Welcome to the new Oregon Fall Foliage blog! With our experience managing the official statewide Fall Foliage Hotline since 2003, we have learned how valuable this information is to travelers and commuters alike. Join us as we bring together the best and the brightest leaf peepers from across the state.
It was a great fall season but as fall fades to winter OregonFallFoliage.com is going dormant until next fall. Never fear, OregonFallFoliage.com will be back in September. Check back or subscribe to the RSS feed to receive updates as they are posted. While we all love fall, winter offers something special in every corner of Oregon. Our final post of 2009 offers inspiration for winter adventures.
Stay safe this winter by checking winter road conditions on Tripcheck.com or by calling 511.
Have a great winter and we’ll be back in 2010!
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
From swooshing down the slopes of the Cascades at Willamette Pass and Hoodoo, to soaking in hot springs fed pools at Belknap Hot Springs Resort and Brietenbush Hot Springs, to drinking Pinot noir next to the fire at Sweet Cheeks Winery, the Willamette Valley has all the excitement, relaxation and comfort you need for a winter getaway.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
Winter is here! After a long summer and a short fall, Mt Hood is enjoying an early winter. Residents are enjoying the smell of the cold fresh air mixed with newly stoked fireplaces and the promise of a great holiday season. Hit the slopes today at Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
The snow is starting to fly in the Cascade Mountains and with a fresh base building, it’s easy to get excited about all things winter in Central Oregon; Alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, along with snowshoeing, tubing and sledding, snowmobiling, even dog sledding in the forests of the Cascades. Aprés ski – there’s nothing like enjoying a frothy microbrew from one of our eight local breweries next to a warm fire. Combine that with a winter full of activities including Sunriver Resort’s Traditions – a celebration of the Holidays with an array of daily activities from Thanksgiving until New Years; to the fun-filled Bend WinterFest; followed by skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon in the spring – you have a winter wonderland that offers something for everyone to enjoy!
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
‘Tis the season for holiday teas at cozy gathering places like the Heathman Hotel, the Lavender Tea House, The Classic Chinese Garden and the View Point Inn. And, Portland is the place for holiday shopping with our numerous commercial retailers and independent boutique stores – all sales tax free of course.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
Winter in eastern Oregon is about skiing or snowboarding down powdery snow slopes at elevations greater than 8,000 feet; it is cross country skiing or snowmobiling with snowshoe bunnies; it is watching elk from a horse-drawn wagon and listening to the soft ‘mee-yous’ of the calves looking for a bit of breakfast; and it is slowing down to a pace of life that allows you to breath…no cell phone or Blackberry required!
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
What’s great about winter on the Oregon Coast? Shore Acres and the Holiday Lights of course! Plus whale watching, storm watching and great musical events all winter long!
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The breathtaking peaks and valleys, abundant snow parks, and affordable and accessible ski areas make Southern Oregon a fantastic destination for boarders, cross-country skiiers, hikers, snowmobilers and all others who love the frozen stuff! While Crater Lake is southern Oregon’s signature year-round destination, don’t miss southern Oregon’s other gems. Try Mt. Ashland with 1,100 vertical feet or enjoy Warner Canyon Ski Area’s 17 weeks of skiing each year with no crowds and no lift lines!
Fall colors are fading throughout the state but the beauty of fall is far from over. The colors are not as vibrant and there are more leaves on the ground than in the trees but a drive anywhere in the state reveals pockets of color mixed with Oregon’s signature evergreens. This is the last fall foliage update for 2009, but our leaf watchers suggested some great winter activities to inspire you after the colors change from reds and yellows to whites and grays. So look for a winter activities post this weekend.
Check road conditions and weather before heading to the mountains on TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in Southern Oregon. Stroll through Lithia Park in Ashland or Jacksonville’s historic cemetery.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in the Columbia River Gorge and lower portions of the Mt. Hood Territory. The trees have almost fully given up the battle for green and the hills are a vibrant splash of gold, yellow and orange canvas. Highway 26 up the Mt. Hood Corridor brings you a moving picture show as you go up the mountain from Clackamas, Sandy and into the canopy of the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
The color change is over in Central Oregon. Current colors are rusts, fuschias, plums, browns and the green of stead-fast evergreens. Catch glimpses of these lingering fall colors in the Old Mill District where deciduous trees are still clinging to some of their rusty-golden leaves and the branches of Mountain Ash are dotted by red berries.
