Autumn is one of the locals’ favourite seasons, thanks to Washington’s beautiful fall scenery. This already stunning outdoor adventure destination is painted tip to root with colours of burgundy, amber and ember, and there are endless ways to enjoy the show. From scenic drives to food trails, below are some ways to explore the Evergreen state (or not so Evergreen) as the Larch trees come out of hiding and expose their true, brilliant colours.
Hikes
Samish Outlook and Oyster Dome: Located off the picturesque Chuckanut Drive in Skagit Valley, hike through Blanchard State Forest for unmatched views of changing leaves where the Cascades meet the Salish Sea.
Tieton River Nature Trail (Yakima): Along this ∼7-mile trail, you’ll find a myriad of color-changing flora, including cottonwoods, shrubby willows, and Garry oaks.
Scenic Drives and Byways
White Pass Scenic Byway: Weave through the Yakima Valley for 120 miles of pure autumnal bliss. Build your adventure by stopping off at Mount Rainier, Mt. St. Helen’s or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mount Baker Highway: This is one of the finest views in Whatcom County – Mount Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake. With a fresh dusting of snow on Mount Shuksan and an array of fall colours, Picture Lake is especially stunning during autumn.
Olympic Peninsula Loop: Wrapping around the Olympic Peninsula, Highway 101 showcases breathtaking views and offers the opportunity to stop at natural beauties like the Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach. In the fall, king, coho, sockeye, and chum salmon return to these waters and can be seen along the small tributaries of the Upper Quinault River as they spawn in the shallow water.
Charming Towns
Tri-Cities: As the summer crowds start to dwindle and farmers are harvesting the fruit of this season’s labour, there truly are countless ways to enjoy autumn in the Tri-Cities. Explore one of the many wineries and breweries or enjoy delicious cuisine crafted with freshly harvested produce.
Kitsap Peninsula: Lined with maple trees, this historic Victorian mill town is the perfect place for a weekend of leaf peeping and paranormal adventures. That’s right! The Natural Side of Puget Sound has a SUPERnatural side, too — embrace the spooky season by booking a ghost tour with Port Gamble Paranormal.
Food trails:
Taco & Tamale Trail (Yakima): Created with assistance from the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CWHCC) to amplify Hispanic-owned businesses, cultures, and culinary traditions, the trail allows visitors to savour authentic flavors in every taco (or tamale), try specialties at new places, or discover a new favorite.
Skagit Food Trail: This self-guided journey will take you through local gardens, family-owned farms, markets, bakeries, eateries, artisanal producers, farm stays, and experiences of the magical Skagit River Valley and Salish Sea. Make sure to mosey through the flower field!
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