Fall is, in our opinion, the best time of the year to get out and hit the trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Sure, the wildflowers have mostly bloomed and are gone at this point, but what you’ll find instead are alpine meadows covered in brilliant hues of orange and red, stunning golden larches that light up when they are touched by the sun, virtually no bugs so you can enjoy the days after the hike as well, and cooler temperatures which mean you won’t be lugging gallons of water up steep inclines.
This time of year, we are out on the trails almost every weekend, and with so many mountains around us, we can always find an elevation where the weather is still pleasant and the fall foliage colors are in peak season.
That means hitting the upper meadows of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood in September, and the lower elevation river trails all the way into November.
If you’re looking to get out on some incredible fall foliage hikes this year, then here are our favorite trails.
Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
There are very few trails in the country that offer up a better combo of waterfalls and fall foliage (although, hint hint, there is another one coming up in a minute) than what you’ll get on Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge.
This trail is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure as you can keep it short and hike to Punchbowl Falls or put in a more epic level day and hike all the way to Tunnel Falls.
No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to be in for a treat, especially come October/November when the maples lining the trail turn to shades of yellow and orange.
Naches Peak Loop, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
This family-friendly trail on the Eastern side of Mt. Rainier National Park is a great option for a short outing, as it is only a little over three miles long.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to neverending views of Mt. Rainier and fields of bushes turning dark reds and oranges.
Enchantments Trail, Leavenworth, Washington
Perhaps the most famous area in the Pacific Northwest for fall foliage, the Enchantments are extremely popular this time of year because of their population of larch trees that turn a brilliant golden color.
Don’t expect an easy stroll in the woods, though, as the trails leading into the Enchantments require both physical fitness and backcountry safety skills as you’ll be hiking across fields of boulders and up to high-elevation lakes where the weather can change at a moments notice.
Heather Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades National Park, Washington
The North Cascades are one of the least visited national parks in the country, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find crowds when you head out on a fall foliage hike along the Heather – Maple Pass Loop Trail.
This trail features everything incredible about the Pacific Northwest in the fall. Golden larches, brilliant red meadows, high alpine lakes, moody days, and rugged mountains.
During the short window when the larch trees are at their peak, plan on getting to this trailhead early, or you may have to leave disappointed.
Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Silver Falls State Park, located just south of Portland, Oregon, may just take the crown when it comes to waterfalls and fall foliage in the state.
Within the park, you’ll find miles of trails lined with big leaf and vine maples that transform the entire area into something out of a fairytale. Oh, and don’t forget the waterfalls, as this trail will take you by a whopping ten waterfalls in only 7 1/2 miles.
Cutthroat Pass Trail, North Cascades, Washington
Just across the street from the Heather – Maple Pass Loop trailhead, you’ll find the trailhead for Cutthroat Pass. Given their proximity, it is no surprise that this hike also features many of the same highlights that make the Heather – Maple Pass Loop so popular.
Once again, along this stunning trail, you’ll pass by golden larch, stunning alpine meadows, and moody autumn days in the high Cascades.
Timberline Trail, Mount Hood, Oregon
Mt. Hood sits (almost) right in our backyard, and one of our favorite ways to explore this stunning volcanic peak is along the Timberline Trail.
This iconic trail wraps its way around the entire mountain and with numerous entry points there are plenty of opportunities to hike for a few miles or a few days.
The elevation along the trail ranges from 3,500 feet to over 7,000 feet, so there are plenty of places to get in your early-season fall foliage fix. We love it when the mountain ash begins to turn bright red, and the upper meadows become a sea of orange.
