Oregon is known for its lush evergreen forests, however in urban areas, like Portland, deciduous trees predominate, making the city an excellent leaf-peeping destination. Golden hues emerge from bigleaf maples, vine maples add scarlet notes, while the most vivid yellow comes from quaking aspens and western larches, which are both deciduous and coniferous.
When is the best time to see fall colours in Portland, Oregon
The fall foliage season in Portland depends on the weather, which varies from year to year. October is usually the best month to travel with leaf peeping as trees begin to emerge from the beginning of the month. The fall foliage season in Portland usually falls between mid-October and early November.
Best places to see autumn foliage in Portland
Washington Park
Located in downtown Portland, Washington Park is one of the most popular places for a scenic fall stroll. Due to a wide variety of trees from different parts of the world, the park looks stunning during the changing seasons. Exploring this 410-hectare (97-ha) park will take a long time. But for the most amazing autumn experience stop at the Japanese Garden to see its amazing Japanese maples, perfect symmetry, picturesque ponds, bridges and waterfalls. This 5.5-acre (2.2-ha) park is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan. Another must-see is Hoyt Arboretum with many rare tree species to admire.
Forest Park
Forest Park, one of the largest in the country, offers 5,100 acres of nature and 70 miles of trails just a 20-minute drive northwest of downtown Portland. It features more native Pacific Northwest flora such as bigleaf maple, which appears with bright yellow against a background of evergreens. The Park Maple and Wildwood Trail Loop is the number one park attraction during the fall. This 10km trail is surrounded by old Douglas firs, western semlocks, vine maples and red alders. The trail can be easily accessed from Saltzman Road.
The autumn foliage experience in Oregon would not be complete without a walk through Portland Downtown, Old Town and along the Willamette River banks, which look especially beautiful in autumn. One of the most photographed spots in the city is the St. Johns Bridge, a steel suspension between Cathedral Park and Linnton neighbourhoods in North Portland.
When exploring Portland's many fall foliage trails, don't wait too long to get out of town and enjoy some of Oregon's best fall routes like Mt. Hood Scenic Loop and the Columbia River Highway.
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