellow and orange. Surrounding both sides of the highway, these magnificent trees create a canopy over the road that “snows” down crunchy leaves.

Washington Arboretum

A hidden gem situated inside the expansive Washington Park Arboretum, the Seattle Japanese Garden showcases unique plant life, some found nowhere else in the Northwest. Bursting with Japanese maples in an array of fiery colors, yellow ginkos and golden mountain ash, the garden is hands down one of our favorite places for fall colors in Seattle. Bring along a picnic lunch and spend a quiet afternoon relaxing by the koi ponds and listening to the sound of trickling streams.

Kubota Gardens

Tucked away in South Seattle, Kubota Garden perfectly blends Japanese design with Northwest plants and provides the perfect escape from the city. Stroll over bridges, among waterfalls and beside ponds as you make your way through the grounds. The bright orange and deep plum leaves found on Japanese maples create some of the most spectacular displays of color that are sure to take your breath away.

Portland

McKenzie-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

One of the most scenic drives in Oregon, the route through the Mt. Washington Wilderness area makes for the perfect day trip. Brilliant red vine maples contrast with lush green forests as you make your way over Oregon’s highest mountains. Fabulous views result from rugged black lava fields juxtaposing with rushing deep blue rivers.

Cathedral Park

One of Lewis and Clark’s landing spots, the tranquil Cathedral Park serves up phenomenal views of the Willamette River and the changing leaves of deciduous trees. Don’t miss the Gothic, cathedral-esque arches of the towering St. John’s Bridge, the park’s namesake.

Multnomah Falls

Magnificent any time of year, the iconic 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls become even more awe-inspiring when surrounded by autumn leaves. Walk up to the Benson Bridge at the first tier of the falls to get close enough to feel the spray of the roaring waters. Look up for the perfect view of the towering, 542-foot top tier or (if you are feeling really brave) glace down for a gasp-inducing sight at the second tier’s 69-foot drop!

Vancouver

Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver’s self-proclaimed “horticultural jewel,” Queen Elizabeth Park features a landscape of natural flora and eye-catching displays of public art. Planted more than 60 years ago, the park’s trees have grown into gigantic ponderosa pines, subalpine spruces and Douglas firs. Though the pines stay green throughout the year, a stunning scene erupts from the majesty of the ancient giants combined with the fiery colors of the deciduous trees.

VanDusen Botanical Gardens

A 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver, the VanDusen Botanical Garden boasts more than 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world. Keep an eye out for autumn-blooming flowers such a heather, autumn crocus and asters combined with bright yellow vegetation.

Stanley Park

A perennial favorite when it comes to exploring the outdoors in Vancouver, Stanley Park does not disappoint when it comes to fall foliage. Pay a visit in Mid-October to soak in a rich palette of reds, purples, bronzes and golds as you bike or stroll along the waterfront.

When it comes to getting out into PNW’s open wilderness to explore fall colors, you certainly aren’t strapped for choices. The countless number of spectacular parks and gardens right in your own backyard provide an easy outlet to escape the concrete jungle. Power down the phone and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and vibrant surrounding colors above!