These Small Towns in The Pacific Northwest Come Alive in Fall
The Pacific Northwest region is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, stretching from the Oregon Coast to the Washington Mountains and continuing on into Idaho. While it's breathtaking any time of year, the area comes alive in the fall. The foliage colors in the region span beautiful hues of crimson, amber and yellow, which liven the mountains. The small towns in the Pacific Northwest have a particular charm. From hikes, such as the Captain Cook and Thor's Well trail in Yachats Oregon, to celebrating at Oktoberfest in Mount Angel, there is so much to enjoy in the Pacific Northwest Region. Here are the top small towns to check out this fall in the Pacific Northwest.
Mt Hood Village, Oregon
Mt Hood Village is a tiny village nestled on the magnificent Mount Hood. While the village may not look like much, it is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. Every autumn, the mountain slope's trees transform with reds, oranges, and yellows. It's the perfect scene to take some photos. A unique event that happens every in the village is the Hood Salmon, Mushroom and Bigfoot Festival. The festival celebrates seasonal foods, salmon nesting and the legends of Bigfoot. Some events not to miss at the fest include a huckleberry pancake breakfast, Sasquatch talks, wild mushroom harvesting and a scarecrow-making contest. The unusual celebration of fall is one you won't want to miss.
Yachats, Oregon
Another Oregon town to visit in the Pacific Northwest is Yachats. The idyllic town sits between the temperate rainforest and waves of the Pacific Ocean. In fall, the foliage along the shoreline is stunning. There is no better way to enjoy the scenery of the town than by hiking on one of the many trails. For an easy afternoon hike try the Captain Cook and Thor's Well trail. The 0.6-mile loop takes you to the water’s edge to see an interesting ocean geyser. Giant Spruce Trail is another gorgeous hike that takes you through a forest of pine and spruce to see a magnificently large tree. To see the beauty of the Pacific highlighted with crimson color, Yachats is worth a visit this fall.
Friday Harbor, Washington
If you are enjoying views of autumn by the shorelines, you will also like Friday Harbor in Washington. The town is on San Juan Island, the second largest and most populous of the San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington. While the weather is usually mild and dry, autumn is a great time to visit Friday Harbor. A popular activity in September is whale watching. September is the last month of peak whale watching season. When the leaves start to change color, this also marks the start of Savor the San Juans. This is a local celebration of food, farms and film in the San Juan Islands. One of the special events parts of the festival is Oktoberfest, featuring a German menu, beer specials and live music. Make sure to go to the event hungry! From sausages to sauerkraut there is lots of good food to try.
La Conner, Washington
Another charming town to visit in Washington this fall is La Conner. Located in the Cascade Mountains of the Skagit Valley, La Conner offers the best of fall, from stunning vistas of color-coded mountain hills to fall events such as the Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy in La Conner. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the trails in La Conner. On of the most popular is Thunder Knob trail. The 4.3-mile loop offers gorgeous views of fall foliage. La Conner is also located on the Cascade Loop, a scenic drive. In autumn you will want to slow down on this drive to enjoy the stunning surroundings of the town.
West Glacier Montana
Located at the western entrance of Glacier National Park is the cute town of West Glacier Montana. The small town has a population of under 500 and has gorgeous scenery of mountains and lush forest, transformed by golden and scarlet colors. In fall, West Glacier is a nature lovers paradise. There are tons of outdoor recreation opportunities from golfing, hiking, and biking to paddling nearby on Lake McDonald. The best route to take into town is on the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. The drive is lit with gold and yellow hues from larch and aspen leaves, making for unparalleled views of Glacier National Park. The scenic drive alone is well worth the visit to West Glacier.
Teton Idaho
Another town with a memorable drive through the mountains is Teton. The town is in Fremont County, with under 300 people. Teton has rolling hills, mountains and forests transformed by autumn. The Teton Mountains are one of Idaho's most underrated fall places. The stunning vistas are best enjoyed from a walk in the woods or a drive. One of the most peaceful fall drives you will ever take is the Teton Scenic Byway. The route takes you through the gorgeous tree-covered Teton Mountain Range, offering excellent views of fall foliage. The two-hour drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Teton's landscape in fall.
Mount Angel Oregon
Nothing says fall more than a good Oktoberfest. Mount Angel in Oregon is a town that is the grandfather of all Oktoberfests. The town has a strong German heritage. Oktoberfest in Mount Angel dates back more than 55 years. More than 400,000 visitors travel to the modest hamlet annually for the event. The fest features live music, entertainment, vendors, and lots of great food to enjoy. Local favorites such as Fish Tacos, Marionberry Cobbler and Russian perogies are popular.
Welcoming Fall in The Pacific Northwest Region
When it comes to autumn, these Pacific Northwest towns have a lot to offer. The scenic drive in Teton will leave you awestruck. Make sure to bring your camera to take some pictures of the amazing foliage. La Conner's stunning vistas of foliage will make you never want to leave. The season wouldn't be complete without experiencing Savor the San Juans in Friday Harbor. Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, crazy adventure or fall festival, the small towns in the Pacific Northwest Region have some of the best to offer. So, pack a bag and head down to the region to enjoy the foliage and good food before autumn is over!