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
The color change is starting to fade in the Willamette Valley. While the leaves are more than 50% off the trees, oranges and dark yellows highlight scenic drives through the wine country and views along river parks. Suggested drives this week are Hwy 33 outside of Salem and Territorial Highway from Monroe to Cottage Grove through pastoral landscapes and past wineries.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade or are done throughout most of Eastern Oregon. In the higher elevations of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, a few tamaracks are in full yellow color. Drive the Hells Canyon All American Road and Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway.
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in the greater Portland area. The numerous deciduous trees found throughout the city of Portland and the city’s 5,000-acre Forest Park create a stunning palate of yellow, orange and red. Ride the MAX light-rail train to Washington Park to see the wonderful colors in Hoyt Arboretum or stroll through the Saturday Farmers Market at Portland State University to see the fall colors in the city’s South Park blocks.
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
The colors along the Oregon Coast are starting to fade. Heavy rains and wind stripped leaves from the trees, leaving the occasional tree decorated with the last orange, yellow, or red leaves.
Fall Fun Continues in Oregon’s Wine Country
Published November 12, 2009 Trips and Tours , Willamette Valley Leave a CommentWith snow in the mountains, storms on the coast, and fall color fading throughout the state, it’s easy to feel the excitement of fall has past. The excitement of fall is still in full swing in the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s wine country. Check out this photo of Silvan Ridge Winery in the Willamette Valley and how Angela Bennett, manager at Silvan Ridge Winery, describes the busiest time of year at the winery.
Fall is my favorite time of year here at the winery, as the foliage on the vines start to turn yellow, then orange, the hillsides of vineyard surrounding us truly look like a painting. The inside of the winery smells strongly of fermentation as a busy harvest crew takes on yet another year of pumping, cleaning, and pressing that will result in next year’s releases. Both the stress and excitement that comes with this season every fall for the last 30 years quickly turns to pride in crafting wonderful wines once harvest has come to a close, and we are able to decompress from a grueling yet truly rewarding process.
Reconnect with family and friends this Thanksgiving weekend with a glass of Pinot noir in a cozy, comfortable and casual tasting room like the one at Silvan Ridge Winery. Find other open houses to turn your tasting into a tour of nearby wineries on the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Events Calendar, or explore throughout the Willamette Valley with the help of OregonWineCountry.org.
Fall colors make us think of school spirit. Before the last leaves drift to the ground, get out there and snap a photo of a tree with your school’s colors. We’ve spotted a few trees ducked out in green and yellow but we know there are Oregon State orange trees and Western crimson trees out there. Post photos to our Oregon Fall Foliage Flickr group or Tweet them to us @ORFallFoliage on Twitter.
Fall is fading into winter. Check road conditions and weather before heading to the mountains on TripCheck.com or by calling 511. Next week’s update will be our last of the season and include reasons to look forward to winter.
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in Southern Oregon. Stroll through Lithia Park in Ashland or Jacksonville’s historic cemetery.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in the Columbia River Gorge and lower portions of the Mt. Hood Territory. The colors have never changed so fast in the Columbia River Gorge. Heavy rains and winds hit shortly after the leaves started to change in the Gorge. There are lots of yellows but very few reds. The occasional red sumac delights photographers. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to Crown Point State Park for views of the Gorge and then continue on to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in Central Oregon. Colors range from crimson and plum to rusty brown. There are still some glimpses of gold and red, but they are sadly fading and falling fast. Hike along the Deschutes River Trail between Dillon and Benham falls to see some of the remaining pockets of fall color, or further north to Shevlin Park. Drive around the hills west of downtown Bend to see deciduous trees with lingering fall color.
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
The color change is starting to fade in the Willamette Valley. Leaves on trees and blowing along the roads are gold, yellow, red and burnt orange. The best colors are at the lower elevations. This is the week for a country drive along Hwy 36 from Junction City past Triangle Lake to Mapleton, or a drive along the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway, Hwy 20 from Brownsville. Avoid predicted snow showers at Tombstone pass by turning around at Mountain House, where the road pulls away from the river.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade or are done throughout most of Eastern Oregon. In the higher elevations of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, a few tamaracks are in full yellow color. Drive the Hells Canyon All American Road and Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway.
