26 Iconic Places To Enjoy Fall in the Pacific Northwest

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is the prime time for hiking, biking, enjoying wildlife, enjoying local events, and getting cozy with your beau!

If you’re looking for the best fall weekend getaways in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve come to the right place!

Berty and I have spent over a decade enjoying the PNW in the fall, and we can confidently say it’s one of our favorites times of year. Something about the combination of changing leaves, crisp air, and fog is just perfection!

Keep reading to learn all about which Pacific Northwest weekend getaways for fall are perfect for you, and things you can do there!

The Best Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaways For Fall

Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaways for Fall (WASHINGTON)

1. Leavenworth

Visiting Leavenworth in the fall is a great option for family getaways or a couple’s weekend trip from Seattle.

Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-inspired town with TONS of cute shops, iconic restaurants, and epic mountain views.

While visiting Leavenworth in the fall, be sure to attend the Autumn Leaf Festival in September. Here, you can experience a joyful parade, German entertainment and dancing, and banquets!

During your visit, stay at the local Haus Rohrbach bed and breakfast. You can also rent a cabin, relax at the NaMu Lodge, check out Leavenworth’s hotels, or camp at the Leavenworth KOA.

2. Mount Rainier

Being one of two “14ers” in Washington State, Mount Rainier is a special place in the PNW and a weekend getaway. It is perfect for adventurers who like to hike, bike, camp, or just enjoy the view!

What makes this place so special in the fall? There is less of a crowd (peak season is in the summer), so you’ll get to discover the alluring mountain with more solitude.

This makes visiting Mount Rainier one of the best fall trips in the Pacific Northwest!

Mount Rainier National Park is such a cool place for families, outdoorsy-folk, and individuals to camp. Because the campgrounds are so close to the mountain, they offers visitors with a wealth of adventurous opportunities (rates start at $20 per campsite)

Remember: Through September 2nd, A timed entry reservation is required to enter the Paradise and Sunrise Corridors. You can get a permit online (America the Beautiful Pass/Senior Passes count, too!). Fun fact, 4th graders and their families can enter parks for free with the Every Kid Outdoors pass!

On October 1st, the historic Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad will host Rails to Ales where you can admire the beautiful fall foliage.

You can also enjoy the fall colors along the Pinnacle Peak Trail (2.5-miles, round trip) or Lakes Trail (3-mile loop) at the Reflection Lakes.

3. Chuckanut Drive

One of the best Washington scenic drives in the fall is Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11).

Chuckanut Drive is a great PNW activity for seniors, families, and individuals alike. This is because you can enjoy the drive from your car or stop at attractions along the way. Some of the most popular stops are flower fields, farms, and breweries!

The drive spans 25 miles from Burlington to Bellingham, takes about 40 minutes to drive without stops, and is best in the fall when the maple tree leaves change to yellow, orange, and red!

In the area, consider glamping at Evergreen Gardens in Bellingham or Pleasant Ridge bed and breakfast in Mount Vernon.

4. Apple Picking in Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and the Columbia Basin

Apple picking in Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and the Columbia Basin is the perfect PNW activity for families in the fall.

Explore the 45 acres of Barrett Orchards or Annie’s Fun Farm for ultimate fall vibes and family fun!

There are also local fruit stands everywhere, so you can enjoy fresh produce while on your fall getaway in the Pacific Northwest.

Check out Tieton Cider Works–one of many cideries in the area–or Valley Brewing Co. for local beer.

If you’re up for a day trip while in the area, check out Lake Wenatchee to hike the Hidden Lake trail, enjoy the peaceful wilderness and glassy lake, and the beach.

While in Wenatchee, stay at the Warms Springs Inn & Winery for ~$325 per night or camp on a budget at Lincoln Rock State Park ($32 per night, Discover Pass required).

What about on the East Side? Spend some time exploring Greenbluff near Spokane for a family-friendly fall getaways!

5. Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is an easy, 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle, making it the perfect day trip from Seattle for couples, seniors, and families (and those who love wine)!

There are lots of wine tasting rooms like Amelia Wynn Winery, Eagle Harbor Winery, and Eleven Winery where you can enjoy local wine.

