2024's Towns In Oregon That Come Alive In The Fall

Oregon is a gorgeous coastal state that wows its visitors and residents alike with its huge variety of different landscapes within its borders. From the rolling grasslands at its eastern edges to its southern deserts, the towering peaks of the Cascades, and the rainforests lining the Pacific Ocean, Oregon truly has it all.

Although Oregon attracts most of its tourists during the summer months to its various state and national parks, today, we will cover why fall is a time you should seriously consider making your next trip to this wonderful part of the Pacific Northwest.

Silverton

Silverton is an ideal autumn destination near Salem, featuring both natural beauty and seasonal events that make the town a fun place during this time of year. Near the foothills of the Cascade Range, this town of around 11,000 residents is home to the renowned Silver Falls State Park, where the ten waterfalls become especially striking against the backdrop of autumn colors in October. Here, you are free to explore its miles of hiking trails that wind through its woods, perfect for leaf peeping.

In town, Silverton hosts a seasonal farmers market that runs until mid-October, featuring local produce and fall-themed goods in this rural area of the state.

A popular year-round attraction near downtown Silverton is the Oregon Garden, a large botanical garden that becomes even more beautiful as its foliage changes color. The Oregon Garden hosts a family-friendly pumpkin painting event in late October, where children can create and take home their own painted pumpkins.

Hood River

Hood River will transform into an autumn wonderland this year, with sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood right at its doorstep. Known as a hub for outdoor recreation all year long, this town of around 8,500 draws visitors during the fall months with scenic drives along the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile route lined with orchards, vineyards, and farmland. The route is particularly popular for apple and pear picking, pumpkin patches, and a variety of cider tastings throughout the fall.

The town also hosts the annual Hood River Harvest Fest, one of the largest fall-related festivals in the region. This festival celebrates local farmers and features fresh produce, local vendors, and live music.

For those who enjoy hiking, trails like the nearby Multnomah Falls and Rowena Crest provide some of the best views in Oregon, made all the better by the area's trees exploding with color.

Jacksonville

This small, southwestern Oregon town was founded during the 19th-century gold rush and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Yes, the entire town is officially considered a protected historic landmark, and its old streets and buildings ought to be explored by any history buffs in the area. You can learn more about Jacksonville's past at the Beekman House downtown, a former home turned museum, or take a nice walk amongst the other well-maintained storefronts and other locales along East California street.

Nearby, the 1,100-acre Britt Woods Park offers a peaceful retreat with several footpaths within its forests, much of which should be bathed in autumn colors as October rolls around.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a fall tour at one of the many vineyards in this excellent grape-growing region, whether at Daisy Creek Vineyard, Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender, or any of the many others nearby.

Sisters

Sisters, located at the edge of the Deschutes National Forest, is surrounded by a serene, forested landscape and provides its visitors with a true small-town feel. The peculiar name for this town comes from the nearby Three Sisters mountain peaks, which are gorgeous and iconic natural features that anyone visiting should make a point of seeing/going for a hike nearby.

A visit to nearby McKenzie Pass, on the other hand, will give you a look at the unique lava fields that were formed by volcanoes on the Cascade mountain chain over millennia. For hikers, the Metolius River Trail is a scenic route along the river. Another natural highlight nearby, Suttle Lake, is ideal for a peaceful fall day of hiking, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water in the crisp air.

Downtown Sisters is known for its Old West-style buildings, many of which now house businesses. While downtown, you can visit the Sisters Museum or appreciate some of the urban parks, such as the Sisters Community Labyrinth or Village Green City Park.

Ashland

Ashland sits right near Oregon's southern border with California and is a popular stop along Interstate 5. While Ashland is perhaps most famous for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival earlier in the year, this whimsical town also offers cozy cafes, bookstores, and art galleries to enjoy as the weather cools down, not to mention the numerous parks and natural features nearby.

Lithia Park, in the center of town, becomes a spectacle in autumn as the park’s towering trees turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The park’s 93 acres feature walking paths, ponds, and gardens, making it a perfect place to experience the vibrant foliage without having to stray too far into the wild.

Beyond the park, Ashland sits at the foot of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, providing easy access to a number of world-class hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail, one of the longest trails in the United States, is accessible from Ashland too, and many opt to hike nearby sections of it as the weather cools and becomes more favorable for longer walks in the mountains.

Astoria

Astoria is on the tip of Oregon's northern coast, a less than 2-hour drive northwest of Portland. Its iconic Victorian homes and historic sites, such as the Astoria Column (a vantage point that is high above the town and gives a 360-degree view of the region), are set against the backdrop of the mighty Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, making for a wonderful mix of historic intrigue and natural delight for all who come.

For nature and history lovers alike, the nearby Lewis and Clark National Historical Park has extensive trails, ranging in length and difficulty, through lush coastal forests that are particularly beautiful during the season. The park also offers a chance to explore the history of the region, tracing the footsteps of the famous American explorers who ended their continent-spanning journey here and ultimately gave the park its name.

Astoria’s historic downtown is a place where you could easily spend a day exploring. During the weeks coming up to Halloween, the Astoria Ghost Tour Underground is a chilling yet popular way to learn about the town's past and some of its spookiest locales.

Discover Oregon’s Fall Magic

Whether you want to explore a vibrant forest in the mountains, check out a farmers market to buy up some of the season's harvest or go on a spooky ghost tour this Halloween, Oregon has it all when it comes to fall activities. This vast coastal state is no slouch when it comes to eye-popping foliage as the days grow shorter, and with iconic parks like Crater Lake, the Columbia River Gorge, Smith Rock, and countless others, it becomes all the more beautiful at this time of the year. Be sure to check it out, and stop off at these amazing towns while you're at it.