Best Places for Fall Color Near Portland Oregon

Oregon is one of the most underrated places to see Fall colors. From Mount Hood to the Oregon Coast, Fall brings a variety of red, orange, and yellow leaves across the state. Take an Autumn adventure to the best places to see Fall color in or near Portland, Oregon mentioned below.

When to See Fall Colors in Portland, Oregon

places to see fall color in Portland Oregon

Peak fall foliage in Portland Oregon varies but usually occurs in mid to late October. You can check a fall foliage prediction map to help plan for peak fall colors. Keep in mind that fall colors may vary across the state of Oregon, and just because the leaves look one way in Portland they may look different in other places.

The leaves in the mountains will change earlier than in the town. You can expect to see fall colors by Mount Hood starting in September. Areas further South and closer to the coast in Oregon won’t change until later in the season.

Fall Colors in Portland

There are plenty of places to see Fall colors in Portland without even leaving the city. While you can also find changing leaves in the many neighborhoods and streets throughout Portland, you can also visit the places below for a brilliant display of Fall.

Portland Japanese Garden

Location: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Cost: $18.95 per adult ticket
Parking: Park at the Garden or in the nearby lots, $2 per hour

The Portland Japanese Garden is known for being one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. So if you can’t make it to Japan in Autumn, this is the next best thing!

Fall is the best time to visit the Portland Japanese Garden! Japanese maples can be found throughout the garden turning brilliant shades of orange and red throughout October. One lace leaf maple in particular is a famous photo spot for photographers.

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden’s Website to follow the fall foliage status to plan your visit.

The Japanese Garden is located near Washington Park in Northwest Portland. You can take public transit to the garden or drive and park in the garden’s lot or in Washington Park, although spaces are limited.

Hoyt Arboretum

Location: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221
Cost: Free Admission
Parking: $2 per hour in the lots around Washington Park

Found in Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum is a beautiful park that spans 190 acres and 12 miles of hiking trails. This park is the perfect spot to get outside for a Fall hike, only two miles from downtown Portland.

Check out the trail map to follow one of the many trails that crisscross the park. You can find all sorts of colors in the thousands of species of trees in the arboretum. This includes trees such as red maples and yellow quaking aspens.

Some of the best trails include the Maple Trail and the stunning Redwood Trail. Make sure to visit the Redwood Deck to see one of the most photogenic spots in the park year-round. Use the Hoyt Arboretum Map to help plan your fall hike.

To visit Hoyt Arboretum you can take the MAX rail, TriMet Bus Line 63, or park in one of two parking lots or at limited trailhead parking.

Fall Color near Portland

If you are willing to venture a little further from the city, there are many other options to see Fall colors near Portland. Go on a scenic drive or a Fall hike in the Columbia River Gorge or Mount Hood for some fantastic leaf-peeping.

Mount Hood National Forest

Location: Near Sandy, Oregon
Cost: Pay for Parking Pass
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annually or $5 per day)

Mount Hood is a great place to see fall color near Portland early in Autumn. While Portland’s fall colors may not peak until October, higher elevations at Mount Hood will usually change color in September.

There are lots of trail options to hike through the fall leaves in Mount Hood National Forest. The Timberline Trail that encircles Mount Hood will have plenty of foliage to see. For a short fall hike, start at the Timberline Lodge, an hour and a half drive from Portland, and hike the Timberline Trail to ZigZag Canyon.

The waterfalls around Mount Hood will also be flowing in Fall! Ramona Falls is a beautiful waterfall on a 7-mile loop near Mount Hood.

Columbia River Gorge

Location: Between Portland and Hood River, Oregon
Cost: Pay for Parking Pass
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annually or $5 per day)

The Columbia River Gorge is worth a visit any time of year and Fall is no exception. This popular spot near Portland is sure to have plenty of Fall color peeking out between the pines.

Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway, and you will see plenty of Fall colors. A few spots to visit include the Vista House and Multnomah Falls. Once the rainy season begins the falls will be flowing in the gorge and there are plenty of other trails to pick from.

Hood River

Location: Hood River, Oregon
Cost: Varies by Activity
Parking: Varies by Activity

Hood River is the perfect Fall day trip from Portland. Apples are ready for harvest in September and October and Hood River is the perfect place for fruit picking.

Take a trip out to Kiyokawa Family Orchards and pick apples while gazing at the magnificent view of Mount Hood. Or stop by one of the many cideries that can be found in Hood River.

Read More: Day Trips from Portland, Oregon

What to Wear on a Fall Hike

Many of the destinations above include hiking. Read below for more on what to wear on an Oregon Fall hike!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Rain Jacket– In Oregon, you should expect rain at any time, but especially in the Fall! Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
Moisture Wicking Shirts- Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
Hiking Pants or Leggings– Wear long hiking leggings with socks to avoid ticks.
Flannel or Fleece– It is always a good idea to hike in layers. In the Fall, a flannel or a fleece is a great idea, so you can shed it if warms up. For a shorter hike, or if you visit somewhere easier like the Japanese Garden layer up with something cozier like a Sherpa Jacket
Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap to keep ticks away when hiking.
Hiking Boots– Don’t forget hiking boots if you are planning on hiking a lot. Good traction and ankle support will save your feet on long hikes. Danner and Merrell have great boots at different price points.
Thick Socks– If you do wear boots, make sure to bring good socks to reduce the risk of blisters!