There are also beautiful local parks like the Bloedel Reserve and museums like the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge History Museum, and Kids Discovery Museum.

Visiting Bainbridge Island is an easy day trip from Seattle, but if you’re hoping to extend your visit, check out this private Cabin in the Woods or relax at the Eagle Harbor Inn for overnight stays downtown.

6. Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park is the place to go, if you consider yourself an adventurer or love road trips!

Take a Twilight tour of Forks, Washington where the movies were filmed and hike among the enchanting trees and unique biome in the Hoh Rainforest.

You could also take a beginner Washington backpacking trip to Upper Lena Lake in the Olympic Mountains (challenging 14 miles round trip with 3,900’ elevation gain).

We also love Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula Loop and Ruby Beach, which features unique sea stacks, driftwood, and tide pools!

If you’re interested in camping near Washington’s beaches, stay overnight at the Mora Campground near Rialto Beach.

Read more: 45 Essential Olympic National Park Packing List Items

7. Spokane, Washington

Found in Eastern Washington, Spokane is a great stop to take in the fall!

It’s also a gateway city to even more of the Inland Northwest Pacific Northwest. You can access the city along the Palouse Scenic Byway (if you’re coming from Boise) or drive 4 hours via I-90 from Seattle.

In the area, explore the vast gardens of Manito Park near Downtown Spokane. A little farther north, visit Greenbluff for corn mazes, apple picking, and fresh produce (a classic local fall experience!).

You can also enjoy Spokane Falls from the Skyride Gondola (tickets from $7.95-$12.95) or explore the greater Spokane River while walking along the Centennial Trail or hiking in Riverside State Park.

You can also enjoy popular coffee shops and restaurants in the city, such as Indaba Coffee, Revival Tea Company (you can find boba here, too!), RÜT Bar & Kitchen, Versalia Pizza, and The Flying Goat.

If you’re planning on staying overnight in Spokane, check out the historic Davenport Hotel or Ruby River Inn near the water!

8. Snohomish Farms

The Snohomish area is known for its farms with pumpkin patches and orchards, making it the perfect place to take a cute fall photo of the kids!

Enjoy local produce at Bailey Farm, Craven Farm (also a wedding venue!), Swans Trail Farms, or Thomas Family Farm.

You can also get local produce and enjoy fun fall vibes at the Snohomish Farmers Market, which runs every Thursday from 3-7pm, May through September.

In the area, you can stay at the Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge, starting at $300 per night.

9. Cle Elum

You’ll find tons of things to do at the Suncadia Resort and general Suncadia area in Cle Elum. Featuring a jaw-dropping view of Washington’s mountains in the fall, this is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway or extended stay with the family.

The Suncadia Resort and surrounding area has tons of things to do, including river floating, hiking, golfing, axe throwing, yoga/fitness classes, mountain biking, disc golf, and the spa here!

After your day of discovering the wonders of Suncadia, relax at Swiftwater Cellars for a wine tasting and charcuterie board.

To amp up the experience, stay at any of the unique lodging options at the Suncadia Resort to enjoy all the amenities and activities in the resort.

10. Methow Valley

The Methow Valley is a gorgeous ravine in central Washington that’s perfect for families and couples. It’s an area that sits at the foothills of North Cascades National Park.

While in the area, stay overnight in Winthrop, WA at the Mt. Gardner Inn and explore the cute restaurants in the small town. Meza and Arrowleaf Bistro are popular options with great vibes in Winthrop.

If you love being outdoors, check out Maple Pass Loop– one of the most popular Washington hiking trails in the fall that highlights Pacific Northwest fall foliage (moderately challenging 7.2 miles round trip with 2,020’ elevation gain).

The Methow River is another great outdoor location where you can enjoy the cooler temperatures and variegated aspen leaves as they turn to bright oranges and yellows.

If you’re up for a unique experience in Methow Valley, you can also go on a 1.5-hour horseback ride with Sun Mountain Lodge for $25-95 (available May through October).

