When you’re asked about your favorite color, do you answer with “October?” You’re not alone. Autumn is the most popular season in Washington thanks to our cooler (but not cold) weather and the beautiful fall colors that surround us. Visit as many of these 11 spots as possible before winter arrives so you can experience it firsthand.
- Seattle Japanese Gardens, 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E, Seattle
Jeff N / Yelp
Michelle C / Yelp The Japanese Gardens are located on the property of the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum. The incredible autumn hues here are almost overwhelming. This might be the most amazing place in the state to visit during fall.
- John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd., Spokane
Laura H. / TripAdvisor You’ll find this picturesque public arboretum on Spokane’s Sunset Hill. It contains about 2,000 trees and shrubs, and it’s currently in its full fall glory.
- Mount Baker Scenic Byway, near Bellingham
Roxeann T. / TripAdvisor Beginning just west of Bellingham and leading up to Artist Point, the Mount Baker Scenic Byway is a destination in and of itself.
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue
Miss Ninja / Yelp Bellevue’s Botanical Gardens are open from dawn to dusk every day and offer 53 acres of stunning display gardens, meadows and woodlands.
- Walla Walla wine country
Marcus Ward / Flickr The vineyards of Walla Walla are stunning in any season, but they look especially magical in October and November.
- The Leavenworth area
Pictoscribe This entire city became an autumn masterpiece in late September with colorful fall foliage everywhere you look. Even if Oktoberfest isn’t your thing, you won’t taking a road trip to see it this season.
- Mount Rainier
louelke / Flickr From its numerous hiking trails to the breathtaking beauty of the mountain itself, fall is an excellent time to visit this gorgeous part of Washington.
- Watershed Park, 2500 Henderson Blvd SE, Olympia
Lucie G / Yelp This beautiful urban park has a great 1.5-mile hiking trail perfect for enjoying the colorful fall leaves.
- Columbia River Gorge
Roger M / Yelp Drive along Highway 14 to see lively fall hues from the Washington side of the Columbia River. Make sure to stop at Beacon Rock State Park for a picnic.
- Lake Wenatchee
Chris Devaraj / Flickr Lake Wenatchee sits halfway between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth. With expansive views and 12,000 feet of waterfront, this spot is perfect for photo ops.
- Green Lake Park, 7201 Green Lake Trail, Seattle
Dan W / Yelp There’s never a bad time to walk, bike or run around Seattle’s Green Lake, but this is an especially colorful time of year to enjoy it.
These are just a few examples of some of the best spots in the state to enjoy the rich fall hues. Here are some other options.
Jeff N / Yelp
Michelle C / Yelp
The Japanese Gardens are located on the property of the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum. The incredible autumn hues here are almost overwhelming. This might be the most amazing place in the state to visit during fall.
Laura H. / TripAdvisor
You’ll find this picturesque public arboretum on Spokane’s Sunset Hill. It contains about 2,000 trees and shrubs, and it’s currently in its full fall glory.
Roxeann T. / TripAdvisor
Beginning just west of Bellingham and leading up to Artist Point, the Mount Baker Scenic Byway is a destination in and of itself.
Miss Ninja / Yelp
Bellevue’s Botanical Gardens are open from dawn to dusk every day and offer 53 acres of stunning display gardens, meadows and woodlands.
Marcus Ward / Flickr
The vineyards of Walla Walla are stunning in any season, but they look especially magical in October and November.
Pictoscribe
This entire city became an autumn masterpiece in late September with colorful fall foliage everywhere you look. Even if Oktoberfest isn’t your thing, you won’t taking a road trip to see it this season.
louelke / Flickr
From its numerous hiking trails to the breathtaking beauty of the mountain itself, fall is an excellent time to visit this gorgeous part of Washington.
Lucie G / Yelp
This beautiful urban park has a great 1.5-mile hiking trail perfect for enjoying the colorful fall leaves.
Roger M / Yelp
Drive along Highway 14 to see lively fall hues from the Washington side of the Columbia River. Make sure to stop at Beacon Rock State Park for a picnic.
Chris Devaraj / Flickr
Lake Wenatchee sits halfway between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth. With expansive views and 12,000 feet of waterfront, this spot is perfect for photo ops.
Dan W / Yelp
There’s never a bad time to walk, bike or run around Seattle’s Green Lake, but this is an especially colorful time of year to enjoy it.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