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in the greater Portland area. Walk Portland’s southwest Park Blocks as leaves fall to the ground in shades of red, yellow and brown.
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
The colors along the Oregon Coast are starting to fade. Heavy rains and wind stripped leaves from the trees, blanketing the roads and trails in yellow, orange, and brown leaves. Study the turbulent shades of gray this weekend while storm watching from a beach front room.
Fall colors are best this week in the Columbia River Gorge, Southern Oregon and Central Oregon. The colors in the mountains throughout Oregon are changing from vibrate reds and yellows to white with early snow. Hwy 242 is now closed and other seasonal roads will soon follow. Check road conditions and weather before heading to the mountains on TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in Southern Oregon. View the vibrant reds around Fish Lake from a boat or take in the oranges along Jacksonville’s many woodland trails. This is a great week to visit Jacksonville’s historic cemetery.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in the Columbia River Gorge. The colors are starting to fade on Mt. Hood. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to Crown Point State Park for views of the Gorge and then continue on to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in Central Oregon. Some golds, rusts, and reds are still lingering. Put on a few extra layers and head to Gold Lake with your canoe, or wander through Bend’s Shevlin Park.
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
The color change is starting to fade in the Willamette Valley. The falling leaves make this a great time to run, walk, or ride along the Willamette River in Eugene. Take in the late season colors as you drive through swirling leaves on Hwy 22 east of Salem.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in Eastern Oregon. Golden Tamaracks stand out against a light dusting of snow in the mountains, and oranges are still visible throughout the area.
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
The colors are starting to fade in the greater Portland area. The fall color peaked last week, and the leaves are beginning to fall, but oranges and yellows are still prevalent throughout the area. Take in the colors while strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden.
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
The colors along the Oregon Coast are starting to fade. Heavy rains and wind stripped leaves from the trees, blanketing the roads and trails in yellow, orange, and brown leaves. Don’t distress, fading fall colors mean that the winter storm watching season is just around the corner.
Throughout most of Oregon fall colors are at their peak making this a great weekend to explore a new road or trail. Did you know that not all conifers are evergreen? Tamaracks, a deciduous conifer, turn from green to gold in the late fall. Catch these unique trees in their glorious gold this week along the Metolius River in Central Oregon or in the Blue Mountains of Northeastern Oregon.
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in the Willamette Valley. Through most of the valley leaves are still colorful, but are starting to fall from the recent rains. The colors range from bright red to rest and the contrast with the evergreen trees is amazing. From Salem travel Hwy 22 east or west for great leaves. The McKenzie River corridor along Hwy 126 east of Springfield is a highlight this week.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in most of Eastern Oregon. Lots of “BIG” color shows are appearing around Northeastern Oregon. On the mountains, the Tamarack (Western Larch) have turned, giving the whole face of the Blue Mountains a golden hue. Tamaracks look like conifers, but they shed their needles in the fall after turning to golden like an aspen. The larches, aspens, cottonwoods and willows are bright yellows with reds and oranges in the streamside hawthornes, dogwoods, and huckleberries. The Hells Canyon and Elkhorn Scenic Byways as well as the Grande Ronde Route are still open for vehicle travel with only some light dustings of snow in the shady spots. This Saturday, ride the Eagle Cap Excursion Train into roadless sections of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers, where the fall foliage and migrating birds and wildlife particularly spectacular.
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in the Greater Portland area. In a word, the colors are gorgeous! The West Hills of Portland are a brilliant golden yellow, and the neighborhoods and roadways throughout the region are absolutely bursting with color. All of the parks are spectacular this week! In the city, stroll under the colorful falling leaves around the lake at Laurelhurst Park. If you feel like heading a bit into the country, the vineyards at Elk Cove and David Hill are beautiful with autumn color.
