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

Washington is a nature lover's paradise in the Pacific Northwest at any time of the year. With several world-class state and national parks, numerous ski resorts, and a huge variety of different landscapes, including coastal forests, snowcapped mountains, and rolling plains, there is simply no shortage of things to see and do for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're planning a trip to this great state this fall, finding the best towns to stay in may be one of the most complex parts of the process. Today, we will cover a number of excellent small towns that are perfect to stop off at during your next autumn adventure.

Leavenworth

If you're in central Washington, Leavenworth is one of the most unique and fun towns to stop off at. Situated near the Cascade Mountains, it transforms into a ski town during the winter season, but if you're here in the fall, there are still plenty of seasonal activities to partake in.

For the best views of the area, head to Waterfront Park, where trails along the Wenatchee River are made all the better by the changing colors of the trees lining its banks. The nearby Icicle Ridge Trail also offers panoramic views of the landscape and is also best hiked in this season anyway, as the sometimes sweltering summer temperatures in the area begin to cool down.

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Leavenworth's orchards, where you can pick apples or pears, two crops this region of Washington is renowned for. Be sure to sample cider, or wine (another popular product made in this rich grape-growing area) at one one many tasting rooms in town, WooHoo Winery Tasting Room being one of several popular options dowtown.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon offers a picturesque autumn escape just north of Seattle, especially with its proximity to Little Mountain Park. The park’s many viewpoints offer unobstructed views of the Valley, where its trees turn golden along the banks of the Skagit River. The easy-access trails and picnic areas here make it a great spot for fall leaf-peeping and leisurely outdoor activities. The cooler weather also makes it a prime time to explore nearby Deception Pass State Park, where hikers can check out the autumn colors along its coastal trails.

October in Mount Vernon brings the annual Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms, where you can tour local working farms, enjoy hayrides, and pick pumpkins. Local farm stands will be selling fresh produce like apples, squash, and homemade jams as well.

Winthrop

Tucked in the Methow Valley, Winthrop is an amazing place to stay in the North Cascades of Washington, on its western side more specifically, which sees much smaller crowds than its coastal half. The drive along the North Cascades Highway to Winthrop is a breathtaking journey in itself, where views of mountains from just outside your passenger windows can be soaked in.

Once in town, many opt to check out Pearrygin Lake State Park, where easy trails can be found skirting along its shores. Fall is an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the valley's other scenic hiking and biking trails, whether at Patterson Mountain, Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge, or any of dozens of other options. The Methow River, running through town, is also a prime spot for fly fishing.

In late October, the town hosts the Winthrop Harvest Fest, celebrating the season with pumpkin carving contests, a scarecrow festival, and wagon rides.

Chelan

Chelan is the main town along the southern shores of Lake Chelan, one of the largest bodies of water in Washington. A walk along the lakeside Chelan Riverwalk Park is the best way to get a look at its deep blue waters and the lofty mountains surrounding it. For more expansive views, take a drive up to Echo Ridge, where panoramic views of the valley’s fall colors stretch out beneath you.

This season in Lake Chelan also brings a wealth of seasonal activities. October is the ideal time for wine enthusiasts to tour the local vineyards during the Lake Chelan Crush Festival, where you can participate in grape stomping, wine tastings, and vineyard tours. Or, go to a vineyard yourself, with options including nearby Vin Du Lac Winery and Karma Vineyards.

Bainbridge Island

A short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island, is a great way to escape the city for an afternoon. Known for its gardens and lush woodlands, it makes for a splendid place to go for a walk this fall.

The Bloedel Reserve is perhaps the best spot to witness the island’s autumn colors, with its 150 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds surrounded by maples, birches, and oaks in brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange. The Japanese Garden within the reserve also provides particularly picturesque scenes.

The island’s farms supply the farmer's market, which is open every Saturday until November. Locally grown produce and artisan goods can be found here, and you can also check out the Bainbridge Island Harvest Fair in late September, featuring farm tours, apple cider pressing, and traditional crafts.

Port Townsend

If you are looking to spend some time on the Olympic Peninsula this autumn, Port Townsend is among the best places to spend some time, with its well-maintained Victorian-era architecture downtown and proximity to some of the best national and state parks in the entire country.

Fort Worden Historical State Park is a great destination to start your trip here, with several idyllic trails meandering through its coastal forests on Puget Sound and a former military base that is open to exploration. Moreover, Port Townsend is located just east of Olympic National Park, a vast natural preserve with steep mountains, dense rainforests, and numerous trails, visitor centers, and other amenities. The Later months of the year generally experience heavy rainfall, but that also means fewer crowds. Be sure to dress appropriately!

See The Best Spots in Washington State to Visit this Fall

Whether you are looking to hike at a rainforest, mountain, or lake, partake in a local festival, or simply try some fresh apple cider, Washington is filled with fun activities for everyone this autumn. From the Olympic Mountains to the Cascades, which run down the center of the state and beyond, these small towns make great pitstops for your journey, if not full-blown attractions themselves. Enjoy these, and the many other cozy communities in the Evergreen State as 2024 comes to an end.