7 Things to Do in Oregon in The Fall

Oregon in the fall is something else! With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to explore the state’s landscapes with a fresh coat of fall colors!

With our list of things to do in Oregon in the fall, you can hike through colorful forests, enjoy local festivals, and simply take in the scenery.

Oregon in Fall

Fall in Oregon typically has mild temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s, with crisp mornings and cool evenings.

You can expect rain and chilly weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear.

October is usually the peak month for fall colors, so if you want to catch the hues at their best, this is the month to do it!

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1. Take a Hike

Fall is a fantastic time to hit the trails and enjoy the autumn colors. Hiking is more comfortable, but the crowds have faded, and things quiet down.

These are some of our favorite hikes, particularly in the fall.

• Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park: This 7-mile loop has ten (yes, 10!) stunning waterfalls with epic greenery and touches of fall.
• Columbia River Gorge Hikes: Trails like Eagle Creek and Multnomah Falls provide breathtaking views and autumn foliage.
• Tamolitch Blue Pool: A 4-mile out-and-back trail leading to a crystal-clear blue pool, surrounded by stunning fall colors and scattered lava rock!
• Spencer Butte Hike in Eugene: A moderate 2-mile hike with panoramic views of Eugene painted in yellows and oranges.
• Mount Hood Hikes: Various trails around Mount Hood offer spectacular views of the mountain and fall foliage. We love Tamanawas Falls and strolling around Mount Hood meadows.

2. Visit Some Fall Festivals

Oregon in the fall has tons of festivals celebrating the season—from harvest festivals to unique local events with local food, music, and culture… What’s not to love?

Here are some fun events to hit up when visiting in fall.

• Hood River Valley Harvest Fest: Celebrate the harvest season with local produce, crafts, and entertainment in the charming town of Hood River.
• Portland Fresh Hops Fest: Enjoy beers brewed with fresh hops from local farms, offering a true taste of Oregon’s renowned beer culture.
• Sisters Folk Festival: A celebration of Americana music, arts, and community in the picturesque town with a Western flair.
• Oregon Truffle Festival: Check out the flavors of locally foraged truffles with tastings, dinners, and truffle hunts!

Check out more fall events in Oregon.

3. Cool Spots for Fall Colors

Ready to spot some fall colors in some of the state’s best areas in fall? While we are sure there are tons more we could add, these are some of our favorite fall color-peeping spots!

• Columbia River Gorge: Famous for its waterfalls and scenic views, it’s a prime spot for fall foliage.
• Hikes Around Bend: Offering a mix of pine forests and fall colors, this is a perfect city stop for a scenic drive or hike. The parks and river trails in town will be splattered with yellow and orange!
• McKenzie River Scenic Hike or Byway: A beautiful drive or hike that offers plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the fall foliage with rivers, waterfalls, and lakes to boot!
• Parks in Portland: A city with many oases filled with beautiful gardens and trails showcasing an array of autumn colors. Cathedral Park is a favorite.

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4. Stay Somewhere Cozy

After a long day of hiking, exploring fall festivals, or sipping on some local wine, there’s no better way to unwind than in a cozy yurt, cabin, or someplace else cozy AF!

Oregon has some of the coolest and most unique accommodations perfect for your autumn adventure. Here are five top picks:

• The Vintages Trailer Resort in Dayton – If you want a quirky and fun stay, this is your spot. This resort offers a range of beautifully restored vintage trailers, each with its unique charm.
• Cooper Mountain Tiny Cabin – For a true rustic cabin experience, this cabin offers a cozy loft bed, a futon for extra guests, and a small kitchenette. It’s perfect for those who want a peaceful place while still being close to some fantastic hiking trails near Portland.
• Enchanting Sunriver Cabin – This charming cabin is right in the heart of Sunriver, with two bedrooms, a rock river fireplace, and a large deck with stunning views of Mt. Hood, it’s a cozy and convenient base for your adventures.
• Cabin by Lake of the Woods – The cabin is spacious with a loft bedroom, a full-sized pull-out couch, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Enjoy the outdoors with activities like boating, fishing, and mountain biking.
• Sea Squirrel Cottage – This cozy home is among beach pines, giving it a secluded feeling while close to the beach and downtown. A private deck among the trees makes it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the coastal breeze!

MORE: Cabins in Oregon

5. Grab Some Wine and Beer

Fall is the perfect time to check out Oregon’s wine and beer scene.

The harvest season brings a buzz of activity to the vineyards and breweries, making it a fun time to visit. Here are some top spots to check out:

• Willamette Valley: Known for its Pinot Noir, this region is home to numerous wineries offering tastings and tours amid stunning fall landscapes.
• Hood River Fruit Loop: A scenic drive featuring wineries, cideries, and farm stands, perfect for a fall day trip from Portland.
• Bend Ale Trail: Explore Bend’s craft beer scene with over 30 breweries to choose from, each offering unique fall brews.
• Applegate Valley Wine Trail: A lesser-known wine region with a charming, laid-back vibe and excellent wines.
• McMinnville Wine Country: A picturesque area with a variety of wineries and tasting rooms to explore, ideal for a fall wine tasting tour.

6. Scenic Fall Road Trips

Driving around Oregon is amazing any time of the year, but throw in those dashes of fall colors, and it somehow gets even more beautiful?!

These drives are perfect for a relaxing day trip out of the city or a weekend getaway:

• Historic Columbia River Highway: America’s first scenic highway, offering dazzling views and numerous stops for fall foliage and waterfalls.
• McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway: A stunning route through volcanic landscapes, alpine forests, and fall colors.
• Steens Mountain Loop: Head east to check out this underrated spot in a desert-y fall-colored blanket.

7. Enjoy the Columbia River Gorge and Head North!

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most iconic destinations, and fall is the perfect time to visit. You may have guessed that already, though, since we’ve mentioned it a billion times in this article!

The gorge comes alive with vibrant fall colors, making it an ideal spot for hiking, sightseeing, and simply taking in the beauty of the season.

Check out Multnomah Falls, the state’s most popular waterfall. If you want to REALLY see some amazing fall colors. You’ll get even better spots by visiting Washington in the fall!

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Enjoy one of the best times to visit the PNW—in the fall!