While it may be late fall, the first “winter” storm of the season walloped much of the state this week, bringing rain, ice, snow, and wind and knocking many leaves off of the trees. Please check local forecasts and road conditions before you head out on a fall adventure.
Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Eugene escaped the brunt of the storm with just a whole lot of rain, nothing a good pair of rubber boots and a waterproof coat can’t help. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path offers a scenic, tranquil setting for Eugene’s cyclists and pedestrians any time of the year. Now, in the prime of our fall season, the path has become a portal to a warmly colored wonderland. Take this path, and allow it to lead you towards Delta Ponds. This protected wildlife area is a delicate habitat for many fragile species, with 150 acres of land housing more than 100 species of birds, numerous fish, and western pond turtles. The path is wheelchair accessible, and there are several places to park along Goodpasture Island Road.
The corridors of Highway 126 beg to be noticed. Driving toward the coast, roads are lined with ashy purples, brilliants tufts of flaming yellow, and lush, evergreen grass. The leaves have started to fall, and their color lends a lovely temporary coat to the ground. Even in misty rain, this drive is undeniably charming. Please note that McKenzie Pass (Hwy 242) has closed for the season. As always, check with TripCheck.com for road conditions before you head out.
Oregon Coast
Mushrooms are running rampant on the Oregon Coast. Join fungi aficionados in Astoria and hunt for hearty edibles, such as chanterelles, king boletes, and lobster mushrooms. These guided tours are free, but you’ll need to bring your own basket for carrying home the day’s harvest. For fall color and a peek at some wildlife, visit Dean Creek Elk Preserve just outside of Reedsport. This viewing area is a year round residence for a large herd of Roosevelt elk and is located on Oregon’s scenic Route 38.
Willamette Valley
Embark on a moderate hike through the woods when you visit Peavey Arboretum in Corvallis. This 40 acre park, cared for by Oregon State University, is home to more than 100 different species of native and exotic plant life, and features a variety of pine, fir, and maple trees. Scout for fall color, but beware of poison oak on this four mile loop trail. In Molalla, hikers and horseback riders alike will enjoy the abundant wildlife and colorful displays of the Table Rock Wilderness area. Bring binoculars and a camera to savor these beautiful views.
Greater Portland
The streets of Portland are currently colored like an autumnal dreamscape. Cathedral Park, under the haunting gothic arches of the St. Johns Bridge, contributes to this with polka dots of freshly yellow trees. Set on the east bank of the Willamette River, the park offers walking trails and picnic benches for taking in the scene. In southeast Portland, walk the streets of Ladd’s Addition, an eight by ten block neighborhood of immaculate homes plotted on diagonal streets, lined entirely with American elm trees.
Mt. Hood/ The Gorge
Snow and ice blanketed the higher elevations of the Mt. Hood/ The Gorge area this week. However, brilliant golds and oranges can still be found in the lower elevations. Your best bet is around the Molalla River Recreation Area.
Central Oregon
Fall colors have been replaced by fluffy, white, snow in Central Oregon. Stay inside and get a head start on holiday shopping at the Bend Local Holiday Bazaar.
Eastern Oregon
Take a walk down Main Street in Baker City, where people are friendly and trees are fabulously fall-ish. Snow has arrived, and more is on its way. Perhaps this is a good weekend to squeeze in a relaxing game of golf. Quail Ridge Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole, par-70 course set at the base of the Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon. Play the green while taking in the color of the season.
Southern Oregon
Our Indian summer may have officially come to pass, but in the Southern Oregon town of Merlin, leaf hunters can still enjoy the colorful warmth from trees that inhabit Indian Mary Park. Explore the park’s 61 acres, or find a great place to fish on the banks of the Rogue River. In Ashland, get a taste of the community when you check out the Tuesday Market. Here, you can shop for the finest in locally grown produce, and specialty foods from a variety of mobile kitchens. The season is wrapping up, so don’t miss out!