Best Oregon Towns for an Autumnal Spectacle Road Trip
Oregon in fall is like a slow-motion fireworks display, a cascade of colors funnelling down the mountains into river valleys, through vineyards and orchards, encircling timeless small towns that come alive under the golden canopy. Here are the ten best Oregon towns to visit on a Fall Colors Road Trip.1. Hood River
Perched on the southern edge of the mighty Columbia River Gorge, Hood River offers breath-taking natural beauty. Walk the three-mile Twin Tunnels Trail, an old railroad route lined with brilliant yellow alders, or take State Route 35, admiring the dazzling apple and pear orchards in their fall foliage.2. Joseph
Tucked into Oregon’s northeastern corner, Joseph is a picturesque alpine town surrounded by golden Aspen groves. During fall, Wallowa Lake reflects a stunning array of colors, a perfect backdrop to a hike on the Chief Joseph Mountain Trail or a cozy meal at Caldera Broiler.3. Ashland
Ashland, home of the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is a hub of culture and color in the fall. Take in the vibrant hues around Lithia Park. Don’t forget to visit the local farm stands like Blue Fox Farms for fresh apple cider and other autumn treats.
4. Sisters
Nestled at the base of the Three Sisters peaks, the town of Sisters is a gateway to beautiful Cascade vistas. Take a drive down McKenzie Highway for dramatic scenery of flaming vine maple and western larch. Be sure to visit Angeline’s Bakery for a hearty slice of pumpkin bread.5. Jacksonville
Listed as a National Historic Landmark, Jacksonville’s quaint brick buildings and lamp-lit streets are adorned with fall foliage in vibrant shades of red and gold. Explore the Applegate Wine Trail to toast your trip with a classic Oregon Pinot.6. McMinnville
Home to the state’s renowned wine country, McMinnville provides a delightful blend of cosmopolitan appeal and rustic charm. Visit the Evergreen Aviation Museum, wander through picturesque vineyards laden with fall colors, or try a local culinary favorite at Crescent Café.7. Salem
Oregon’s capital, Salem, is a treasure trove of fall colors. Take an amble along the tree-lined sidewalks of Court Chemeketa Residential Historic District or visit the Bush’s Pasture Park, where the century-old oaks and maples put on a spectacular show.8. Silverton
Home of the Oregon Garden, a 80-acre botanical wonderland, Silverton offers an extravagant display of color. Snap photos at the Japanese Garden, hike the Silver Falls State Park’s Trail of Ten Falls, or enjoy heart-warming comfort food at 3 Ten Water Restaurant.9. Bend
Nestled along the Deschutes River, Bend offers hiking, biking, and driving opportunities to witness the annual color display. Visit the Old Mill District or Drake Park, and don’t forget to warm up with a local brew from Deschutes Brewery after your day of leaf-peeping.10. Eugene
End your road trip in Eugene, where the Willamette River bike path provides prime fall foliage viewing. Eugene City Bakery’s pumpkin muffins make for the perfect snack as you stroll through Alton Baker Park, under the burnt-orange canopy of native Bigleaf maples.So pack your car, grab that pumpkin spiced latte, and prepare for a journey bursting with color and charm through our beloved Oregon. The welcoming hearth of the Beaver State awaits to show you its fall-finest, one scenic byway at a time. Safe travels and cherish the beauty that our state has to offer this season!