There’s something magical about Washington State fall drives. While the state’s lush green forests are iconic—it’s known as the Evergreen State, after all—autumn brings an explosion of color as larches, maples, and aspens turn crimson, golden yellow, and bright orange. Below are a few stellar drives for leaf peeping throughout the state. From late September through October, you can hop in the car and see the riot of fall foliage for yourself.
Washington State Fall Drives
Stevens Pass Greenway
The 90-mile Stevens Pass Greenway follows the scenic Skykomish River as it winds along Highway 2 through the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This snippet of the epic 440-mile Cascade Loop is a great option if you’re short on time. Head out from Everett and stop at Osprey Park in Sultan to catch the salmon as they return to spawn.
After cresting Stevens Pass, head down through Tumwater Canyon, taking in the red vine maples, scarlet dogwoods, and yellowy orange cottonwoods. End your drive with a stop in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. The town’s Autumn Leaf Festival is typically held in September and features oompah music, dancing, and parades in an idyllic setting.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Scenic Byways
Chinook Scenic Byway, Mount Rainier area
Starting in Enumclaw, the Chinook Scenic Byway runs 92 miles along State Route 410, passing through lush Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and iconic Mount Rainier National Park. As you head over Chinook Pass, vine maple, high-elevation huckleberry bushes, cottonwoods, ashes, and larches light up the mountain landscape.
Stop at Tipsoo Lake or the Skookum Falls Viewpoint for sweeping views of the 250-foot waterfall surrounded by vibrant vine maples. Stretch your legs on the Skookum Flats Trail, a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike along the White River to the base of the falls. Once in Naches, stop by the Thompson’s Farm Market for seasonal produce and family fun.
Chuckanut Drive
In Northwest Washington, Chuckanut Drive winds 21 miles along Puget Sound’s rocky shore from Burlington to Bellingham. Scarlet and orange foliage light up this ribbon of highway as you pass through farmland and skirt the Chuckanut Mountains’ sandstone cliffs. Take it slow and enjoy the sweeping water views and the San Juan Islands in the distance. The combination of coastal scenery and fall colors makes this a standout Washington State fall drive.
This route is especially great for seafood lovers, as oyster season overlaps with peak leaf peeping during October. Stop at Taylor Shellfish Farm’s Samish Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market in Bow for freshly shucked oysters right from the bay. Or try the upscale Oyster Bar just up the road. In October, catch the Festival of Family Farms, which takes place at farms throughout the Skagit Valley. Visitors can meet shellfish farmers, learn about clean water practices, tour the farm’s oyster beds, and watch shucking demonstrations.
North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Tucked into Washington’s northeast corner, the 27-mile North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway follows State Route 31 from Tiger toward the Canadian border, tracing the Pend Oreille River through the Selkirk Mountains. In fall, colorful foliage brightens the riverbanks and surrounding hillsides, making this less-traveled route an ideal choice for an unhurried autumn drive. Take in views of the Box Canyon Dam, take a detour to Sullivan Lake to hike among fall color, and explore the historic town of Metaline Falls.
Highway 14, Columbia River Gorge
With waterfalls and craggy basalt formations towering over the river, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular drive year-round. Come fall, the bigleaf maples, oaks, and vine maples add drama with ruby reds, golds, and oranges, setting the stage for a stellar fall road trip. For an expansive vista across the river valley, head to Beacon Rock State Park. The 2-mile trail gains about 600 feet and includes a famous switchback section drilled into the basalt pillar itself. In nearby Stevenson, sip a seasonal beer at Clark and Lewie’s Travelers Rest Saloon. Their patio is right on the water with fabulous views. This scenic section of Washington is part of the longer Lewis and Clark Trail Scenic Byway.
Also See: Gorge to Coast Road Trip
Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area
Stretching along Interstate 90 from Seattle to the east side of the Cascade Mountains, the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area offers plenty of places to stop and take in fall color. In Bellevue, visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden or explore an urban wetland at Mercer Slough Nature Park, where you can take in vibrant red blueberry plants as you wander the boardwalk and trails. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail, a multi-use trail that runs 32 miles from Duvall to Rattlesnake Lake, is also a great option for leaf-peeping.
Methow Valley, Winthrop to Carlton
In the fall, the Methow Valley comes alive with color, from vivid crimson to blazing yellows, and the backroads between Winthrop and Carlton offer a front-row seat. The Old-West town of Winthrop welcomes fall foliage enthusiasts with its charming main street and art galleries. Cruise the Winthrop-Twisp Eastside Road, which meanders past a patchwork of ranches before following the Twisp-Carlton Road, a byway snaking between the Methow River and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
This Washington State fall drive is perfect for those looking to try local cider (the region is known for its apples and pears). Grab a pint at the Twisp River Tap House, which boasts a riverside patio and live music. In late September, the Twisp Fest fall celebration takes place in downtown Twisp with music, pumpkin bowling, burlap sack races, an art market, and more.
Spokane Valley to Green Bluff
This 15-mile drive between Spokane Valley and Green Bluff captures the spirit of autumn and is a great Washington fall road trip on the eastern side of the state. Not only do the maples and oaks show off their color, but you can embrace harvest season with a visit to one of Green Bluff’s many farms along the way. Beck’s Harvest House hosts a fall Harvest Festival with a corn maze, pumpkin donuts, live music, fall produce, and food trucks. Heading south, stop by Walter’s Fruit Ranch on October weekends for u-pick apples and pumpkins. Stretch your legs by walking or biking a portion of the Spokane River Centennial Trail, which boasts colorful foliage along the river come autumn.
Also See: Where to Sip Washington Cider
Sequim to the Hoh Rainforest
In autumn, the Olympic Peninsula‘s brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds contrast dramatically against the evergreens. This 105-mile drive starts on the northern coast in Sequim and follows part of Highway 101 along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway through Port Angeles and down to Forks. Along the way, stop to explore windswept coastal beaches. At the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, choose from several great short hikes, including the Spruce Nature Trail, which skirts Taft Creek and the Hoh River. Though crowds for this popular spot are smaller during fall, midweek travel is always a good bet.
About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.