11. Hike Parts of the Pacific Crest Trail

One of the best fall hikes in Washington is doing sections of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail!

Cutthroat Pass (challenging 10 miles round trip with 2,000’ elevation gain) and Kendall Katwalk Trail (challenging 12 miles round trip with 2,600’ elevation gain) are the most popular for spotting fall foliage and are the perfect activity for hard-core adventurers.

This is one of the best Pacific Northwest fall getaways in September. Because of the high mountain elevation, any later than September, you’ll risk the trails being covered in early season snow!

In the area, stay at the Denny Creek Campground, but be sure to make a reservation in advance, as it’s a popular campground!

If you plan on going on these more challenging hikes, be sure you have proper footwear, have the right gear, and follow hiking trail etiquette!

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Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaways for Fall (OREGON)

12. North Willamette Valley

North Willamette Valley is the perfect Pacific Northwest weekend getaway for fall if you love wine. It’s a 150-mile long valley in Oregon that has over 500 wineries!

To experience “Cellar Season,” visit the North Willamette Valley in late fall and early winter and book a wine tasting in the cozy cellars of estates.

While there are tons of options to choose from (including kid-friendly locations!), King Estate is a cool winery near Eugene which features sustainably grown wines. You can also enjoy stunning vineyard views at Apollioni Vineyards and Johan Vineyards.

If you’re feeling fancy, stay at The Allison–a super bougie romantic Oregon resort in a vineyard!

13. Cannon Beach

For a quieter time by the ocean, visit Cannon Beach in the fall.

Here, you can explore tide pools, go on long walks along the beach, have a beach bonfire, and enjoy views of the iconic Haystack Rock (and potentially see puffins!).

While in the area, hike the Crescent Beach Trail in Ecola State Park (2 miles out and back with 488’ elevation gain), then grab a bite to eat at the Lazy Susan Cafe.

Stay at the Surfsand Resort for chill vibes while visiting Cannon Beach or visit the area as a day trip from Portland!

14. Central Oregon

Did you know there is, on average, 300 days of sunshine in central Oregon?

Not only does it have stellar weather, central Oregon is chock-full of fun outdoor activities for adventurers, low-key museums for seniors, and excursions for families.

Here are but a few great options of things to do in central Oregon during your fall getaway:

• Explore Powell Butte for hiking, biking, horse riding, and views of Mount Hood (check out the easy Mountain View Trail!)
• Discover the beauty of Bend, Oregon where you can visit the High Desert Museum, visit the Bend Farmers Market (May through October), go mountain biking, and so much more!
• Explore the “climber’s paradise” and unique rock formations of Smith Rock State Park
• Stay overnight at the luxurious Brasada Ranch–an all-adults resort, perfect for a romantic getaway in the Pacific Northwest.

15. Sisters, Oregon

Sisters, Oregon is full of great lodging options. We suggest staying at Fivepine Lodge or Suttle Lodge for ultimate relaxation and connection with nature.

There’s also great hiking and cycling in the area for those who love the PNW wilderness. From here, you’ll have complete access to the Three Sisters Wilderness, Willamette National Forest, and Deschutes National Forest.

These areas are full of epic hikes like the easy Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls Trail (0.9 miles with 144’ elevation gain) and the moderately challenging Tam McArthur Rim Trail (5.3 miles with 1,246’ elevation gain).

There’s no better way to enjoy the fall colors than by hiking in the forests near Sisters, Oregon!

16. Eastern Oregon

Fall is a great time to plan an Eastern Oregon road trip. The weather is not roasting outside and you get the area completely to yourself!

Willow Creek Hot Springs in Eastern Oregon is definitely a destination you should include in your fall weekend getaway, especially as it’s so isolated.

We also suggest traveling to Leslie Gulch and the Owyhee Wilderness to discover the super cool rock formations for yourself.

It’s super remote, so it’s the perfect place for those who are looking for more solitude in the wilderness–just make sure you plan ahead (like using our DIY car emergency kit!) and pack all the essentials for remote camping here!

In this area, you can camp at the Slocum Creek Campground in Leslie Gulch. You can also check out Dyrt PRO to find free camping, especially in remote places!

17. Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best fall getaways in the Pacific Northwest and adventurous weekend trips from Portland for its waterfalls, things to do, and unique lodging options.

An added plus is that the Columbia River Gorge features stunning changing leaves in the fall that you won’t want to miss!

The peak time to see the Columbia River Gorge fall foliage is late September through October.

Not only is it one of the best areas to hike in the Pacific Northwest, there are also tons of accessible viewpoints and waterfalls off of the highway that are perfect for seniors and families (shout-out Multnomah Falls!).

If you’re hoping for a less strenuous way to see the fall foliage, go on a horseback riding excursion with Northwest Lake Riding Stables, which is open until the end of October.

You could also book a jet boat tour and see the Gorge via the Columbia River!

Check out the Society Hotel or Skamania Lodge for unique places to stay in the Columbia River Gorge and a restful stay while exploring the area.

18. Pacific City, Oregon

Pacific City is known for its quiet beaches, tide pools, sea stacks, and Pacific Ocean views.

Whether you’re there for the entire weekend or in the area to explore the coast, it’s an excellent Pacific Northwest destination in the fall.

Be sure to go on the nearby adventure exploring the Three Capes Scenic Loop Drive, which features Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda, and Cape Meares.

This is the perfect adventure for families, couples, outdoorsy folks, and seniors, because you can stay in the car and enjoy the views or go full adventure mode and get out at every stop.

While in the area, take the whole family to the Tillamook Cheese Factory where you can go on a self-guided tour, enjoy their famous grilled cheese, and eat a scoop of ice cream.

19. Portland

Being the largest city in Oregon, Portland is full of opportunity and unique experiences you won’t forget.

For one, the food in Portland is amazing. Check out the Feast Portland food festival in September to enjoy the vast array of food trucks and locally celebrated restaurants on your fall getaway.

There are also plenty of locally beloved annual events happening in the fall, including Portland Open Studios, the Queer Film Festival, and the Portland Book Festival.

During the fall, Oregon Wine Country is harvesting, so it’s the perfect time for a couple’s romantic getaway or girl’s trip!

Stay at the Hi-Lo Hotel or The Ritz-Carlton ($$$) for the ultimate glamorous experience while in Portland.

In mid-October, fall temperatures drop to around 60ºF (around 20ºC) during the day and nights are cooler. You should definitely pack a cozy sweater and raincoat during your fall getaway to Portland!

Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaways for Fall (IDAHO)

20. Sun Valley

Sun Valley is located in southern Idaho and is one of the best PNW destinations in the fall, because of the relaxing atmosphere and outdoor adventure options.

Sun Valley is known for its excellent fly fishing at the Silver Creek Preserve (take a guided tour of the area!), Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs, and Sawtooth National Forest.

Time your visit during the Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival each October to enjoy local festivities and beautiful scenery. Get your tickets soon, they sell out fast!

While in Sun Valley, stay at Hotel Ketchum ($$) and, for those looking to explore the outdoors while in the area, rent bikes or store your own gear at their ‘gear garage.’

21. Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is an all-inclusive eastern PNW destination that is perfect for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

The best part about visiting the Schweitzer Mountain Resort is that you can stay overnight or enjoy the resort for a day. (It’s a perfect day trip from Spokane!)

Bring the entire family to enjoy lift rides up the mountain, horseback rides through the fall foliage, kids crafts, e-bike rides, mountain biking, and more! If you’re up for exploring the area by hiking, follow the trails on the Schweitzer Trail Map.

Making your fall weekend a romantic getaway? Spend your time at Schweitzer relaxing at the Cambium Spa with your beau.

In the evenings, check out the nearby city of Sandpoint (20 minutes from Schweitzer) and visit  Powder Hound Pizza ($) for dinner then Utara Brewing Co. for local beer.

22. Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho is the largest city in Idaho and found in the southwestern part of the state.

For the outdoorsy folks, rent a bike from MCU Sports and ride the greenbelt. Or, if you’re staying at the Inn at 500, you can use their complimentary bikes. The city is extremely bikeable and you can get basically anywhere by bike!

