Discovering the Best Autumn Activities in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide
Hit the road, jack! We're talkin' about the Pacific Northwest in the fall, and it's no California summer, but it's a hell of a lot more breathtaking. From the winding mountain roads to the crisp autumn air, Washington state's autumn season is pure delight. Let's sink our teeth into the best ways to make the most of this season.
Embrace the Fall Colors
You ain't limited to those steep mountain hikes to witness the ravishing reds, yellows, and oranges. Anna Roth, hiking queen, encourages you to remember that low-country hikes, especially riverside hiking, can be just as colorful as those uphill battles. So don your hiking boots and hit the trails!
Crave a little extra challenge? The North Cascades in mid-October presents the perfect opportunity to catch larches, those deciduous pine trees with golden needles that drop like leaves. Popular larch-spotting hikes here include Cutthroat Lake and Pass, Easy Pass, Blue Lake, Larch Lake, and Lake Ingalls in the Teanaway area near Cle Elum. And don't forget about the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park, known for its vivid fall hues. Just remember, you might need a Northwest Forest Pass and/or a National Park Pass.
Avoid the harsh mountain winds and drive! There are plenty of stunning fall drives you can take, like the famous Chuckanut Drive or the Cascade Loop. Stay close to home and wander through the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. Goodfellow Grove, Woodland Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, and Seattle Japanese Garden are some spots you won't want to miss.
Embrace the Chill
The rain might put a damper on things, but being outdoors is still a game-changer. Dr. Elliot Twiggs, family medic, drills it into our heads: maintain motivation, set reasonable goals, manage stress, and work out with a friend if you need that extra push. Need some indoor alternatives? Try barre, CrossFit, joining an indoor sports team, or even a dance class. Get creative!
Indulge in Seasonal Treats
The harvest is a-plenty this season, and the Washington Apple Commission boasts 31 varieties! But you'll find countless others in those local markets and fruit stands. There's no particular healthier variety, but apples are high in antioxidants, flavonoids, and are widely studied for their health benefits. Roast those gourds you see everywhere this season, too – they're edible (mostly) and packed with vitamin A and potassium.
Taste of Washington
Get a taste of fall during Catch the Crush, a wine-making festival in the Yakima Valley. Winning tickets lets you stomp on grapes – so kick off those shoes and get messy! Most events are kid- and dog-friendly, too, so be sure to BYOWG (Bring Your Own Wine Glass). Just be mindful of that recent study about alcohol consumption. The American Heart Association still suggests up to one drink per day for women and two per day for men.
Soak it All In
The Pacific Northwest's fall season ain't just about the leaves changing colors or the pumpkin spice lattes. It's about bald eagles gliding through the sky, the scent of wet earth, the sound of raindrops on your windshield, and hours of worry-free exploration. So get outside, embrace the chill, and indulge in the seasonal delights. After all, we're lucky to call Washington home.
"California summers, schmummers. Washington's got fall all figured out." – Dr. Elliot Twiggs, family medic.
- Immerse yourself in the autumnal colors as you explore various hiking trails, such as Cutthroat Lake and Pass, Easy Pass, Blue Lake, Larch Lake, and Lake Ingalls in the Teanaway area near Cle Elum, or take a leisurely riverside hike to witness the vibrant fall foliage.
- This season, indulge in the bountiful harvest by savoring apples, roasting seasonal gourds, and attending events like Catch the Crush, a wine-making festival in the Yakima Valley, to get a true taste of Washington in the fall.
