The Best Oregon Towns for a Stunning Fall Colors Road Trip
When the air gets crisp, the apples begin to fall and Oregon’s deciduous trees start to turn a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, it’s time for a fall foliage road trip. Here are ten unparalleled Oregon towns, draped in fall colors, to visit and soak in the rich hues of autumn.
1. Hood River
Considered the wind-surfing capital of the world, Hood River also boasts breathtaking fall color transformations. The Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile self-guided tour through orchards, forests and farms, gifts you a spectacular backdrop of fall colors. While here, visiting the local cideries like Fox-Tail Cider & Distillery for a different kind of apple experience is a must.2. Bend
Nestled against the Cascade Mountains, Bend’s warm-golden shades of aspen groves and larch easily rival East Coast fall displays. The Deschutes River Trail and the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway provide the perfect front-row seats to season’s show.
3. Ashland
While many come to Ashland for the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, fall brings an additional stroke of beauty. Walk through Lithia Park under a canopy of yellow and orange leaves. Stop by the Ashland Creek for a picturesque Oregon autumn experience.4. Silverton
Known for the stunning 80-acre Oregon Garden, Silverton vibrates with rich red, orange, and golden hues in the fall. Nearby Silver Falls State Park, with its scenic canyon trail and waterfalls, is also an autumnal wonderland worth exploring.5. Portland
Portland’s wealth of parks and diverse tree species sets up fall fireworks within the city. The sprawling Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park and the red tree-lined Eastbank Esplanade offer stunning autumn views. A pit stop at Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, can add a touch of coziness to your fall tour.6. The Dalles
Positioned in the Eastern part of the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles provides a unique fall experience with its pronounced palette of oranges, reds, and yellows. Don’t miss Tom McCall Nature Preserve’s rare oak savannas draped in fall colors.7. McMinnville
McMinnville, in the heart of Oregon wine country, offers fall colors accentuated with rows upon rows of grapevines turning color. A glass of Pinot Noir from Eyrie Vineyards can be sipped while enjoying a panoramic view of fall vineyard hues.8. Lebanon
With rows of deciduous trees lining its streets changing colors, Lebanon, also known as ‘The City that Friendliness Built,’ is a quintessential autumn destination. A visit to Cheadle Lake Park is a great place to witness fall transformation.9. Astoria
Overlooking the Columbia River, Astoria is the perfect town to take a fall rainforest hike. Clatsop Loop Trail provides beautiful views of fall foliage against scenic ocean vistas.10. Eugene
Concluding this trip in Eugene, where tree-lined streets meet the artistic downtown, is perfect. Take a walk along the Willamette River through Alton Baker Park, where the season really shows off, then catch a performance at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts to end your day under a fall color canopy.Visiting these ten Oregon towns in fall lets you witness the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. So, roll down your windows, bundle up warm, and breathe in that crisp autumn air as you drive through the riot of colors that is the Oregon fall season. Whether it’s your first time in Oregon or the state is your old friend, autumn in Oregon is a sight to behold and a heartwarming ode to this magical time of year. Enjoy the drive!