In the list of suggested scenic drives below, shorter drives you can complete in one day are listed first, followed by longer drives where you might want to include an overnight stay. And, if hiking is more to your liking, check out Washington Trails Association Hi-Lo Hikes for Fall Colors (wta.org).įall color between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth photo by Brian Holsclaw ( CC2) Or for still more easy walks, check out our 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color. We’ve avoided long or strenuous walks or hikes in the Cascades or Olympic Mountains. For more suggestions on fall hikes, visit Washington Trails Association, or for viewing fall colors in remote areas, visit USDA Forest Service viewing plants page. Once you’re at the destination (or on the way) we’ve suggested walks on easy to moderate trails. Realistically, drive times will be longer, as your drive times may average lower than 60mph or you take more or longer breaks. The roundtrip time calculates time using a steady driving speed of 60 miles per hour, trail walks at 20 minutes per mile, and adds 30-minute rest stops or scenic breaks every two hours. To help you plan, we’ve suggested a minimum roundtrip time. Most of the scenic drives in the lists below are a full day trip (or longer), including travel time from Seattle and return, plus any trail walks. Our list of suggested routes travel through several western Washington, and some eastern Washington counties, including Whatcom, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, King, Chelan, Kittitas, Pierce, Lewis, and Yakima counties. Scenic drives for Washington State fall color So we’re guessing this is also off by 1-2 weeks.īut keep an eye out for trees in your neighborhood and prepare to get on the road when change begins. Western Washington foothills are expected to peak October 2-9, beginning around September 25 and ending around October 16.But our visual check on September 25 indicates we are 1-2 weeks away from significant fall color around the city. Puget Sound region is estimated to peak between Sept 25-Oct 2, beginning around September 18 and ending around October 9.The 2023 Fall Foliage Map & Nationwide Peak Leaf Forecast () predictions: Expect a three-week color season starting earlier than average. Predictions for the coming season are usually updated in September by the national fall foliage map published .Īs of August 2023, Seattle is expecting warmer-than-average temperatures and below-average precipitation through September, though these extremes are less than we experienced in 2022. Paradise meadows covered with autumn colors at Mount Rainier National Park photo by neelsky via iStockphotos by Getty Images 2023 Fall Foliage predictions for Washington State In addition, shrubs and ground covers add still more color and texture, such as witch hazel, Oregon grape, dogwoods, spiraea, and native berries. But in any year, you can still experience breathtaking hues of red, orange, and yellow, primarily from maple, ash, and aspen trees. However, foliage color is weather dependent and can change abruptly especially due to heavy rains or wind, as well as unseasonable temperatures (either too warm or too cold). After dry or hot summers, fall foliage in Washington is especially vibrant. The Farmer’s Almanac fall color prediction list estimates peak color in Washington State every year is between October 12-28. The primary viewing period for Western Washington color is October. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions.
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