Best Places to See Fall Colors in Washington State Washington

Washington State transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece every fall, with its lush forests turning into a vivid canvas of reds, oranges, and golds. To help you make the most of this spectacular season, we’ve curated a list of the best places to see fall colors in Washington State. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or simply looking for some great fall color photos, Washington offers vast opportunities to soak in the beauty of autumn. Join us on this journey as we explore these picturesque locations, complete with descriptions, addresses, trail details, and Washington Trails Association links where you can find the GPS locations. If you live in Seattle, many of these fall colors locations can easily be made into a day trip if you start driving early enough.

Couple showing the best places to see fall colors in Washington State

Pro-tip #1: Remember to check trail conditions, park regulations, and any seasonal closures before visiting these locations. We recommend using Accuweather to check weather conditions and the included Washington Trails Association links included to check recent trail conditions and road closures. You can check the most recent reviews for photos to see if fall colors have peaked yet.

1. Heather Meadows

Description: Nestled in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Heather Meadows is a fall paradise. It features alpine meadows, fiery fall foliage, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Heather Meadows is one of the best places to see fall colors in Washington, and it’s simply magical. Our favorite hike is the Bagley Lakes Hike that starts at Heather Meadows parking lot.
Address: State Route 542, Glacier, WA 98244.
Mileage: Varies by trail.
Elevation Gain: Various
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

2. Naches Peak Loop

Description: Known for its panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Naches Peak Loop comes alive with wildflower meadows and brilliant fall colors during autumn. This is the best place to see fall colors in Washington State near Mount Rainier. It’s almost a guarantee you’ll get jaw dropping views every year here, and the hike is easy.
Address: State Route 410, Naches, WA 98937.
Mileage: Approximately 3.5 miles.
Elevation Gain: 600 feet.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

Best places to see fall colors in Washington State

3. Maple Pass Loop

Description: Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades National Park Complex is a favorite among fall foliage seekers. This trail takes you through golden larches, vibrant bushes, and offers stunning views of jagged peaks.
Address: WA-20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Mileage: Approximately 7 miles.
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

Best places near Seattle for fall colors photoshoot

Pro Tip #2: For the Best Colors to Wear for Fall Photoshoots: Wear white for contrast and warm, earthy tones like deep reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and olive greens to harmonize with the vibrant autumn backdrop. Adding subtle contrasts, such as a burgundy sweater with mustard accessories, can infuse depth and visual interest into your photos. Ensure coordination with others in group shoots for a cohesive, captivating representation of the fall season.

4. Myrtle Falls

Description: Located in Mount Rainier National Park, the Myrtle Falls trail is an easy path leading to the iconic Myrtle Falls, framed by the majestic Mount Rainier.
Address: Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Mileage: 0.5 miles.
Elevation Gain: Minimal.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Washington Trails Association Link

5. Skyline Loop Trail

Description: This loop trail in Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking vistas of fall foliage, glaciers, and the imposing Mount Rainier itself. This trail starts at the Paradise Visitor Center is no doubt one of the best places to see fall colors in Washington state. Also, there are also plenty of family friendly activities to do in the state park afterwards.
Address: Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Mileage: Approximately 5.5 miles.
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

Best places for fall color photoshoots in North Cascades

6. North Cascades Highway (SR 20)

Description: The North Cascades Highway is a stunning drive that showcases golden larch trees, sparkling lakes, and rugged mountain peaks, making it a prime destination for fall color enthusiasts.
Address: WA State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Mileage: Entire highway.
Elevation Gain: N/A (driving route).
Difficulty Level: Easy (driving).
More Information

7. Leavenworth Area (Tumwater Canyon)

Description: The scenic drive along US-2 near Leavenworth offers captivating fall foliage views along the Wenatchee River, with the charming Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth as a delightful bonus.
Address: US-2, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
Mileage: Varies by route.
Elevation Gain: N/A (driving route).
Difficulty Level: Easy (driving).

8. Deception Pass State Park

Description: Deception Pass State Park offers a unique coastal perspective on fall foliage. Explore the rugged coastline with brilliant colors and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. This park is less than a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle and has the most stunning bridge views. It’s no wonder this is one of our favorite fall color hikes in Washington State.
Address: 41229 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
Mileage: Varies by trail.
Elevation Gain: Varies.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

9. Washington Park Arboretum

Description: Located in Seattle, the Washington Park Arboretum boasts a diverse collection of trees, creating a stunning display of fall colors amidst the urban setting. If you live or stay in Seattle and want somewhere where you can Uber, this is the best place for fall colors.
Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112.
Mileage: Varies (walking paths).
Elevation Gain: Minimal.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Washington Park Arboretum

10. Enchantments Lakes Basin

Description: Known for its stunning alpine scenery, the Enchantments Lakes Basin offers a challenging backpacking experience with beautiful fall foliage, especially around Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone.
Address: Icicle Creek Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
Mileage: Varies depending on the route.
Elevation Gain: Significant.
Difficulty Level: Strenuous.
Washington Trails Association Link

11. Quinault Rainforest

Description: Explore the lush rainforest of Olympic National Park, where you can witness the brilliant fall colors against a backdrop of ancient trees, mosses, and ferns.
Address: Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail, Olympic National Park, WA 98575.
Mileage: Varies depending on the trail.
Elevation Gain: Minimal to moderate.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Washington Trails Association Link

12. Palouse Falls State Park

Description: Palouse Falls is another spot for beautiful fall colors and is surrounded by colorful canyons and cliffs. The vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape make for a unique fall foliage experience.
Address: Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143.
Mileage: Varies depending on your exploration within the park.
Elevation Gain: Minimal.
Difficulty Level: Easy.
Washington State Parks Information

Pro Tip #3 for Fall Colors Photoshoots: Arriving early in the morning is key for capturing the best shots. The golden hour, shortly after sunrise, bathes the landscapes in soft, warm light that enhances the rich fall colors and adds a magical quality to both your photos and experience. Beyond the beautiful lighting, you’ll likely also hear early birds making their routine, and secure the advantage of finding parking spots and a peaceful, uncluttered background. This means your photos will showcase the serene beauty of autumn without any distractions.

13. Lake Wenatchee State Park

Description: Nestled in the Wenatchee National Forest, this park offers a serene setting for enjoying fall colors by the lake, with opportunities for hiking and water activities.\
Address: 21588 SR 207, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
Mileage: Varies depending on the trail.
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
Washington State Parks Information

14. Gifford Pinchot National Forecast

Description: With its diverse range of forest ecosystems, Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers various locations to witness the changing fall colors. Check out the forest’s website for recommendations.
Address: 10600 NE 51st Cir, Vancouver, WA 98682.
Mileage: Varies depending on the chosen area.
Elevation Gain: Varies.
Difficulty Level: Varies.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Website

The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Washington State Summary:
With its diverse landscapes, Washington State becomes a canvas of vibrant autumn hues during the fall season. After living in Washington for a decade, we’ve discovered these are our favorite spots to see fall colors in Washington State. From the alpine meadows of Heather Meadows to the coastal beauty of Deception Pass State Park, each location offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of nature’s transformation. So, grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on a journey through these best places for fall colors in Washington State. Be sure to check local reports for peak foliage times and trail conditions before you go, and savor the magic of fall in the Evergreen State.