With its Douglas fir trees and varied environment, Oregon is a truly captivating state. Its autumn season is like a symphony of colors, with Maple, Dogwood, Oak, Birch, Aspen, and Cottonwood trees painting the landscape with bright shades of orange, red, and yellow. The whole state is stunning during this time, but the fall colors are most spectacular in the northwest, particularly in charming waterfront towns like Astoria and Silverton. It’s no wonder that leaf-peepers flock to Oregon from nearby Washington and beyond to witness this breathtaking display of nature.
1. Joseph
On this ultimate list of fall vacation spots, Joseph stands out as the first small town. This nature-focused community is considered one of Oregon’s most beautiful places, thanks to the snow-capped mountains and acres of lush greenery that surround it. Adventure enthusiasts will particularly love this town, which sits at the base of the Wallowa Mountains. Joseph is home to numerous farms and hosts events like the Wallowa County Farmers’ Market and Main Street, which support local businesses. What’s more, Joseph’s remote location and vast stretches of land mean that it is one of the least crowded places to witness the stunning fall foliage.
2. Sisters
If you’re looking for a nature-focused destination to bask in the beauty of fall colors, the charming town of Sisters, Oregon should definitely be on your list. Boasting more than 260 miles of hiking trails, this small town has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor adventure. But that’s not all – Sisters also hosts a variety of fun neighborhood events that showcase the area’s food, crafts, arts, and more. One such event is the Fall Street Festival. What’s more, Sisters is located in close proximity to the Cascade Mountains and several stunning waterfalls, making it an ideal spot to explore during your stay in Oregon.
If you’re looking for some great places to explore in Sisters, Oregon, be sure to check out Proxy Falls and Obsidian Falls. To get to Proxy Falls, just head 28 miles west on Highway 242. On the other hand, Obsidian Falls is located in the heart of the town’s natural beauty and can be reached by hiking 12 miles from the Obsidian Trailhead. While you’re in the area, take a stroll through Sisters’ central area to see the Western-themed architecture and experience the friendly, close-knit community of locals and small family businesses. For hiking enthusiasts, don’t miss out on the South Sister Trail, the Sahalie Trail in the Willamette National Forest, and the Tam McArthur Rim Trail in the Deschutes National Forest, which are all highly recommended by fans.
3. Ashland
Nestled at the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, Ashland is situated even closer to the Cascade Mountains than Sisters. This rugged mountain town boasts a plethora of attractions, ranging from scenic cruises to Halloween-themed activities suitable for the entire family. Ashland is renowned for its sprawling farms and wineries, which add to the excitement of leaf-peeping in the mountains. With numerous hiking trails, it is easily one of the top destinations in Oregon to witness the stunning fall foliage.
If you’re looking to embrace the changing seasons, Lithia Park should be on your list of must-visit places. Located in the heart of Ashland, this popular park is home to a variety of attractions, including a beautiful Japanese Garden, two serene duck ponds, and other exciting activities. Capture the moment and post your memories on Instagram as you explore this stunning destination. Additionally, the Ashland Library, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, and Schneider Museum of Art offer an opportunity to learn about the town’s rich history while surrounded by nature’s beauty.
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