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in parts of Southern Oregon. The views driving towards Diamond Lake on the North Umpqua Highway 138 are spectacular. The color change in the Klamath basin is nearing peak with a blend of yellows, greens and amber. The road from Fort Klamath to Crater Lake National Park offers stunning viewing spots. The west rim drive and both entrances to Crater Lake are still open.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
Fall foliage is at peak color change in Central Oregon with fuchsia and crimson reds, burnt oranges and rusts, dark purples and warm hues of gold throughout the region – complimented by the steady forest green of evergreens. Check out the gold tamaracks, a deciduous conifer, along the Metolius River near Camp Sherman. The aspen at Black Butte Ranch Resort are bursting with golden color. From Bend, hike or bike through orange and yellow trees along the Deschutes River Trail.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
The color change is approaching peak for the lower Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region. The color change in the Columbia River Gorge is behind the Greater Portland and Mt Hood areas but the colors at Multnomah Falls are approaching peak color change and showing lots of yellow. The color change is at peak or just past on Mt. Hood. View fall colors and, weather permitting, stunning views of Mt. Hood while hiking to Mirror Lake (easy 3 miles) or on the more challenging hike to North Burnt Lake. Saturday is forecasted as the best day for mountain views. If the mountain is clouded over, hike along the Salmon River through old growth forest and red vine maples.
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
The color change is at its peak in the Coast Range. See lots of yellow and flashes of red along the coastal rivers and roads. For a great display of red leaves drive Hwy 30 ten miles east of Astoria to the Fern Hill area. This is a great week to take in the yellows and golds along the Siuslaw River and Lake Creek while enjoying a picturesque drive along Hwy 36 from Junction City to Mapleton.
Fall Colors Abound in the High Desert
Published October 20, 2009 Activities , Central Oregon 1 CommentTags: fall foliage, hiking, rivers, scenic byways, scenic drives, waterfalls
With the activities of summer at rest and the anticipation building for snow flying on the mountains, fall is finally at its peak in the High Desert.
Central Oregon offers Leaf Watchers a place to view splashes of golden yellows, burning reds and oranges and even beautiful shades of purples set among snow-capped mountains and crisp, sunny skies.
Enjoy a leisurely day in Bend starting off with a stroll downtown. A personal favorite spot of mine is on Wall Street, between the Des Chutes Historical Museum and Amity Creek Elementary School, where the variety of vibrant maple trees tower over the street and engulf you in color. Next head to beautiful Drake Park, nestled along the Deschutes River with a peek-a-boo view of South Sister Mountain and autumn trees lining Mirror Pond. Hop on a bike or in your car for a short ride to Mt. Washington Drive to enjoy golden aspens and maples in a spectrum of colors. From there, head down to the Old Mill District and catch the vibrant fuchsia of the burning bush and other deciduous foliage throughout this historic part of Bend. For a more secluded experience awash in fall color, hike or mountain bike along the Upper Deschutes River Trail or Shevlin Park.
Take the opportunity to travel on Highway 242 before November 1st when it closes for the winter. The loop tour taking Hwy 20/Hwy 126/Hwy 242 offers views of powerful waterfalls and brilliant fall colors contrasting against a volcanic landscape and can be enjoyed along this Scenic Byway when traveling in or out of Central Oregon.
Please come to enjoy autumn in Central Oregon. For more ideas visit Central Oregon Visitors Association or call at 800.800.8334.
Kristine McConnell, Guest Contributor
Central Oregon Visitors Association
Weekly Foliage Update 10/15/09
Published October 15, 2009 Weekly Report 1 CommentTags: fall foliage, scenic byways, scenic drives, weekly update
A few of the regions in Oregon are hitting peak color this week so it’s a great time for a road trip. Don’t let a little rain stop you from cycling through wine country or hiking to a picturesque waterfall. Review the foliage photography tips post from October 12 and don’t forget your camera. You can post your favorite shots to the Oregon Fall Foliage Flickr group. And try using our new favorite synonym for foliage in a sentence today: frondescence.
Willamette Valley, 800.547.5445 for visitor information
The colors are at peak in the mountains east of the Willamette Valley. The West Cascades Scenic Byway makes for an adventuresome day trip. The McKenzie River Highway exhibits various shades of yellow, deep golds, burnt orange and splashes of red. Make the loop around old McKenzie Pass (Hwy 242) before snow closes the road. Red vine maples are a striking contrast against the black volcanic lava fields. The valley is almost at peak. The Oregon State University campus has begun to turn with a brilliant array of colors.
