Where To See Fall Foliage In Oregon

When fall arrives in Oregon the mood changes completely. After the optimism of spring and joys of summer come the reflective, cozy months of fall, with the trees changing from vibrant greens to fiery oranges and reds. For those keen to enjoy the fall foliage in Oregon, we at Culture Trip have chosen some of our favorite places.

1. Willamette Valley Vineyards

Winery

Oregon is known for its mountain ranges, dormant volcanoes, desert and much more – making it the perfect destination for those who like to explore nature. Willamette Valley Vineyards is just a 45-minute drive southwest of Portland, set within grounds that, while spectacular at any time of the year, are particularly amazing during the fall – especially after a glass or two of award-winning wine.

2. Silver Falls State Park

Park, Natural Feature

Silver Falls, Golden and Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

Come fall, Silver Falls State Park – just 30 minutes east of Salem by car – is likely to drop the jaw of even the most seasoned leaf peeper. The most popular hike in the park is the Trail of Ten Falls, where you’ll see waterfall after waterfall – so many that you may even lose count. There are bridges and viewpoints that make it easy to capture this beauty without feeling that nature has been infringed upon in any way.

3. Bagby Hot Springs

Natural Feature

On the Clackamas River, about two and a half hours’ drive south from Portland, lies Bagby Springs. After paying a forest ranger $5 per car for your day pass, an easy 1.5-mile (2.4-km) hike through the forest of large Douglas firs, western red cedar and western hemlocks will take you to the hot springs. Soak in a respectful and friendly atmosphere, and enjoy the glory of nature which surrounds you.

5. Drake Park

Park

Three hours south of Portland, on the edge of the Deschutes National Forest, Drake Park and Mirror Pond make for a particularly picturesque area at any time of year. Nevertheless, with its abundance of maple trees, the area becomes a swathe of vibrant red come fall; and when the willows turn yellow and hang over the lake they create a scene that you won’t forget in a hurry. If you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you might catch one of the romantic sunsets these parts are famous for.

6. Ashland, Lithia Park

Park

South of the Umpqua National Forest is the city of Ashland, home to Lithia Park. The fall colors here are rich (ideal for budding photographers), while ducks frolic on the pond and the temperature drops to a comfortable level after what can be long, hot summers of over 100F (38C). Check out the little Japanese garden – it’s a great place to find some peace.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.