The Ultimate Oregon Towns For a Stunning Fall Colors Road Trip
As the crisp air replaces the summer haze, and the Emerald State switches its palette, prepare for a visual banquet. Again, Oregon lives up to its moniker, showcasing a magnificent display of fall colors that blanket our towns in shades of rustic reds, fiery oranges, and glowing yellows. Based on living my entire life here, and countless fall road trips, here are the top 10 Oregon towns you must visit this autumn.1. Hood River
Kick off your journey with Hood River, the picturesque town nestled in the Columbia River Gorge. This place is a literal fruit basket during fall, with apples, pears, and peaches aplenty. Hitch a ride on the Hood River Valley’s vintage Fruit Loop Drive for a scenic tour of sprawling orchards daubed in autumn hues.2. Ashland
Bid adieu to Shakespeare’s summer festival in Ashland, made extra enchanting by the breathtaking fall foliage. Don’t forget to stop at Lithia Park, where century-old trees drape the Ashland Creek, tinting it with autumn colors. It’s a spectacular sight you won’t want to miss.3. Bend
Bend, with the Cascade Mountains in the backdrop, is your next go-to fall spot. Walk along the Deschutes River Trail or take a drive along Mount Bachelor Scenic Byway – this town sure knows how to showcase its colors. For those seeking great food and brews, drop by Deschutes Brewery for both.
4. Oregon City
Fancy witnessing the spectacular Willamette Falls wrapped in fall colors? Head on to Oregon City. Check out the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for a dose of history, then drive through the Historic McLoughlin neighborhood for an old-world charm combined with fantastic fall splendor.5. Portland
Be sure to plan a couple of days for Portland alone. Stroll through the Japanese Garden or the Portland Foothills; our city parks offer incredible autumn color displays. Washington Park, decked up in its fall finery, is absolutely worth the visit too!6. McMinnville
An autumnal delight in the heart of wine country, McMinnville, should be on every Oregonian’s fall colors road trip list. The Yamhill County vineyards show off a lovely gradation of autumnal shades, just perfect for those Instagram worthy photos.7. Grants Pass
Grants Pass, caught at the confluence of the Rogue River, exudes an irreplaceable rustic charm in autumn. Enjoy the fall foliage on a jet boat or simply sip on the famed local coffee from Rogue Roasters while basking in the colorful ambiance.8. Sisters
If quaint and charming is your thing, Sisters is a must-visit. A drive along the McKenzie Highway with towering trees on either side displaying a riot of colors will make your day. For the craft lovers, Sisters Quilt Show offers a different kind of autumn color palette.9. Silverton
Silverton’s streets are lined with vibrant colored leaves during fall, making it a delightful stopover. Visit the Oregon Garden or Silver Falls State Park for an unparalleled fall outing. Remember: fall makes Silver Falls roaringly beautiful and photographically ideal.10. Corvallis
For the grand finale of this autumn escapade, visit Corvallis. The Oregon State University campus is a spectacle to behold in fall, especially the reflections on the Mary’s River which add to the vibrance. Also, Peavy Arboretum offers lovely fall color walks, making the trip even more worthwhile.So there you have it, ten places in Oregon that truly bloom in the fall. Bundle up, sip on that pumpkin spice latte, and hit the road. This season, let Oregon’s autumn give your heart a memorable twinge you’ll cherish forever. As any good Oregonian knows, there’s no place quite like home, especially in the fall. Happy leaf-peeping, friends!