If you’re up for staying within the city, check out the adorable mom & pop shops, tree-lined streets, and beautiful homes in the city, among other many things to do in Boise!

23. McCall, Idaho

Not only is this city a wonderful winter destination, McCall, Idaho is a great place for a fall cabin getaway. Check out the Scandia Inn ($$) for beautiful views and cozy nights!

In McCall, you’ll find a cute town with local mom & pop restaurants like Frenchie’s and Pueblo Lindo.

Outside downtown, you can explore the beautiful lakefront at Ponderosa State Park and go golfing at McCall Golf Club. There’s a great mix of family-friendly activities in the area and those more suitable for adults.

While exploring Idaho during your fall getaway, soak in Burgdorf Hot Springs, Trail Creek Hot Springs, or Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. It’s always so relaxing to visit hot springs and get some solitude in the PNW!

For the hikers, trek the Blue Lake Trail near Cascade, Idaho (moderately challenging, 1.6 miles out and back with 380’ elevation gain).

Pacific Northwest Weekend Getaways for Fall (BRITISH COLUMBIA)

24. Victoria

Victoria is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway in the fall.

Whether you take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle for a fun day trip in Victoria or spend the entire weekend there, you will have plenty of fun things to do to fill your time!

Here are some fun fall activities in Victoria for you to check out:

• Explore the Fisgard Lighthouse
• Learn about local history at the Royal BC Museum
• Become friends with local fisherman at Fisherman’s Wharf
• Explore the gardens and take a tour of Hatley Castle
• Go thrift/vintage shopping in Chinatown

Victoria is known for its food scene, and there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. Some popular restaurants include the farm to table 10 Acres Bistro, Maiiz Nixtamal in Chinatown, vegan pizza at Virtuous Pie, and amazing Italian cuisine at Il Terrazzo (reservation recommended).

There are also many trendy coffee shops, boba shops, bakeries, and tea locations in Victoria, so don’t skip your opportunity for an afternoon snack!

Plan on staying overnight? Go big at the Empress Hotel ($$$) on the water or take a water taxi across the bay to the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort ($$$).

25. Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver is such a fun weekend getaway from Seattle in the fall. You can even have a great 24 hours in Vancouver, if you’re short on time!

In Vancouver, spend the day downtown and explore the indoor Granville Island Public Market. In the afternoon, take the elevator up the Vancouver Lookout ($13.25-$18.25), and grab coffee at Revolver Coffee.

To complete your stay, book a relaxing room at the Victorian Hotel ($$) or the affordable YWCA Hotel Vancouver ($).

26. Vancouver Island Road Trip

Going on a longer Vancouver Island road trip? Rent a campervan from Outdoorsy ($$) to explore the entire island or camp at any of the island’s many campgrounds along the way.

Vancouver Island is perfect for adventurers and those who love the enchanting forests of the PNW. Here, you can expect quiet beaches, tons of uncrowded trails, and quaint towns along the way.

While touring the northeastern side of the island, check out Cathedral Grove. Afterwards, hike to the Hole-In-The-Wall, get a delicious chicken sandwich at the Wildflower Cafe, and grab coffee at Grassroots.

On the southwestern side, be sure to visit Tofino for epic hikes, surfing, and unique lodging.

Read more: The Complete Tofino Packing List (+1 Free Checklist!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pacific Northwest nice in the fall?

Autumn weekend getaways in the Pacific Northwest are honestly on another level!

As the temperatures drop, the deciduous trees begin to change while the evergreens remain, local wineries and farms begin their fall harvest, and exciting festivals are in full swing.

The PNW is the perfect place to hike in the fall, as it’s less hot and you still get to enjoy all the beautiful features of the area.

What is the best place to see fall colors in the Pacific Northwest?

Pacific Northwest fall foliage looks quite different from its northeastern counterparts! While Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire dominate the oranges, reds, and yellows of the deciduous trees, the PNW has much more greenery sprinkled in.

The best places to see fall colors in the PNW is in the Cascade Mountains!

Pacific Northwest Fall Bucket List

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