Leaf peepers around the state report small hints of color popping up, though most of the state remains at least a few weeks away from peak. The forecast calls for more sunshine this weekend, providing ample opportunities for scenic fall hikes, drives and farmers market exploring. Be sure to tag your pictures with #ORFallFoliage. We may use them in future posts.
Hike near Timberline Lodge by allisonpelot via Instagram
Eugene, Cascades & Coast
The oak and ash trees are starting to turn yellow around Mount Pisgah Arboretum. The rain over the last few days has slowed down color change around the McKenzie River. If it stays dry, as the forecast says it should, the colors should start in the next two weeks.
Multnomah Falls by whitlow923 via Instagram
Oregon Coast
The color is just beginning on the southern Oregon Coast in Coos Bay. Oranges and yellows have become more pronounced and are starting to spread.
Heading north, the leaves are still green in Florence. But, don’t let that stop you from heading out there this weekend. It’s the Florence Fall Festival. The three day celebration in Old Town includes the annual Rods n’ Rhodies Invitational Car Show, Taste the Coast!, and a community wide garage sale.
Willamette Valley
Find hints of early yellow around the Clackamas River. Help keep the river clean this fall by joining the Down the River Cleanup, Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Greater Portland
Through the Greater Portland area you can already see some trees changing colors, turning light oranges and yellows. The MusicFestNW ends this weekend, so make sure to check out the third largest indoor music festival in the United States.
Mt. Hood/The Gorge
Fall has not started around the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge. Wait a week or two and that will all change.
Elkhorn Mountains by zombkaz via Instagram
Central Oregon
Experts at the Deschutes National Forest report that leaves are starting to change. The best place to see fall color will be around the Deschutes River Trail. The aspens are starting to turn lighter green in the higher elevations. They are days away from glowing with yellows.
Eastern Oregon
The leaves are still far from peak around La Grande. The Elkhorn Mountains are glowing right now in the fall light, with the sagebrush still flowering. Stop by the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City for a deeper understanding of Oregon’s pioneer history.
Southern Oregon
Ashland and Medford are starting to see changes in their trees. Take a walk through the downtowns or even stop by the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market Saturday to see trees turning orange.
Oregon Fall Foliage 