Best Oregon Towns for an Unforgettable Fall Colors Road Trip
Legendary for its diverse landscapes and friendly locals, Oregon puts on a spectacular show when fall rolls around. There’s nothing quite like a road trip through its towns, filled with an array of vibrant fall colors, quaint charm, and rich history. So pack your bags, brew a steaming thermos of coffee, and join us on a peaceful drive through some of Oregon’s most charming fall foliage destinations.1. Hood River
Hood River is nature’s art gallery come autumn. Known for its Apple Valley Country Store, it’s an ideal place to stop and sample some homemade apple treats. Afterward, enjoy a drive through the annual Fruit Loop – a 35-mile scenic drive through the county’s pear, apple, and cherry orchards, painted beautiful colors by fall’s brush.2. Ashland
Nestled at the bottom of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountains, Ashland’s Lithia Park showcases an impressive parade of colours during fall. An ideal postcard backdrop, the town is also home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, offering a unique blend of cultured entertainment and natural beauty.3. Crater Lake
While not technically a town, Crater Lake National Park can’t be left unmentioned. The lake’s blue contrasts with the fall colors, creating a jaw-dropping spectacle. Take the scenic Rim Drive to view the changing leaves against the backdrop of the country’s deepest lake.
4. Eugene
Eugene, where the Willamette River meets McKenzie River, offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy fall colors. Wander around the campus of the University of Oregon, or enjoy a casual stroll down the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, offering scenic views of autumn-hued foliage along riverbanks.5. McMinnville
McMinnville is nothing short of charming in the fall. A wander through historic downtown offers a memorable experience, with historical architecture framed by golden fall foliage. If you’re a wine enthusiast, Yamhill County surrounding McMinnville features over 250 wineries. Oregon’s Pinot Noir against the backdrop of fall foliage is a sight to behold!6. Bend
Autumn in Bend paints a breathtaking palette of vibrant colors along the Deschutes River. A drive down the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is highly recommended. The byway’s alpine views are dramatically transformed into fiery color displays when Autumn comes around.7. Portland
The city of roses, Portland, boasts several parks renowned for their fall colors, like Forest Park and Washington Park. Take the Portland Aerial Tram for an overhead shot of the city’s brilliant fall foliage, or enjoy a cruiser bike ride along the city’s numerous tree-lined trails.8. Silverton
Silverton is home to The Oregon Garden, an 80-acre garden showcasing a brilliant range of natural colors in the fall. The nearby Silver Falls State Park, with its ten waterfalls, mixed with the gorgeous display of colorful leaves, offers unparalleled autumn beauty.9. Sisters
The small rustic town of Sisters, with its old west charm, becomes particularly enchanting during fall. Explore coffee houses and art galleries downtown, or drive along McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass loop to experience the vibrant fall colors contrasting with lava fields.10. Astoria
The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria charms visitors with its Victorian architecture and panoramic views. A climb up to the Astoria Column in the fall offers a sweeping vista of the Columbia River dancing through autumnal colors.Whether you are an Oregon local or a visitor, each autumn unfolds a new chapter of beauty in Oregon that keeps us falling in love with the Beaver state over and over again. Here’s to crisp air, fuzzy sweaters, and a colorful canvas of leaves beneath Oregon’s wide-open skies. Drive safe, take it all in, and remember, in Oregon, the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.