Eastern Oregon, 800-332-1843 for visitor information
The color change is just beginning in Eastern Oregon. Some light yellows are showing in the aspens and cottonwoods. The ground shrubs are peaking in their hues of orange and reds. The Hells Canyon and Elkhorn Scenic Byway are always good for a weekend trip to see the fall colors and diversity of landscapes in Eastern Oregon. Echo in Umatilla County has an arboretum with about 100 trees which are just now starting to turn.
Greater Portland, 800.962.3700 for visitor information
The color change is almost at peak in the Greater Portland area; lots of yellow, orange and red mixed with green. Things are looking bright, and color is really beginning to pop against these beautiful, blue autumn skies. The Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route in Washington County is a beautiful drive just outside of Portland.
Southern Oregon, 800-448-4856 for visitor information
The color change is nearing peak in parts of Southern Oregon. The views driving upriver towards Diamond Lake on the North Umpqua Highway 138 are spectacular. The color change in the Klamath basin is just starting with a blend of yellows, greens and some amber. The road from Fort Klamath to Crater Lake National Park offer stunning viewing spots.
Central Oregon, 800-800-8334 for visitor information
The color change is nearing peak in Central Oregon. It finally looks like fall with crimson reds, burnt oranges and rusts, dark purples and warm hues of gold throughout the region, complemented by the steady forest green. There is a spectacular display of vibrant fall colors in Bend, traveling along Mt. Washington Drive between Century Drive and Skyliners Road. Enjoy the orange and reds along the Deschutes River in a canoe.
Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge, 888-622-4822 for visitor information
The color change is just beginning for the lower Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge region. Multnomah Falls is just starting to see color, including the vibrant vine maples. The color change is late this year and some cold weather could be the jump start the leaves need.
Oregon Coast, 888.628.2101 for visitor information
The color change is just starting in the Coast Range. Alders are turning yellow and the showy vine maples stand out against the Douglas fir and cedar. Storm watching is a favorite fall activity on the Oregon Coast. Rain has knocked some of the leaves down but what’s better than seeing fall leaves swirl about, while hunkered down in front of a fire? Or get out and hike some of the 26 miles of trail at Cape Perpetua. Or climb the Astoria Column and check out the view from 125 feet up.
Here’s an overall look at fall foliage peak times for the United States. You’ll see that Oregon hits it peak in October. Thanks Wikipedia!
The display of fall colors is getting richer every day in Oregon. To help capture the brilliant colors of fall, we asked photographer Jamie Hooper to share a few tips for photographing fall colors. Put Jamie’s tips into action and then share your photos with the Oregon Fall Foliage Flickr group.
As the short-lived glory of fall explodes in Oregon, many of us head for the hills (or valleys) to capture the vibrant color before it gives away to the gray of winter. If you’re among those photographic leaf peepers, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, as with any good photograph, frame it so you eliminate anything that’s not important to your vision. This may mean moving closer or changing your angle; but taking a few moments to think about this before you click really pays off.
Water, from quiet reflected images to a rushing creek, makes a great companion to colors this time of year. And, since vine and broadleaf maple (our main colorful trees) grow along creek beds, it’s a perfect match. Here are two tips for taking advantage. First, if you have camera that you can control the length of exposure, put it on a tripod and make the longest exposure possible – from 1/8th of a second to two seconds. It makes rushing creeks and waterfalls silky smooth, and colorful reflections in ponds or lakes more vibrant. You’ll need low light for this, so take photos like this in the early morning or late afternoon when everything is in shade. When you do, you may realize another benefit. Since shade and sky are different color temperatures (color balance) you’ll often find the water turning a beautiful warm orange.
While you’re enjoying the beauty around you, don’t neglect the great photos lying at your feet. Fill the frame with just a few leaves, perhaps enhanced by mushrooms or lying in pools or on dark rocks. If you scrapbook, patterns of fall leaves can make a wonderful background for photos on your pages, so start collecting them now.
Jamie Hooper, Guest Contributor
Digital Dreams
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