Best Oregon Towns for a Fall Colors Road Trip

As autumn arrives, Oregon transforms into a painter’s palette, bursting with vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and gold. There’s no better time to take a scenic road trip and explore the beautiful Beaver State.

1. Ashland

Ashland, is not only known for its cultural richness but also for its beautiful autumnal landscapes. For an unforgettable experience, take a walk in Lithia Park, where the various shades of yellows and oranges blanket the landscape. Autumn visitors can also enjoy a show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival while they’re here, blending fine art with nature’s masterpiece.

2. Hood River

Boasting a spectacular backdrop of Mount Hood, Hood River provides a stunning blend of beautiful fall colors and breathtaking mountain views. The Fruit Loop is a must-drive, a scenic 35-mile drive through orchards, forests, and farmlands, offering fresh fruits and local produce along the way.

3. Portland

Oregon’s biggest city is also one of its most beautiful in the fall. Tree-lined streets, plentiful city parks, and gardens explode with autumnal colors. Visit Washington Park and lose yourself in the beauty of the Hoyt Arboretum, immersed in colorful maple, aspen, and elm trees.

4. Bend

The Deschutes River offers a picturesque reflection of Bend’s vibrant fall colors. Treat your taste buds while you’re there and enjoy a pint of locally brewed pumpkin ale at Deschutes Brewery. For a fantastic eruption of color, try hiking up Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint.

5. Sisters

The charming town of Sisters, nestled at the base of the Three Sisters peaks and surrounded by Deschutes National Forest, is a beautiful sight to behold in the fall. McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is a stunning drive, especially when the vine maple is ablaze with colors.

6. Cottage Grove

Located along the banks of the Coast Fork Willamette River, Cottage Grove showcases a spectacular display of vivid fall foliage. Don’t miss the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route that teems with spectacular autumnal hues.

7. Silverton

Silverton is home to the Oregon Garden, an 80-acre garden that turns into a fall color wonderland in autumn. Explore the historic downtown lined by Sweet Gum trees with blazing fall colors.

8. Grants Pass

Grants Pass, nestled along the Rogue River, is a fantastic place to explore during the fall season. Indulge in a Hellgate Jetboat Excursion, it’s a thrilling way to view the vibrant colors lining the river’s edge.

9. Eugene

With an array of trees like Big Leaf Maple, Sweet Gum, and Ginkgo Biloba, Eugene is a riot of colors in the fall. Take a stroll at the University of Oregon campus for the best sights.

10. Roseburg

Drive along Umpqua Valley Wine Route near Roseburg to witness vineyards partnered with fiery fall foliage. Make a stop at Winchester Dam to see the salmon run – it’s an impressive sight.

And there you have it – ten of the best towns for fall colors in Oregon. Happy leaf-peeping! Make sure to carry a camera to capture the vibrant beauty, and remember, a warm mug of local apple cider or a pumpkin-spiced latte never hurts to enhance your autumn road trip. Nothing quite compares to an Oregon fall!