For family fun, scenic drives, comfortable hikes, and fantastic wildlife viewing, you need to experience fall in Southwest Washington. Head south of Seattle to explore a region that’s home to Mount St. Helens, coastal beaches, part of the Columbia River Gorge, and bustling Vancouver.
Fall in Southwest Washington
Enjoy Fall Foliage
Fall is a great time to hit the trail or enjoy a scenic drive to see vibrant foliage. Northeast of Vancouver, Moulton Falls boasts a photogenic footbridge and an easy out out-and-back trail along the Lewis River. For vibrant hues paired with history, head to the Cedar Creek Grist Mill near Woodland. Come autumn, the historical water-powered, grain-grinding mill is surrounded by gold and yellow leaves. The mill is open to visitors on weekends, and during October it hosts a special apple cider pressing event. Fall is also the perfect time to drive scenic Highway 14 through the Columbia River Gorge or visit Mount St. Helens for hikes. For fall color, Loowit Trail at Mount St. Helens rewards visitors with swaying autumn grasses in a range of golden hues.
Also See: Gorge to Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Hunt for Mushrooms
Fall in Southwest Washington is the perfect time to take a guided mushroom hunt. While independent mushroom collection is prohibited within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, you can still learn mushroom identification and enjoy guided foraging with the Mount St. Helens Institute. The institute offers several short mushroom foraging hikes each fall for visitors.
Also See: Guide to Mushroom Foraging in Washington
Embrace Family Fun
With harvest season in full swing, farms, orchards, and pumpkin patches offer plenty of family fun. At the Huntting’s Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Forest in Cinebar, test your navigation skills in the corn maze, explore the Haunted Forest, or pick the perfect pumpkin.
Be sure to check hours directly with farms, as some offerings are only available on weekends.